Headshots for a good cause
All proceeds will go towards our non-profit Donum Vitae that has been directly supplying specific clinics, individuals and brigades on the frontlines in Ukraine.
Are you looking for new headshots, updates photos for dating apps or social media? For limited time January-February I'm offering 20 minute studio sessions for just $100.
All proceeds will go towards our non-profit Donum Vitae that has been directly supplying specific clinics, individuals and brigades on the frontlines in Ukraine.
Are you looking for new headshots, updates photos for dating apps or social media? For limited time January-February I'm offering 20 minute studio sessions for just $100.
You would get:
- 20 minutes of professional studio time with me as a photographer
- At least 10 color corrected images
- 2 selected images - Advanced Photoshop retouching (skin retouching, etc)
(Studio location - Mountain View)
Message me borispolissky@gmail.com
Holiday Family Studio Photo Session
This is a perfect time to get some Family Holiday photos. I’ve setup a studio in Mountain View for the holidays to capture just that
This is a perfect time to get some Family Holiday photos. I’ve setup a studio in Mountain View for the holidays to capture just that
What you’ll get:
15 minutes of professional photography in the studio space including family (various group if applicable) and individual photos
At least 10 color corrected high resolution images within 3 days of the session delivered in downloadable online gallery.
No watermarks and no additional/hidden costs - all the photos are yours to keep and print.
Cost:
The session is $150 (Venmo or cash) with all proceeds going towards my wife’s non-profit called Donum Vitae.
Its focus is to provide medical equipment and supplies to specific clinics in Ukraine as well as soldiers at the frontlines. We are also sending toys and warm clothes to the kids in Ukraine during the winter holidays.
How:
If you’d like to sign up for the session please by clicking on the button below
If none of the timeslots work for you, email me (borispolissky@gmail.com) and I’ll try my best to accommodate
Bar Hopping with Tiffany & Greg
When Tiffany reached out to me saying that her and Greg are getting married in November but would love to get some pre-wedding photos done in their 3 favorite bars in the city, I said ..”tell me when. I’ll make it work!” Think about it! Most of engagement, pre-wedding photos are from parks, pretty locations, maybe with Golden Gate bridge behind the couple. And there absolutely nothing wrong with that. I enjoy those sessions and over the years have shot many of them.
Admit it.. bar hopping for engagement session is quite original. It’s even more special because Tiffany and Greg actually met at a bar in the Nob Hill area. They said that bar isn’t there anymore, but they really enjoy the idea of going out on the weekend and hitting some places walking distance from where they live. And I like the idea of not just imposing a photo session on a couple but using their real environment and build a session around that, not the other way around.
We met at the Peacekeeper and took it from there. Tiffany and Greg have so much of that natural chemistry and my goal was to ease them in front of the camera at first and then let the drinks do the rest :) In reality we just hit it off quickly chatting about life, people, places they like, their wedding plans, a bit about me and my family. It truly felt like old friends hanging out, having a few drinks and talking. I wanted to make sure I capture very candid, real photos but I also wanted to give them few artistic shots, include the mood, feel of the place and show my perspective on how I see them.
Each location was quite unique. The Peacekeeper has this modern, fresh look with a lot of natural light. Royale has a very cool 2nd floor. I love frames and it provided the perfect location for that. In few other shots I incorporated the location and general San Francisco vibe. Ace’s is where we spent the most time.
With around 200 photos, it was hard for me to select these photos as highlights.
When Tiffany reached out to me saying that her and Greg are getting married in November but would love to get some pre-wedding photos done in their 3 favorite bars in the city, I said ..”tell me when. I’ll make it work!” Think about it! Most of engagement, pre-wedding photos are from parks, pretty locations, maybe with Golden Gate bridge behind the couple. And there absolutely nothing wrong with that. I enjoy those sessions and over the years have shot many of them.
Admit it.. bar hopping for engagement session is quite original. It’s even more special because Tiffany and Greg actually met at a bar in the Nob Hill area. They said that bar isn’t there anymore, but they really enjoy the idea of going out on the weekend and hitting some places walking distance from where they live. And I like the idea of not just imposing a photo session on a couple but using their real environment and build a session around that, not the other way around.
We met at the Peacekeeper and took it from there. Tiffany and Greg have so much of that natural chemistry and my goal was to ease them in front of the camera at first and then let the drinks do the rest :) In reality we just hit it off quickly chatting about life, people, places they like, their wedding plans, a bit about me and my family. It truly felt like old friends hanging out, having a few drinks and talking. I wanted to make sure I capture very candid, real photos but I also wanted to give them few artistic shots, include the mood, feel of the place and show my perspective on how I see them.
