I’M A PROFESSIONAL FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER

Julia Yatel, fashion brands photographer in Lisbon, Portugal

Photography is a mini life captured in images. My exclusive and professional photography for brands and private clients is all about blending personality, style, fashion, and energy.

I’m Ukrainian, currently based in Lisbon, Portugal — and I work worldwide.

Back in my first year of journalism school, I accidentally ended up in the photojournalism department. Life led me straight to what would become my biggest passion. My first job was at one of the top glossy magazines in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Stylish visuals, inspiring people, fresh ideas — this world felt both exciting and deeply familiar.

I began my solo journey in fashion more than 10 years ago, first working as a professional makeup artist and hairstylist. After moving to Portugal in 2018, I realized something: I often liked the backstage photos I took on my phone more than the final shots by other photographers. No one could capture my makeup and styling the way I saw them myself. That’s how I picked up my first camera — and since then, I’ve created hundreds of fashion photo shoots and magazine covers with my name on them.

Every day I fall deeper in love with fashion photography. It’s not just my job — it’s how I connect with the world. I literally scream with joy when bold shots come to life from the ideas and chaos on my mood boards 💛

My Clients

  • Brands of clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, jewelry, and cosmetics
  • Fashion models
  • Modeling, wedding, and advertising agencies
  • Glossy fashion magazines
  • Private clients — ladies and gentlemen who want to look stylish, modern, and confident
  • Creative professionals — actresses, actors, writers, singers, DJs

 

My Services

  • Fashion campaign photo shoots for brands
  • Fashion photo shoots for private clients — women and men who want to reveal new sides of themselves and look stylish yet natural
  • Beautiful Portuguese ocean beach photo sessions
  • Street style photography
  • Lifestyle photographer sessions — natural, stylish photos that show clients’ personalities in real moments
  • Vacation photographer services — a perfect option for travelers who want to capture their experience in Portugal or abroad
  • Social media and personal branding photography
  • Business portraits, CV photos, professional headshots
  • Fashion love stories for couples
  • “Transformation” — my unique photo project where I help any woman feel like a magazine cover star. You trust me with everything — concept, styling, clothing, location, shooting, and editing — and I create powerful portraits that reveal your true energy and beauty

Write to me, book a session, or ask any questions — I’ll be happy to connect!

I mostly work as a Lisbon photographer, but I also love to travel. I regularly shoot in Sintra, Cascais, the Algarve (Faro, Albufeira), Porto, Braga, and across Europe. Whether you’re looking to hire a photographer for a fashion campaign, a lifestyle shoot, or need a vacation photographer in Portugal — I’m here for it.

Over the years, I’ve built my own team of professionals who love what they do — stylists, assistants, decorators, florists, and of course, models. Together we create bold and beautiful turnkey projects. I’m also proud to work with my husband Anton — he handles video content, organization, and all the behind-the-scenes magic so I can focus fully on creativity and beauty.

While I mostly work as a professional photographer nowadays, I sometimes still take on multiple roles in my photo projects — as a makeup artist and hairstylist too.

 

How I create my stylish fashion stories

  • My background as a fashion journalist shaped my eye for aesthetics, storytelling, and visual harmony. When I plan a shoot, I already see the finished picture — and I build it detail by detail on set.
  • My experience as a makeup artist gave me insight into many different photography styles. I’ve learned so much from everyone I’ve worked with — and I still do.
  • My work in marketing taught me structure, clarity, and precision. I love when every step of a fashion project is well-prepared. For me, a successful shoot means creativity + clear objectives + great organization.
  • I trust my team — and value that every person is truly great at what they do.
  • I genuinely feel people and their inner world. I create images that match their energy and personality. If a model is naturally calm and soft, I won’t push a sexy or dramatic style — I’ll design a concept that highlights who she really is.
  • I support my clients at every step: from mood boards to styling, from makeup and hair to posing and emotion.
  • I believe that a photoshoot with me is a holistic experience for the client (sometimes even an adventure!), not just a set of final pictures.

I invite you to join me in the love of fashion and style. Let’s connect and create your fashion stories together! 💛