We recently had the chance to connect with Iurie Calmatui and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Iurie , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now involves a lot of learning, editing photos, and personal development. I’m constantly improving my skills and refining my creative vision, while also managing projects and connecting with clients. It’s a busy but rewarding routine that keeps me growing both as an artist and a professional.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Iurie Calmatui ( YURI K PHOTOGRAPHY), and I’m a wedding photographer based in Chicago. I specialize in capturing love stories with emotion, elegance, and authenticity. What makes my work unique is the way I connect with each couple and turn their most important day into timeless memories. For me, photography isn’t just about beautiful images, it’s about telling real stories through light, emotion, and connection.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
One part of me that has served its purpose and must now be released is the fear of not being enough. For a long time, I carried the weight of comparison, of always questioning if my work was good enough, or if I belonged in this creative world. But over time, through experience and connection with my clients, I’ve learned to trust my vision, my story, and my eye. Letting go of that doubt is what allows me now to create freely, confidently, and with heart.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, humility, and the value of persistence in a way that success never could. When you go through hard times, starting from zero, facing rejections, working long nights with little recognition, you learn to fight not just for your dream, but for who you’re becoming in the process. Success feels great, but struggle builds character. It taught me to stay grounded, grateful, and to never take anything for granted.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is a reflection of who I am, but it’s not the whole story. I believe in being authentic and transparent, especially as a photographer, because connection is at the heart of my work. Still, like everyone, I have private moments of doubt, reflection, and growth that aren’t always visible to others. I’m always learning to bring more of the real me forward, both personally and professionally.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Today, I’m investing time and energy into building a strong personal brand and expanding my skills beyond photography, like marketing, client relationships, and creative direction. These efforts might not pay off immediately, but in 7–10 years, they will help me create a sustainable and diversified creative business that lasts. Success isn’t just about quick wins; it’s about planting seeds for the future
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuri.k.photography?igsh=MWMwbDEzNnRmZ2MyaA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/175WuxpYFL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