Each location was quite unique. The Peacekeeper has this modern, fresh look with a lot of natural light. Royale has a very cool 2nd floor. I love frames and it provided the perfect location for that. In few other shots I incorporated the location and general San Francisco vibe. Ace’s is where we spent the most time.
With around 200 photos, it was hard for me to select these photos as highlights.
Wedding Photography and some of my ideas on it
I mention this often but I get very lucky to work with some very cool couples. And I don’t mean in a sense that they are models who just look great on camera. I mean they are just good people. And as I work with them I’m thinking - I could see us being good friends. I don’t know if a like a word ‘client’. I don’t see many of my couples as clients. Yes, I get paid for the shoot, but then I’m not doing it because I’m interested in the money… Well ok… of course it’s a job, but my goal is to tell their story of their big day. And it’s a privilege if you think about it. A couple let’s a stranger in their life. And that stranger wants to get close to them in order to tell their story right and not through awkwardly posed images. When I have more time to spend with just the couple I want to know their story. I’m curious how they met, I want to understand the dynamic of their relationship. I really want to get to know them better in order to capture something of them in the shots.
I mention this often but I get very lucky to work with some very cool couples. And I don’t mean in a sense that they are models who just look great on camera. I mean they are just good people. And as I work with them I’m thinking - I could see us being good friends. I don’t know if a like a word ‘client’. I don’t see many of my couples as clients. Yes, I get paid for the shoot, but then I’m not doing it because I’m interested in the money… Well ok… of course it’s a job, but my goal is to tell their story of their big day. And it’s a privilege if you think about it. A couple let’s a stranger in their life. And that stranger wants to get close to them in order to tell their story right and not through awkwardly posed images. When I have more time to spend with just the couple I want to know their story. I’m curious how they met, I want to understand the dynamic of their relationship. I really want to get to know them better in order to capture something of them in the shots.
While I enjoy creative, more artistic shots, there are times I would go for something simpler because it doesn’t fit with their story. And with Kristen and Brennan, the less felt better. Speaking of trying more creative shots. There’s a shot here where I used blue and red gels in a wide shot. I’ve done similar shot for other couples and wanted to try something a bit more unique. And to be honest I didn’t feel it completely worked for the couple. Something just wasn’t there. I’m posting it here so you can see for yourself.
Lately I’ve been watching interviews and listening to podcasts of several famous cinematographers including Roger Deakins. And it’s always about the same - how does your visual fit the story. While I can’t do storyboards and thinks of the shots in advance, that doesn’t change the fact that wedding photography is not about being a good documentarist, it’s about honesty, about having a good feel for your couples… and to me it’s about really giving your best to capture the day in its true color.
Why do I bring all this up with this San Francisco City Hall wedding followed by a session at Palace of Fine Arts? I feel that being a photographer and being invited into people’s lives is a big deal. It should be honored and I don’t look at it as a paycheck (while it is of course). If this world wasn’t revolved around money and needing to sustain yourself and your family, I know there are 2 things I would be doing - photography and music.
But back to Kristen and Brennan who was such an amazing couple. We ended up spending extra time and I didn’t want to leave them as I had more ideas and things I wanted to cover. But we were already over time and it just so happened that it was my son’s birthday. So I wanted to make sure I’m not late. It’s great to meet such genuinely good people who care about each other and also care about people around them. They were shy at first in front of the camera, but as we got to know each other better (i get a bit nosy with questions and comments :) they freed up and felt very comfortable. Here are some photos that we got. And again.. I went for their story as opposed to showcasing some artistic shot.
Sahar
Sahar is an exteremely talented individual. While being a professional actress, she also enjoys being behind the camera. She carries her Soviet Union film camera called Smena and takes photo of things and people she finds interesting. She writes very cool, complex, visual poetry. During the session as we talked about movies, we talked about singing and turns out she also plays piano and sings. So with all these broad creativity my concept was to tell a story of time as it relates not only to Sahar but to people in general. I wanted a poetic, thoughtful, moody, hopefully session to showcase as many sides of Sahar as I possibly could. And she just went with it completely!
Sahar is an exteremely talented individual. While being a professional actress, she also enjoys being behind the camera. She carries her Soviet Union film camera called Smena and takes photo of things and people she finds interesting. She writes very cool, complex, visual poetry. During the session as we talked about movies, we talked about singing and turns out she also plays piano and sings. So with all these broad creativity my concept was to tell a story of time as it relates not only to Sahar but to people in general. I wanted a poetic, thoughtful, moody, hopefully session to showcase as many sides of Sahar as I possibly could. And she just went with it completely!
The idea of being having one foot in the past and another in the future. Reminisient, even nostalgic of the past, but anticipating, excited about the possibilities of the future.
