2024: A Year In Review

2024 — what an eventful year! This post celebrates the highs, even though the year also brought its fair share of tears and challenges. In just a few months, our lives took a 360-degree turn as we moved across the Atlantic and began building a new life in the US. But through it all, the experiences, memories, and support from family have been our constants, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful. Here is the recap:

Jan: Bought my favorite vintage lens from an auction and invested in advancing my skills in color grading and retouching portraits.

Feb: Was invited to document an event for 150+ people and nailed it (organizers’ words, not mine) by delivering editorial-like portraits that fully reflected the warm atmosphere. Made new friends and reconnected with old ones — my bff visited us in Stockholm and we had a blast!

Mar: Checked one creative portrait idea off the wish list — artsy Stockholm subway and a beautiful model helped me turn ideas into reality. Celebrated my b-day, hosted wonderful bbq parties/playdates with friends, and witnessed our baby Bella walking at just 9 months!

Apr: Had looots of location scouting around central Stockholm and wonderful photoshoots at the iconic sakura alley. Had a close collaboration with an entrepreneur to capture passion for her craft.

May: Sakura was in full bloom, so were my photoshoots, for which my models travelled from other cities and even countries! Nourished a wonderful collaboration (and friendship) with a fellow photographer and practiced shooting in studio together. Celebrated my first mother’s day twice (which meant two cakes and lots of sushi haha)— both Swedish and American ones.

Jun: ofc, Bella’s first b-day, which we celebrated in a cabin out on the Stockholm archipelago with friends. Did abundant location scouting, self-portraits, and quality time with our little family. Documented an outdoor event with lots of smiles.

Jul: Several photoshoots with different concepts — historic city center, out in the countryside meadows, and by the sea.

Aug: Had lots and lots of packing, selling, and giving away. Our little family moved across the Atlantic with 3 personal items, 3 carry-ons, 3 guitars, a stroller, and 10 checked bags. Oh, what an adventure it was.

Sep: We reconnected with our American family. For a month, we breathed out, spent quality time with family, cooked good food, explored coastal Oregon and Montana (even saw Glacier National Park — just breathtaking!).

Oct: Expanded my gear collection with a new Polaroid camera — who knew it would be this much fun to shoot instant film (perfect for my behind-the-scenes). Turned my lifelong dream into reality and flew to Hawaii! I only had to dream about this trip for 20 some years for it to come true. 10 days, two islands, Volcanoes National Park, and 100+ polaroids later, I am determined to come back and see what this paradise has to offer.

Nov: We settled in Portland, Oregon, at least for a while. Registered our business in the US. In the process of completely re-working the website with husband’s extensive help. Invested in leveling up my photography skills and finding a creative community locally.

Dec: Did more photoshoots, self-portraits, and gained more experience in studio lighting, concept design, and creative direction. Upgraded my gear with new portable lights — am so excited to shoot a broader range of subjects and turn even more creative ideas into reality.

Photographer and author: Alina Veksler @veksalinaphotography
In my frame: Ann Silyukova, Daria Isenova, Natalia Hani, Nat Pavlova, Lena, Viktoriia Kleiko, Viktoriia Beskina, Adeliya Babicheva, Ariel Lin, Sloane Simmons, Emi Haruko, Ciera, Chrissy Rem

Alina Veksler—a creative portrait photographer based near Portland, Oregon, offering professional photography and creative direction for individuals and businesses seeking unique, tailor-made sessions defined by quality and artistry.

Want your unique story told like this? Let’s make it happen—inquire at veksalinaphotography.com