Photoshoot with Marina V

When I first met Marina V, she was searching for a team of creatives to collaborate on fresh projects. And you know me, I’m always on the lookout for new ideas to shoot! So we brainstormed and quickly came up with a concept for a photoshoot. However, due to work-related reasons, our first shoot didn’t happen. Instead, I was invited to film one of her concerts, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience. We captured some incredible videos, and it sparked even more inspiration for future collaborations.

Later on, Marina and I decided to dive into a bit of fashion photography. You know I love shooting dresses in stunning locations, so naturally, I was excited to bring this idea to life. We teamed up with my dear friend Beatrice, who shares the same creative vision and always brings her magic to our projects. My daughter Val joined as an assistant, and Mauro from Spy Photo tagged along for a bit, adding his expertise.

Marina V

Instagram @marinavmusic

Facebook @Marina V.

We kicked things off at Beatrice’s salon, where she worked her magic on Marina’s hair and makeup. We even filmed parts of the process, so stay tuned for those behind-the-scenes clips! Once Marina was camera ready, we headed out to our first location.

When Marina stepped out in a stunning red dress, she instantly gave off a Spanish flamenco dancer vibe, red happens to be my favorite color, so I knew we were on to something special. Before I dive into the details of the shoot, let me share a bit about Marina herself.

Who is Marina V?

Marina V, born Marina Gennadievna Verenikina in Moscow, Russia, is an award-winning singer-songwriter known for her emotive, piano-driven pop music. Raised in a family of intellectuals, her father a nuclear physicist and her mother a child psychologist, Marina’s early life was deeply rooted in music, starting piano at the age of six and dedicating countless hours to classical training.

At fifteen, she earned a prestigious FLEX scholarship that brought her to the United States as an exchange student. After a brief return to Russia, Marina decided to continue her education in the U.S., attending Illinois College. There, she graduated with honors, earning degrees in international studies and economics, while also studying Spanish.

She’s performed over 1,500 concerts around the world and shared stages with legends like Howard Jones and Macy Gray.

Her musical journey blossomed in Los Angeles, where she began writing, recording, and releasing music independently. She’s performed over 1,500 concerts around the world and shared stages with legends like Howard Jones and Macy Gray. Marina’s signature style, a blend of Beatles-inspired melodies, Tori Amos like vulnerability, and a touch of Russian soul has earned her critical acclaim and placements in TV shows, films, and commercials.

Today, Marina lives in Ventura County, California, with her husband and musical partner, Nick Baker, and their daughter. Together, they continue to create music that deeply resonates with fans worldwide, proving that Marina’s journey from Moscow to California is as inspiring as the songs she writes.

Back to the Shoot

Oh yes, that red dress. Our first location featured a balcony, but the midday sun was harsh. Mauro held up a gigantic white diffuser to soften the light, and we captured some stunning headshots. The balcony space was limited, so I couldn’t pull back for full-body shots, but the intimacy of the close-ups worked beautifully.

Next, we moved to the lower level, just below the balcony, where we found a striking white marble wall. The red dress popped against it, and Marina’s presence truly shone. We transitioned from headshots to some striking portraits with her leaning on the wall, giving off a powerful, confident vibe.

Before the outfit change, we filmed a short video segment to share later. The red dress was perfect for it, and the whole scene sparked the idea of creating a full music video for one of her songs, because when creatives get together, magic happens.

One highlight of the shoot was definitely the outfit change in my portable changing tent. She’d never used one before and absolutely loved it. She changed into a beautiful dark blue dress with an open back and a high slit that made her look like she was ready to walk the runway. And she did. She posed like a professional fashion model, fearless, confident, and elegant. She followed direction perfectly, and eventually, she took over, striking poses with so much personality that my job became a simple matter of snap, snap, snap.

One of my favorite images came from that fleeting instant, a moment that felt both deliberate and beautifully unguarded. She leaned over a sunlit pillar, her hand resting gently on her forehead, a delicate lock of hair cascading across her left eye like a secret. For a heartbeat, she exhaled, an almost imperceptible sigh that seemed to carry with it the weight of a story untold. The dark blue dress, rendered timeless in black and white, clung to her silhouette with quiet grace, the slit revealing just a hint of vulnerability against the contrast of her fair skin. It was as if time had dissolved, leaving us suspended in a world where decades blurred, where this photograph might have been taken in the golden age of Hollywood or in a distant tomorrow. That’s what I love about monochrome photography: its gift to freeze moments that defy time. I remember whispering, “Don’t move,” and though I captured a few more frames, that first image held the magic. It was the moment.

We wrapped up that part of the shoot and headed to our second location, a local clothing shop called Goldie’s on Main in Ventura. As soon as we walked in, I was drawn to the incredible outfits. Every piece was beautiful, and I wished we had time to shoot them all! But time was tight, so we got to work. Outfit, hat, accessories, we shot five different looks in about an hour. As the sun set, we nailed every single one.

I left that day feeling creatively fulfilled, and I can’t wait to do it all over again. Working with Marina, Beatrice, Val, Mauro, and the rest of the team reminded me why I love photography so much: it’s about collaboration, inspiration, and capturing moments that tell a story.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes clips and finished images from this shoot. Trust me, you won’t want to miss them!

Check out her full Galleria

If you haven’t already, make sure to check out Marina V’s music, her soulful, piano driven pop songs will leave you inspired. You can find her music on all major streaming platforms and at her live performances throughout California.

Also, if you’re in the Ventura area, I highly recommend stopping by Goldie’s on Main. Their carefully curated selection of clothing and accessories truly speaks to creative spirits, and the staff always makes you feel at home.

Goldies website https: www.shopatgoldies.com/pages/goldies-on-main

Finally, a huge shout-out to Beatrice. From makeup and hair to endless inspiration, Beatrice is a must-visit for artists and dreamers alike. Check her out https://bbeautystudio1.glossgenius.com