Today we’d like to introduce you to Stoyan Katinov.
Hi Stoyan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My passion for photography started early, growing up in Bulgaria with a simple film camera in hand. I took my first photography courses in those years, fascinated by the art of capturing real, everyday moments. Although my academic path led me to the U.S. to study International Business at BYU, I never lost my love for photography. Right after graduation, I bought my first professional camera—a Canon 40D—and returned to Bulgaria, where my journey as a photographer truly gained momentum.
At that time, Facebook was just emerging, and I began taking portraits of young people, which I shared on their profiles. The response was incredible; people started following my work, sharing it, and soon my passion became my profession. As my interest grew, so did the opportunities, and I started accepting paid assignments. One pivotal moment was when a close friend asked me to capture their wedding. I was so nervous, but my friends loved the photos, and that opened the door to more weddings and proms.
A major turning point in my career came when Stoyanka Mutafova, Bulgaria’s beloved actress and the world’s oldest active stage performer at the time, chose me as her personal photographer. Working alongside her introduced me to a wide range of clients and elevated my profile in the industry. In May 2014, I fulfilled a dream by opening my own photo studio in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria, located inside the local mall. I was also one of the first photographers in the city to offer Christmas mini sessions, creating magical scenes right in my studio, including a hand-built cabin set that quickly became a sensation.
Seven years ago, personal circumstances brought me back to the USA. Unfortunately, this move coincided with the onset of the COVID pandemic, and business was scarce. I had to start over in a new country from scratch. Through persistent effort and unwavering dedication to quality and customer service, I rebuilt my brand. Today, when you search for “wedding photographers Provo Utah,” Katinov Photography stands at the very top—thanks to over 260 five-star Google reviews, all without paid advertising.
Currently, I’m proud to have a talented team of four: two photographers, two videographers, and myself. Together, we serve clients across Utah, covering weddings, events, and, of course, our renowned photo booths. Every step of my journey, from those early exposures in Bulgaria to growing a leading business in Utah, has deepened my appreciation for both the craft and the people I meet along the way. My story is proof that with vision, hard work, and creativity, you can create something special—no matter where you start.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. The road has had its share of significant challenges, but each one has taught me something valuable. The biggest obstacle was undoubtedly moving back to the USA seven years ago and essentially starting from scratch. I had built a successful photography business in Bulgaria, complete with a popular studio and a strong reputation. Leaving that behind due to personal reasons was difficult, but restarting in a new country was an even greater hurdle.
Arriving just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit was incredibly tough. The event industry came to a complete standstill. All momentum I hoped to build was immediately halted. It was a period of great uncertainty, not just for my business, but for the world. For a business that thrives on gatherings and celebrations, it was a very dead and discouraging time.
Building a reputation from zero is always a challenge. In Bulgaria, my name was known. Here, I was just another photographer trying to make it. I had to prove my worth and the quality of my work all over again. I focused on what I could control: delivering an exceptional experience for every single client, no matter how small the job. My goal was to build my reputation organically through word-of-mouth and genuine five-star reviews, rather than paid advertising. It was a slow and steady process that required a lot of patience and persistence.
These struggles shaped the business into what it is today. They reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability. Navigating the pandemic taught me to be resourceful and to appreciate every single event we get to be a part of. Starting over in a new market solidified my belief in the power of excellent customer service and high-quality work. It proved that if you consistently deliver value, your reputation will grow. Overcoming these challenges has made our current success, with a growing team and a top-ranking presence in Utah, feel even more rewarding.
We’ve been impressed with Katinov Photography and Video, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is Katinov Photography and Video. We specialize in capturing the most important moments of people’s lives, primarily focusing on wedding photography and videography. However, our services extend to creating vibrant, entertaining experiences for all kinds of events through our popular Katinov Photo Booth offerings.
What truly sets us apart is our deep commitment to both quality and customer experience. We don’t just take photos or record videos; we create a comfortable, joyful, and professional atmosphere where our clients can be themselves. This approach allows us to capture authentic emotions and tell a genuine story. Our reputation is built on this foundation, reflected in over 260 five-star reviews on Google—achieved entirely through client satisfaction, not paid ads. We are proud that our organic search ranking places us at the top for wedding photographers in Provo, Utah, which speaks volumes about the trust our clients have in us.
Our team consists of four dedicated professionals—two photographers and two videographers—who all share the same passion for excellence. We use high-quality, professional-grade gear to ensure every image and video is stunning. Beyond traditional photography, we are known for our innovative photo booth experiences, including the interactive Mirror Photo Booth and the dynamic 360 Photo Booth. These aren’t just add-ons; they are high-energy entertainment centers that become a highlight of any celebration, from corporate holiday parties to weddings.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the trust we’ve built. When clients choose Katinov Photography and Video, they know they are getting more than just a service. They are getting a dedicated team that is invested in making their day perfect and preserving their memories beautifully. We want readers to know that we combine artistic vision with technical expertise and a friendly, client-focused approach. Whether we’re covering a wedding across Utah or setting up a photo booth for a company party, our goal is always the same: to deliver exceptional results and an unforgettable experience.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory takes me back to my early years in Bulgaria, holding my first film camera. I couldn’t have been more than a young boy, but I remember the feeling of that camera in my hands—it felt like a key to a secret world. My parents had enrolled me in a few basic photography courses, and I was completely fascinated by the process of capturing a moment and developing it in a darkroom.
There’s one particular day I’ll never forget. I was out with my family, and I spent the entire afternoon composing shots of everything I saw: the way the light hit an old buildingThat memory stands out because it was the first time I understood that a photograph is more than just an image. It’s a feeling, a story, a moment frozen in time. It was the spark that ignited my lifelong passion for photography. It taught me to see the world differently and to find beauty in the details. Looking back, I can draw a direct line from that little boy in the darkroom to the professional I am today, still just as passionate about capturing moments and turning them into lasting memories for others.
Pricing:
- Our collections start at $2900 for Photo and Film and $1900 for Photo only and are customized around your day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katinov.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katinovphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Katinov
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katinovphotographyutahweddingphotographer/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KatinovPhotographyUtahWeddingPhotographer
- Other: https://katinovphotography.pixieset.com/utahvalleyweddings/
