Evgenia Ribinik Studios — Local services in New York

I am incredibly disappointed in Evgenia's ability to connect to another human and understand their situation. It has taken me 8 months to write this review because I did not want to write it in a state of frustration...I wanted it to be clear and pragmatic.

Last year, my sister bought me a gift certificate for a session with Evgenia for my birthday. When I went to schedule it, I found out that the certificate did not cover products and that the minimum product would cost me $1,000. Her work looks beautiful but I just can't afford that. While Evgenia did offer me 10 images for $700 and an extension for the expiration date, I continued to explain in detail that I am just in no position to afford that and asked if she could refund the $300 gift certificate. I understand that her brochure does state the images are not included in the session but I tried to express that my sister did not read that fully and would have never gifted me this knowing I would have to spend an addition $1,000 to receive anything from the gift. I asked if she would try to understand the situation refund the $300 despite my sister's misunderstanding. Instead, she equated the situation to getting a $300 gift certificate to Saks Fifth Avenue, wanting boots for $700, and having to pay the extra money because of course Saks Fifth avenue wouldn't reduce the price because someone couldn't afford it. This really felt so heartless. First, she is indirectly stating that she takes a big company business approach and would not offer a refund no matter the situation. Second, it became so clear that she wasn't trying to understand me at all because if she truly understood, she would know how ridiculous that comparison is....if someone in my position could not afford the $700 boots at Saks, they would not buy the boots and would buy something else that their $300 gift certificate covers.....but there is NOTHING I can buy at "Evgenia's store" with my $300 gift certificate.

I told Evgenia I can't afford the images and I expressed the very real situation that she would end up keeping my sister's $300 and my birthday gift for doing no work other than sending a few e-mails back and forth with me . She stated legally she was doing nothing wrong and was just fine with this. While she may not be obligated to refund a gift certificate, she knows she took $300 from somebody without doing any work for it. She compares herself to a big company that offers no understanding of individual situations, and she completely lacking compassion. If you choose to work with Evgenia for such intimate photography, I hope you are able to find comfort with someone who I found to be so...

This was supposed to be a wedding day gift for my now husband, but it turned out an even better gift for MYSELF.

I have never seen myself so beautiful. So sexy. So Fierce. And mind you this coming from a girl that doesn’t even like to wear bikinis or take selfies. I was floored with how gorgeous the shots were. They were the perfect blend of artful and naughty. Evgenia’s execution is a cut above. If you take the time to search other boudoir photographers you will find that the lighting is often flat and overproduced. The styling of the sets can be basic and a little cheap. And the poses can feel a bit cheesy. Evgenia’s work is premium and radiates authenticity.

Her studio is gorgeous and posh, one small room somehow seems as if it transforms into four elaborate mansions full of beautiful color and texture. All her light is natural. And she has a closet of beautiful lingerie you can supplement with your own stuff.

My experience with her was wonderful. She made me feel so comfortable walking around with in my undies (or less). She told me exactly what to do. Where to put my hands. How to position my legs, etc. And one hour later… BOOM, ART. I had to buy an extra 10 photos in addition to the 20 I put in the book  because I couldn’t decide which I liked the most. I also decided to do this pretty last minute and she was super accommodating and made it all happen for me so fast!

Side note: I would also recommend doing hair and makeup with her makeup artist. She was exceptional and so sweet. And it also kinda gives you a little boost so you really feel the part. It seems like a steep additional cost at first, but it really elevates your photos.

I can easily say that this was one of the best things I have ever done in my life. Worth every penny and more. I look in the mirror and I now see that girl I saw in the pictures. And I may even have a little more pep in my step.

And oh yeah, my husband was SPEECHLESS. He cried and said it was the most thoughtful gift he’s ever gotten. He wants to look at it all of the time ;)

Evgenia is the absolute best, and a master of her craft. I will forever...

Doing a boudoir shoot was something I had thought about for quite a while...at first not seriously, just checking out a few photographer's galleries and thinking 'there's no WAY I can do that'. You can always make a million excuses. I'm not in shape, I'm too old, I hate my hair, I'm too self conscious...etc., etc., etc. But after months of thinking about it, researching it, and telling myself why I couldn't do it, I found Evgenia's site and something clicked. Maybe I can do that! It was black Friday and in a moment of shopping induced euphoria I did it. I have to admit, the next day I had a bit of buyer's remorse, or maybe more accurately reality hit and I realized what I committed myself to.

The day of the shoot I threw everything I could think to bring in a bag and headed to her studio. On the way, I thought 'maybe I should have dieted, exfoliated, cut my hair, whitened my teeth, toned up a little bit...' Again, excuses, but at this point there was no turning back! I met her in the lobby and immediately my doubts started to melt away.

She was so warm, welcoming, down to earth, and honest. Her studio is beautiful. Intimate and inviting, not intimidating in the least. She gives you great direction without an ounce of frustration. I'm not perfect, I'm not a model, and I'm not 25 years old...but she made me feel like I was.

And then the pictures!! Incredible! Artistic, tasteful, everything I had wanted them to be but never dreamed they could be. I loved them all and had a terrible time narrowing them down but I couldn't be happier with the final result! Her albums are luxurious and the photo box is everything a 'little black box' should be!

I recommend this to anyone and to EVERYONE. The greatest thing about it all is that you don't have to be younger, thinner, tanner, more toned...Evgenia takes everything that makes you beautiful and brings it into focus. At the end you see yourself just as you are, absolutely flawless. It's the most empowering and eye opening thing you can do. And if you don't have any other reason, do it for yourself. Seriously, what are you...