It’s the moment when you know what happened, when you long for it, but you can’t bring it back. It’s the moment when you have desires and want so much out of your life, but can’t be sure it’ll happen as you plan.
We are walking through time, collecting all we need to use that in the future.
Kailyn
Before meeting, Kailyn and I talked about the kind of session we would like to work on. She said she loves travelling and can’t live without coffee. So through the conversations the concept of shooting in this European like cafe and then walking down the streets of Santana Row to recreate Kailyn’s longings (travel and coffee). If you’ve never been to Santana Row, it’s very reminisent of European street design. It even has a hotel called Valencia.
Kailyn and I sat down for a cup of coffee, started talking, strike an occasional pose and took lots of images. Kailyn has done plenty of modeling shots and is quite good at it. For this session I wanted to bring to life her own personality, her own interests and desires. I was interested in showing a girl who’s full of laugher, joy. energy and at the same time determined, not afraid and open to whatever life brings her way.
Before meeting, Kailyn and I talked about the kind of session we would like to work on. She said she loves travelling and can’t live without coffee. So through the conversations the concept of shooting in this European like cafe and then walking down the streets of Santana Row to recreate Kailyn’s longings (travel and coffee). If you’ve never been to Santana Row, it’s very reminiscent of Europe. Restaurants and cafe, wine bar, outdoor dining and even brick pavement have this European spirit about it. It even has a hotel called Valencia.
Kailyn and I sat down for a cup of coffee, talked about life, religion, our interests and anything that came to mind. I wanted to keep this shoot more casual and less about posing. Kailyn has done plenty of modeling shots and is quite good at it. For this session I wanted to bring to life her own personality, her own interests and desires. I was interested in showing a girl full of laughter, joy, energy and at the same time determined, not afraid and open to whatever life brings her way.
Veena Studio Portrait
I was always interested in not just taking photos of people, but in creating a concept around what they like, what they enjoy and what is part of who they are. When Veena reached out to me that she wanted to do some portrait photos I didn’t just set the time, i asked questions. I wanted to know what she liked, what she couldn’t live without, what makes her happy, etc.. I wanted to get a feel for her as a person before she even stepped into the studio. So i wrote down some ideas I felt i should consider for our session. When she came in, I instantly threw half of them away and focused on the ones that felt right and fit the mood both of us were in. While Veena was nervous at first - which is quite natural - she relaxed shortly and her true self came out. The room filled up with peacefulness, harmony and a load of positivity.
I was always interested in not just taking photos of people, but in creating a concept around what they like, what they enjoy and what is part of who they are. When Veena reached out to me that she wanted to do some portrait photos I didn’t just set the time, i asked questions. I wanted to know what she liked, what she couldn’t live without, what makes her happy, etc.. I wanted to get a feel for her as a person before she even stepped into the studio. So i wrote down some ideas I felt i should consider for our session. When she came in, I instantly threw half of them away and focused on the ones that felt right and fit the mood both of us were in. While Veena was nervous at first - which is quite natural - she relaxed shortly and her true self came out. The room filled up with peacefulness, harmony and a load of positivity.
My goal was not to force any concept or idea on her but to build the imagery around her personality and showcase Veena as she is and also to visualize her warmness and openness as a human being.
Old Hollywood Photoshoot
Have you noticed our infatuation with the past? Our desire to go back in time wether it’s fashion, music, film. There’s something very charming in the notion of feeling something that happened before us.
I loved old classic hollywood images - for the light, the techniques, for this almost naive romantism bordering on non explicit sexuality that was showcased in the eye as opposed to exposing body parts. It was sensual, inviting and mostly in black and white which has its own charm.
Have you noticed our infatuation with the past? Our desire to go back in time wether it’s fashion, music, film. There’s something very charming in the notion of feeling something that happened before us.
I loved old classic hollywood images - for the light, the techniques, for this almost naive romantism bordering on non explicit sexuality that was showcased in the eye as opposed to exposing body parts. It was sensual, inviting and mostly in black and white which has its own charm.
I understand classic hollywood is a popular theme in modern photography and I’m not doing something exteremely unique, nontheless I wanted to play around with light, emotions and in general create softness with some glamour.
A very talented hair and makeup artist Sheryl agreed to give this a shot. Few images below is the end result of our collaboration
Cecilia & Victor
Backyard weddings have become a norm for many couples in 2020 and early 2021. And there are many pluses. Couples save money by not having to rent a venue. Specifc catering companies that work with the venues are not needed and the couple has a choice to bring in any food they’d like. As you know alcohol bill(especially for an open bar) can be quite large.Number of guests is limited to pretty much closest family members. So if you don’t feel like inviting someone, there’s a great excuse not to do so now. In general there’s a lot of complexities and timnig when you have a large wedding in a specific venue. There are minuses as well for backyard wedding - preparation is done by you or someone close to you. You have to worry about cleaning up. There are friends you’d really like to invite and see but unable to do so.
