In Washington, D.C., Violetta Markelou is an award-winning photographer, stylist, and visual director known for creating one-of-a-kind visual experiences for an array of clients, including individuals, editorial publications, and corporate entities. It is no wonder that Markelou’s portraits are influenced by the photography of masters such as Herb Ritts and Richard Avedon, as they showcase a strong fashion emphasis in her work.
With regard to her current body of work, Markelou focuses on raw portraiture and photojournalism, with the aim of creating transformative experiences for her subjects through the medium of photography. Markel notes that the most rewarding part of the process is when the subjects become disarmed and feel safe, empowered, and are able to abandon their vulnerabilities, thus allowing her to capture their true essence through the process of disarming and making them feel safe and empowered.
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As a result of Markelou’s work, he has been published in a number of notable publications, such as The Washington Post, VOGUE ITALIA’s “PhotoVogue,” DC Modern Luxury, Washington Life Magazine, Washingtonian Magazine, Fox News, and Voice of America. In addition to her work with Planned Parenthood, she has also worked on a national campaign for the organization. Additionally, Markelou has a range of services through her company, VM Photography & Makeup Studio, in addition to her editorial work, which includes portraiture, lifestyle photography, fashion and style editorial, makeup and wardrobe styling, professional headshots, commercial photography and content, image consulting, as well as on-site portraits of executive and team members.
Markel’s work has been exhibited in multiple solo and group exhibitions in Washington D.C., and she has been recognized as one of the eight “Superfierce” DC-based artists who have been recognized for their work. As part of The National Museum of Women in the Arts annual gala and auction, she created a portrait of artist Maggie Michael, and her “F Cancer” series was featured as part of the museum’s 30th-anniversary gala and auction. As part of her “Women of Colour” portrait series, Markelou showcased women who were able to break the stereotype of Washingtonian professionals through fashion-inspired photography influenced by photojournalism. The Monroe Trust Art Collective held a sold-out opening reception for Markelou’s series.
Markelou was recognized as a “Rising Star in Media/Photography” by the Fashion Group International of Greater Washington D.C. in 2014. In addition, she was chosen by Washington Performing Arts in 2021 to appear in the first episode of Creator’s Notebook, a documentary series about local businesses and artists in the Washington, D.C. area.
As a professional who is dedicated to her craft and has gained recognition for her work, Markelou’s talent and dedication are evident in the wide range of services she offers and the recognition she has received for it. Markelou is one of the most prominent figures in the industry with a strong fashion focus and a passion for creating transformative experiences through her photography.
