Every time I remember engagement session of Eric and Breana I can not stop smiling. That beautiful day they made Old town of Alexandria really special place for me.
Pictures was taken with my beloved Nikon D750 and Nikon D4 with Sigma 35mm 1.4 art, Sigma 24mm 1.4 art, Sigma 85mm 1.4 art lenses.
Povilas + Egle Wedding in Mauritius Island
After exploring beautiful Mauritius island with amazing people Povilas and Egle I had an honor to be a witness of they extraordinary Wedding. I always knew that my friends are really crazy and artistic people, but they wedding session was just breathtaking. It was worth to document every second of ceremony in Lux* Le Morne . It was a big pleasure to document they special moment in such a beautiful place...
Ben + Kathryn Engagement Session National Cathedral Washington DC
I had really great time with Ben and Kathryn while documenting beautiful engagement session moments by National Cathedral . It was pleasure to work with such a lovely couple.
Photographer Spotlight Interview with Mantas Kubilinskas Photography – Washington, D.C.
All Photos © Mantas Kubilinskas
With recognition from a plethora of photography publications, an incredible five winning images across four different Junebug Weddings Best of the Best contests, as well as a Rangefinder Grand Prize win, it would be easy to believe Mantas Kubilinskas had found his photography comfort zone. Yet, Mantas finds happiness by continually studying his art, discovering new techniques, and experimenting stylistically. Each of those winning images is so different from the next, whether it be a long shot from dozens of feet above to a super intimate black and white portrait. Still, his work has such a distinctive personality much like his own: something of bold artistry, daring compositions, and an overall jovial charm.
Give us a classic, ‘First Day of School’ introduction of yourself:
Born and raised in Lithuania, I found my way to the US about ten years ago. After working various short-term jobs, I finally decided to pursue my true passion – photography. Currently based in Washington, DC, I specialize in creative photojournalism with an editorial flair. With each wedding, I strive to document the complete essence of the love story from start to finish – to capture the spontaneous and unexpected moments as they unfold throughout the day. I believe that this unique approach is a representation of my character, my past, and my journey to where I am today.
Is there an aspect of wedding photography that you find consistently challenging?
I feel that each wedding is challenging and unique. That’s what inspires me and continues to drive my search for new techniques, skills, and methods. I turn this challenge into an opportunity to capture something in each wedding that perfectly depicts the mood and personality of each couple.
What aspect of your job never ceases to give you butterflies or make you excited?
Simple – people.
Describe an average day for you.
No day for me is average! But typically I have a morning or early afternoon engagement session, then editing of prior sessions or weddings, work on emails and marketing, and end with an evening meeting with clients. One thing I never miss is an evening walk; today is day 170 in my goal to walk each night.
What is your favorite moment or tradition at weddings?
When I am able to capture the first moment of the couple after the ceremony; the first few moments of them as husband and wife. There is an amazing change in their aura and emotion full of happiness, relief, and bliss.
What is your favorite image that you’ve taken? Can you describe how you created it? What is it that makes it different?
The image of the plane shadow over the couple on the paddleboards comes to mind. I laugh when I remember how many different scenarios I received from friends and colleagues suggesting I used drones, Photoshop or other unusual techniques. The story is that I stood on the Key Bridge as I was capturing an engagement session. My plan was to photograph them laying on the boards looking at the sky. Since I was up so high on the bridge, they could not hear my directions and so I just continued to take pictures. I remember at one point everything casting over with a shadow but I never realized what caused it. A few days later as I was working on the session and going through the images, my jaw dropped as I discovered the airplane’s perfect shadow projected in the photo.
In your opinion, what is different about wedding photography in comparison to other forms and categories?
Wedding photography to me is about human emotion. There is no staging involved, like the look in the groom’s eyes when he sees his bride coming down the aisle or a father’s hug to his daughter after their father/daughter dance.
Wedding photography also incorporates at least seven categories of photography. It is challenging yet rewarding, as I have to be knowledgeable in other categories (such as photojournalism, portraits, landscapes) in order to deliver a complete product to my clients.
If you could capture anything else, who/what/where would you love to be able to photograph?
Stars! As challenging as it is to capture human emotion, being able to capture images of stars and galaxies is one of my long-lived dreams.
Have you made any life-long friends within the industry?
YES! Many of my daily interactions are with people I met while attending photography seminars such as Mystic Seminars, the Fearless Conference, and the Canada Photo Convention, just to name a few.
What is your favorite thing to do when not working?
As funny as it may sound, outside of work I enjoy learning about photography; learning about new techniques and about the latest equipment. I enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them. Maybe that’s why I don’t see photography as work.
Since I do a fair share of traveling I have come to enjoy outdoors. I do a lot of hiking, kayaking and walking. I find it gives me a great opportunity to learn a new place and also spend time with my thoughts.
What do you feel most grateful for about your career, in its current state?
I am grateful for the success I have been able to achieve in what seems to me such a short period of time. I feel that I have been very blessed with the professional connections and amount of work I continue to obtain each day of my career.
We love learning the history of photographers and the motivation that keeps them going. Thank you to Mantas, who we couldn’t be more proud to have as a member and consistent contest winner. To see more of his award-winning imagery, please head to his Junebug portfolio!
Kurt + Kerry Capitol Stone Yard Rock Creek Park Engagement Session
I had really good time with Kurt and Kerry. The first part of engagement session was in Capitol Stone Yard Rock Creek Park . Unique environment made our time there really special. For the second part of session we decided to choose the Spanish steps . The engagement session of Kurt and Kerry was full of laugh, smiles and good emotions.
David + Maggie Whittemore House Washington DC
David and Maggie are loving, attentive and creative couple. It was a big pleasure to document their special day. Their first look was at Meridian Hill Park. Afterwards I had an honor to be part of beautiful wedding ceremony at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Last but for sure not least part of the wedding was located at Whittemore House. After-party, The highlight of the celebration, was Karaoke surprise at Muzzete.
Leaf + Silu Sunflower Field Engagement Session Maryland
Every time I look at pictures of Leaf and Silu I just can not stop smiling. I was amazed by harmony between them and the nature of MCKEE BESHERS WILDLIFE PRESERVE . It seems that everything in the world just stopped to enjoy the happiness of this adorable couple.
Nigel + Karen 21c Museum Hotel Durham North Carolina Wedding
Kurt + Kerry Toolbox Wedding Washington DC
Congratulations to Kurt and Kerry! The wedding was truly extraordinary, filled with laughter, entertainment and great moments. The Toolbox was the perfect venue that provided an urban setting, intimate feel and unique environment for their friends and family.
David + Bethany United States Botanic Garden Engagement Session
it was so fun to photograph David and Bethany. Whole session we were laughing and having sooo much fun. Session started at United States Botanic Garden follow to National Mall 🙌🏻