Photography is not just my work — it’s the meaning of my life. For the past 23 years I’ve lived inside images, moments, and stories. I was born and raised in Baku, Azerbaijan. In 2000 I came to America, and by the will of fate, I ended up in New York. This city changed everything. For the past 25 years it has been my home, my inspiration, and my teacher. I consider myself incredibly lucky — New York made me a photographer. As a child I loved drawing and watching films. At 29 those two passions finally merged, and I became a photographer. Later, I earned my BFA in Art (Photography) in New York — a milestone that helped me deepen my craft, refine my vision, and understand the medium on a profound level. Since then I’ve photographed thousands of real moments, won almost every major award in wedding photography, and taught dozens of workshops around the world. I’ve raised two beautiful daughters, and I’ve lived 25 years with the woman I love. Maybe that’s why I approach every wedding as if it might be the last one I ever photograph — with complete attention, honesty, and gratitude. I shoot only a small number of weddings each year, and if I choose to work with you, it means your story truly touched me. Alongside photography, I create short 1–2 minute wedding films — small emotional sketches that complement my images. You can watch them and see if you’d like one for your day as well. I’m also deeply passionate about street photography and, in the last three years, have explored image creation through AI. For the past decade I’ve built and modified projection lenses, using them at weddings to create unique optical effects. To see these experiments, visit the “Optical Experiments” section of my website. Now you know a little more about me. If my way of seeing the world resonates with you, I would be honored to photograph your wedding.
Emin Kuliyev is an award-winning New York wedding photojournalist.
2008 — Photographer of the year in the AGWPJA.
2009 — Top 5 WPJA Photographer for 2009
2010 — ISPWP Photographer of the Quarter
2011 — Photographer of the year in the WPJA.
2012 — Top 10 Fearless Photographers of 2012
2012 — WPJA POY First Runner Up
2013 — American Photo Magazine — Top 10 Wedding Photographer of 2013
2013 — ISPWP Photographer of the Quarter
2014 — Photographer of the year in the WPJA.
2014 — Photographer of the year in the AGWPJA.
2016 — 31 Inspiring Wedding Photographers from Around the World by filtergrade
2017 —14th position overall in the ISPWP TOP 100 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS IN THE WORLD 2017
2019 — Top 10 Fearless Photographers of 2019
2019 — 9 Top Wedding Photographers on Real Moments
2019 — ISPWP Top 100 Wedding Photographers in the World
2019 — Best Wedding Awards 10 | Inspiration Photographers
2020 — TOP 10 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS OF THE YEAR in Masters of Wedding Photography North America 2020
2022 — Best Wedding Awards 10 | Inspiration Photographers
2023 --- Top 25 Fearless Photographers of 2023