Karolina Rataj Fotografia

Über uns

Hello! I am so glad you have found your way here. Wedding photography is all about moments that can never be repeated, and as Sanah sings, "Nothing happens twice...".

Here is a brief overview of how I work; we will discuss the exact flow of your entire celebration in detail during our meeting once you choose me as your photographer :)

Photography is my passion, not just a job. I approach every session individually and tailor it to the Client's needs. I know that the images I capture will become a cherished keepsake for you and your family, which is why I put my whole heart into my work. I am with you from the preparations all the way through to the traditional oczepiny games, but if you need, we can extend this time to cover the second-day celebration (poprawiny) as well :) The preparations mark the very start of the journey you embark on that day. I often hear from my Clients (as we usually start with the Bride's preparations) that as soon as they see the camera, they feel that it is really beginning. This is frequently accompanied by a bit of stress, but the situation is quickly brought under control and the preparation shots turn into great fun :) We will discuss the ceremony at the Church or Register Office during our meeting.

The Wedding Reception (we will discuss the exact flow during our meeting)

- Welcome of the bride and groom with bread and salt- First dance- Group photos with guests and family- Outdoor portrait session on the wedding day (if you haven't chosen a different day)- Wedding cake- Thanking the parents- Sparklers, flares, etc.- Traditional oczepiny games

After completing the reportage, I send you a few sample photos to show the style in which the images will be edited. Once approved, I edit the remaining photos and you receive them on a USB flash drive as well as prints in decorative packaging. It is also possible to order photobooks or photo albums.

I have completed a liturgical course and received official permission to take photos during all church ceremonies nationwide.

A little about me.

How did my journey with photography begin?

I'll start like everyone else :)

My name is Karolina, and I live in a beautiful town near Wrocław. Oleśnica, the city of roses and towers, is a lovely place full of interesting spots for family and engagement sessions, among others. I am a mum of two wonderful children, and it is thanks to them that I started my adventure with a camera. 11 years ago, when my daughter was born, she turned my life upside down—literally, because I couldn't see the world beyond her, and it remains that way to this day. Mobile phone cameras didn't have as many features back then as they do nowadays. My husband came up with the idea of buying a camera; back then, a Sony DSLR was all we needed, and it was quite something! :) Of course, like any mum, I wanted to have as many photos of my daughter as possible, so I took them at every single moment... while she was sleeping, eating, swinging in her bouncer, lying on her tummy, on her back... absolute madness! :) Day by day, the number of photos grew, and I wanted something more than just ordinary photos on a blanket. Year after year, the camera became my closer and closer friend.

The next step was taking photography courses and learning how to use photo editing software.

After several years of photographing my own children and the whole family, I plucked up the courage to do my first paid sessions. I remember it like it was today because it was a huge experience for me. When I posted an ad online, I didn't expect anything big... and I received a proposal to cover a Holy Baptism reportage. Turns out the devil isn't as black as he's painted—all it took was good preparation. Before the planned day of the Baptism, I went to the church for a few test shots (to check lighting, etc.). In the end, the photos turned out very well, and the Clients were delighted and returned for a family session.

My work has been featured in magazines including:

- Prestige Models Magazin

- Pho-Mo Magazin

- Brand Model Magazine

As well as other photography-related websites.

I approached every subsequent session with greater confidence, and that remains true to this day.

Before I started working as a photographer, I used to think—like most people—that a photographer's job is just to pop in, snap a few photos, and that's it, no big deal. Nothing could be further from the truth; taking photos during a wedding is only 1/3 of the work a photographer has to put in. Then comes photo selection, editing, preparing photos for printing, and the final part: preparing them to be handed over to the Client (decorative packaging, etc.).

And what do I do when I'm not taking photos?

I spend quality, active time with my children—we go on trips and take walks, although that varies as they prefer riding scooters, bicycles, and rollerblades.

Apart from photography, my passion is rollerblading; I absolutely love it. The best time is the evening when there are no crowds at my favourite spot :) I put on my rollerblades, turn on my favourite music, and set off. Why rollerblades? I don't know, but they allow me to wind down after a busy, active day and give certain muscle groups a good workout too ;)

Ausstattung

Photo booth

Traditional album

Online gallery

USB stick

Classic photo booth

360 photo booth