At VM Photography & Makeup Studio We Create :
Portraiture & Lifestyle photography
Fashion & Style Editorial
Makeup and Wardrobe Styling
Commercial photography and content
About Violetta
Violetta creates one-of-a-kind visual experiences for individual, editorials and corporate clients. Not only a photographer but a stylist and visual director, her portraits are created with a strong fashion emphasis which was cultivated many years prior, influenced by photography masters Herb Ritts and Richard Avedon. Violetta’s current body work focuses on raw portraiture and photojournalism. To experience a photoshoot with Violetta is a transformative experience. She notes that the most rewarding part of the process is that her subjects become disarmed. Feeling safe, empowered, abandoning vulnerabilities and capturing the true essence of each individual is the experience Violetta strives to create.
Her work has been published in The Washington Post, VOGUE ITALIA ‘PhotoVogue’, DC Modern Luxury, Washington Life Magazine, Washingtonian Magazine, Fox News, Voice of America and a national campaign for Planned Parenthood. Violetta’s work has been featured in multiple solo and group exhibitions in Washington D.C. Selected as one of eight ‘Superfierce’ DC-based artists, Violetta’s work was included at The National Museum of Women in the Arts annual auction exhibition.
Press :
Awards, Accolades and Exhibition
April 2019 – Violetta’s work was featured in “Tag Up”, an all female artist showcase featured in UMBRELLA by NO KINGS COLLECTIVE
May 2018 – Violetta’s ‘Portrait of The Artist Maggie Michael’ was included at The National Museum of Women In The Arts Annual Gala and Auction
October 2017 – Violetta was a featured artist at Superfierce ‘The Art Of Resistance’, a month-long exhibition showcasing over 30 female artists at The Blind Whino Washington D.C
April 2017 – Violetta’s F Cancer Series was included at The National Museum of Women In The Arts 30th Anniversary Gala and Auction
October 2016 –Violetta was selected as one of 8 “Superfierce” artists in Washington D.C. The traveling art exhibit debuted at The National Museum of Women in The Arts.
October 2015 – Violetta unveiled ‘Women Of Colour’; a continuing portrait series of women who break the stereotypical mold of the Washingtonian professional. The collection of fashion inspired photography with a photojournalistic influence exhibited at The Monroe Trust Art Collective to a sold out opening reception.
March 2014 – The Fashion Group International of Greater Washington DC awarded Violetta the ‘Rising Star in Media/ Photography’ award.
News
Violetta Markelou and VM Photography Studio featured in DC Modern Luxury Magazine’s Annual Dynamic Women Of Washington
Happy New Year to all of you ! Thank you for your continued support of women-owned and operated small businesses. I'm happy to report that VM Photography Studio and myself are featured in the current issue of DC Modern Luxury Magazine's annual Dynamic Women of...
2017 Year In Review
It’s finally the start of the new year and what a journey these past 365 days have been ! The year of 2017 was full of momentum, creating huge opportunities and forging new relationships along the way. For starters, having my work included at The National Museum of...
The National Museum of Women In The Arts 30th Anniversary Gala and Auction
On April 19th, I was honored to have my work included at The National Museum of Women In The Arts 30th Anniversary Gala and auction. Since the blockbuster ‘SUPERFIERCE‘ event at this past October, the museum received more submissions from the time they opened in 1987...
Testimonials
“I have now had the great fortune of Violetta photographing me twice. Being someone that has never put much time and importance into my physical presentation, I found her to be someone that instantly made me feel comfortable and safe. Not only did I love the photos that she took of me, I found both experiences deeply empowering, so much so that both photo shoots helped me embrace and manifest my best self. I really hope that Violetta can spread her perspective far and wide because she is a very magical and profound person.“
“Violetta is more than just a photographer—she’s a safe space within which any person can unfold and discover unknown sides to themselves. Her encouragement and questions helped me identify the essence of my business and how I wanted my business to be portrayed in photographs. Her confidence and experience gave me the courage to experiment and play. Ultimately, this joy was captured in every photograph of me.“
“Working with Violetta was not only fun but very inspiring. I did a nude/boudoir photo shoot with her and felt 100% comfortable and sexy at all times, she made me feel beautiful and even brought some props I could use which made the images even more powerful. She has a unique sense for bold beauty, fashion and art in general. She inspired me to appreciate my body and celebrate it with all its perfect imperfections. Totally recommend the experience to everyone looking to make art with a truly dedicated and gifted professional. I also want to acknowledge the make up artist she brought along because she did such a beautiful job that i didn’t wash my face for a whole 24h !!!“
“Violetta is a master at capturing you in your best light and her passion for the art of photography made me so excited to be one of her subjects. She did a personal photoshoot for me and also my engagement photos. In addition to choosing the perfect settings, she helped me find the perfect vintage clothes for several different looks and also did my makeup. I’m not used to wearing makeup or being in the spotlight so thought I would feel self conscious while she was shooting, especially with people around, but she made me feel very comfortable. The images she produced from the shoots were very natural looking and I felt like I hadn’t ever looked better. I am thrilled with the results and will cherish these pictures forever. If you need a photographer, Violetta is the one you want to hire. You won’t be sorry!”