At the end Cecilia & Victor decided not to wait for uncertancy of 2021 and got married in January. Their friend performed the duties of the officiant and did a nice job for the first time in his life. I could tell he was nervous and he rushed through some of the parts quickly, but none the less we got the first kiss, wine ceremony and a lot of laughs.
It was a lovely, quiet ceremony and reception at the couple’s house - mostly backyard as they tried to make sure everything happens outdoors.
Before the ceremony we met at Sharon Park in Menlo Park to take some pre-wedding photos. I took advantage of the sun being high up for some of the backlit shots as well as allowing for a lot of light to come through and lit up my couple. While it’s easy to simply hide in the shade and use flash for some of the photos, I really like to take advantage of the natural light even if it’s midday. My goal was to create real, more candid photos even if they were posed and guided and i wanted to focus on their relationship with their kids since both have kids from their previous marriage. And of course we timeboxed this wedding placing it in the middle of the pandemic with a matching mask - Queen and King.
Betty
Whenever i travel i always bring my camera with me. I guess that’s a given being a photographer. While i love shooting at the beach the key for me is not be repetative. But it’s also improtant to work with someone who’s willing to be playful, have fun and just try different things. I met Betty while at the Riviera Maya where i went to celebrate New Years Even with my family.
We chatted a bit but when we truly connected is when taking photos. We were both filled with energy and enthusiasm, ready to do whatever is needed to get some of the fun shots. I also wanted to capture Betty (who’s about to turn 17) in this very innocent way of the girl who’s whole life is ahead of her - all the choices, big decisions, new experiences are all waiting and are not that far off.
Here are some of my favorite images from our shoot
Bridal Studio Photoshoot
Who says you can’t do a bridal photoshoot in the studio, not on your actual wedding day. Eli didn’t think so. If you like photos and really want perfection without worrying about what’s next on your wedding day agenda, studio photos on a different day are a great option. It’s just all about you and capturing the best images without all the wedding day stress. As a result we I want to bring out the beauty Eli possesses and not make it about the wedding dress only. Let’s just say the wedding dress was extra.
For a photographer who shoots a lot of weddings this was an opportunity to really take time, get perfect light, perfect poses, emotions without having people around, without time restrictions, location restrictions and all so many fun things weddings have. Within hour and half we were able to get lots of awesome shots. Here are some examples of what we were going for during our session.
Maternity Session
I love maternity sessions. There’s something unique and special about a couple that’s expecting their baby - especially when it’s their first child. They are excited, they are enjoying their last weeks as a family of 2 before a major change happens. Nothing will be the same after that. Motherhood and fatherhood bring in the kind of emotions that they haven’t experienced before. It removes some part of selfishness that we all carry in us. It can also test your physical and psychological limits especially when it’s combined with lack of sleep. In some weeks they will need to be fully dedicated to taking care of a new life and that concern is not something that ever stops. And yes it’s life changing, it’s exciting and it’s scary at the same time because now you’re responsible for this little life that can’t really communicate with you in their first months at least. Being a father I know how it feels and it’s much larger change for a mother.
So when Kanika and Rahul asked for a maternity session I was all in. I have a few ideas i wanted to try out and I wanted to create a unique, in some cases magazine like quality to the images. I also wanted to have a conceptual image of them in their house where the world is around the future mom.
Few of the images we captured during our hour and half session are here.
Orange hazy San Francisco wedding
This was by far the most unique and insane wedding sessions I’ve ever shot. Insane because of the fires in Oregon and north of San Francisco, the city got covered with dark orange haze making a day look like night. We never saw the sun and there was barely any light when we started shooting at 11.30 AM. It felt like we were on a different planet.
But that didn’t stop Priscilia and Derrick. They originally planned to get married on Bali this summer, but COVID changed these plans. They ended up booking a virtual ceremony at San Francisco City Hall followed a session with your truly. But another surprise happened on the day of their wedding. Wildfires burning in California and Oregon brought down a huge dark orange cloud covering San Francisco Bay Area, creating what some call a ‘nuclear winter’ feel.
How many times have i said I get very lucky with the couples i photograph? I really am! Priscilia and Derrick just went along with whatever the day brought them. I offered to reshoot some other day when there was light if they felt so. But they were dressed up, ready to go and willing to go with whatever the day brought them. And I’m so glad they did. We got some of the most unique wedding photos and the couple was really happy with the end results. The credit really goes to them for enjoying the day no matter what happens. It’s a lesson we can all learn