“Violetta is the photographer you need in your life! She’s always on time, gives you an easy breezy experience, is ridiculously stylish but most importantly her work truly speaks for itself. Hire her!“
“Working with Violetta couldn’t have been better! Not only were the final pictures AMAZING, but she also helped guide me throughout the process. For someone who’s not a professional model she really helped me feel comfortable and gave tips throughout the shoot to help get the best photos possible. I’ve already updated all my marketing and social media with the new photos and people are loving them. She worked some real MAGIC!“
“You only need to see a few of Violetta Markelou’s portraits to be convinced of her enormous talent. Equal to her photographic gifts were through her exceptional lighting and camera skills she divines and then captures your essence beyond what you thought possible. This is Violetta’s authenticity.
Through her generous and spontaneous assurances that awkward or uncomfortable feelings are natural, Violetta creates an environment that invites your true expressions. Couple this with the photogenic enhancing professionalism of her makeup artist, Vanessa and you’ve not only experienced a memorable session and the results are amazing. There were so many excellent photos, I had to select a few!
Violetta Markelou is a photographer to watch, and is certainly one you will enjoy working with as you choose to update your personal, business and family portraits.“
“What a fantastic experience! Violetta is exceptionally talented and creative, and her work is what initially drew me to her studio. Professional and welcoming, we covered the plan then got right to work, accompanied by a stellar soundscape mix of her own DJ creation! Throughout our shoot, her excellent ability to provide clear direction as well as visual and verbal cues kept everything moving efficiently, and resulted in a collaborative, creative and very fun overall experience. Can’t wait to see the final results! High recommend.“
“Violetta is our first call when it comes to capturing the essence of our clients and enhancing their image, always finding a way to exceed expectations. She is the consummate artist, who makes an intimate connection with her subject, opening them up to a world of visual possibilities. I can’t say enough about Violetta’s work. All you have to do is check out her portfolio!“
“Violetta is both an extraordinarily gifted photographer and an absolute joy to work with. She put me at ease from the moment I met her, listened carefully to what I was looking for, and the result of our photo session was a set of headshots that are — far and away — the very best photos I’ve ever had. I have recommended her to everyone I know and will continue to do so. She is simply the best of the best.”
“As someone who does not like being in front of a camera, I appreciated Violetta’s rare gift for putting people at ease. She pays careful attention to detail, made me feel comfortable and made the process fun. Most importantly, I really liked the result.”
“Had my photo shoot today. Violetta is amazing. Very nice person, and a great professional. She was able to bring the best of me.I was looking for someone who has experience with high-fashion, and she really did a great job. Can’t wait to put the pictures together and land in NYC.“
“There are simply not enough words to describe the elegance, strength, style and cool, calming energy Violetta exudes in everything she does. I never thought taking professional maternity photos was my style, especially with the medical challenges I faced through pregnancy. With how debilitated I was with morning sickness, taking photos was the last thing I wanted. However, I came upon a vision – instead of soft flowery field maternity photos – I wanted something bold & strong and I knew she could make it happen. My experience with Violetta was transformative. She took my vision to the next level and reminded me that being pregnant is one of the most empowering, beautiful and even sexiest things a woman can experience. My maternity photos are a constant reminder of my strength and endurance through all of the challenges I faced through pregnancy. I am forever grateful for Violetta’s vision and her tireless efforts to empower women in everything they do.”