Reviews of Regina Akhankina Portrait Couture, Portrait & Boudoir Studio (Photo Studio)

Alyxandra Brown

Regina is an absolutely amazing and talented photographer!! I'm a mom of two and, especially after last year, I have been feeling really low about myself and my body. I was inspired to contact Regina after I saw her ad for 30 Women Over 30 and, after talking with her, decided to treat myself to a boudoir shoot. Regina and her wonderful makeup/hair artist, Ali, are both some of the most lovely ladies I've ever met. They are wonderfully inclusive and, as a woman of color, I felt so welcome and seen in the space they created. Their open and bubbly personalities put me at ease and made the experience feel natural, genuine, and so much fun. Regina is so body-positive, she truly believes that all bodies are beautiful. Her photos blew me away and made me see beauty in my body in a way I haven't in a long time. I will cherish this experience with Regina forever.

Deco De Mode

I am absolutely in love with my photos. Nobody can do what Regina can. She is very kind and calm and I am looking forward to getting more photos.

Emily McIvor

Fun and engaging experience even for someone who hates being photographed. The stylist was sensitive and Regina and Sergei are charming and down-to-earth.

Shelley Sims

Regina is TOP DRAWER! Absolutely loved the experience and appreciated her gentle, kind nature.

Terry Andersen

Regina is the 1st photographer who brought tears to my eyes upon showing me how she captured the beauty of my soul during the photo shoot. She has a gift of helping transform people's lives.

Nienke van der Marel

Great experience with my photoshoot!

Jojo Mojo

I was immediately put at ease and enjoyed my shoot thoroughly! I would recommend Regina to anyone and I’m so excited with the final product!

Valeria France's

Great experience! Awesome photographer! ????????

Vicki Kearnan

This was my first time doing this kind of photo shoot, and it was amazing thanks to Regina and her team! I was a little nervous at first, but Regina made me fell totally at ease, and I had a blast! Which surprised me because I am my own biggest critic. But the results were amazing! I highly recommend Portrait Couture Victoria!!

Angela Chou

My sister and I went to have our portraits taken, and it was such a welcoming environment! They're fun to work with and reassuring and we felt so beautiful. We loved the portraits that were taken and it's an absolutely amazing experience that gave us stunning photos to gift our family.

Jeanne Miller

I recently completed a personal photo shoot with Regina (it was my first time). She made me feel very comfortable with the whole process and was sure to explain everything. I would highly reccommend this experience and Regina.

Carolina Stratievsky

Absolutely fantastic experience! Every woman should try it once in a lifetime at least. With Regina and Ali everything felt comfortable. They make you feel very at ease, and extremely beautiful with Hollywood style hair and makeup. Regina has incredible resources to create very interesting and attractive portraits. She does some magic with her knowledge and she is such a humble person, which to me, means a lot. I'm so very happy with my pictures. They are show stoppers and the experience was so worth it. I highly recommend Portrait Couture because it's not only a fun moment but an investment in yourself, a celebration of who you are, with no judgments at all. During the photoshoot, you can feel very clearly if you're looking at yourself with love or criticism. Thank you Portrait Couture!

J R

What an amazing experience from Regina and her team. Thanks to their efforts, I felt comfortable and beautiful in front of the camera, which is typically a feat next to impossible for me. I'm thrilled with the photos and the entire experience!

Michelle Smith

Had such a fun time with Regina and her team. I felt very comfortable the whole time

Valeria France's

Great experience! Awesome photographer! ????????

Alexandra Loughton

Regina is such a treat and has an exceptional talent at creating a safe and inviting space for photographs. Each client is treated with the respect they deserve!

Valeria Westra

I would like to express a deep appreciation of Regina's talent and her lovely personality. I've done professional photoshoots before but they usually felt like work and even stress. Not this time! Starting from the makeup application all the way until the end, the entire session was a fun, relaxed experience and I will recommend Couture Photography to anyone who needs a shot of self-love.

Liz Reed

Regina has the skill of a consummate professional artist and the warmth of a best friend. I would recommend her services to anyone.

Sandy Switzer

I had such a wonderful experience with Regina in her home/studio. She has the ability to make you instantly at ease and the expertise to showcase your most beautiful features. I was thrilled with the outcome of my portraits! Regina captured the beauty and strength I wanted to focus on, as well as matching the pictures to my personality. I would recommend her in a heartbeat!

Annie Arciaga

She is really good.. I never had any doubt very professional and engaging. My experience is a lifetime memories.

kate shelton

Regina has a talent for directing you in front of her lens that will make you feel so confident and relaxed. She is professional & a delightful person to work with.

JoAnn Hill

What an amazing experience. I would highly recommend this to anyone. It was professional and fun. I felt comfortable and support by 2 women who really know their respected businesses. Thank you so much Regina!!!!

Tammy Morse

WOWed! What a fun time! My daughter did the "senior" photoshoot (for students graduation from high school). Did this, instead of the 'traditional' grad photos. Regina's hair & make up artists were there - @alexandraloughtonmakeupartist and did a great job on hair and make-up. My daughter looked every bit the glamourous, grown up woman, she has become. She came out of that experience with even more self-confidence - and when we saw her pictures - we were WOWed.

Robin

Regina was incredibly kind and accommodating toward my cat and I, and I would go back again for further portraiture.

Sharon Johnson

I had the most wonderful experience with Regina and Serge. They were both very professional. I am so pleased with my photos and I would highly recommend their services. Thank you for making me so comfortable in front of the camera and guiding me through the entire process with such ease.

Darcie Williams

I had such a great time at my photo shoot. Regina was amazing! I felt empowered and I really enjoyed the whole day! The whole experience has lifted me up and has left me feeling stronger and more comfortable in my own skin. I’m so excited to be participating in this 40 women over 40 project!

Aerin Macdonald

Regina is so wonderful at helping you to feel at ease. She has beautiful sets and ideas, extra accessories, but most of all is warm and kind and genuine. The photos are gorgeous, and I consider myself a pretty awkward and unphotogenic subject! Could not ask for a better experience.

Barbara Edie

Wow... a truly international, master photographer right here in Victoria! Love Regina's ease, grace, and mastery of finding the right light, mood, and pose to reveal the beauty in everyone she photographers. And she's so much fun, too! I highly recommend her.

Janice Tremblay

I am absolutely in love with Regina’s eye, grace and skill! From the pre-shoot session through the experience of being photographed I was at ease. The portraits that she created are simply wonderful! What a treat to see myself in a way other than work and daily life. I highly recommend!

Alisa Gamblin

Wow, What an amazing experience to have Regina capture your beauty! It is a wonderful experience to be pampered; as you have your hair done, your makeup applied and then you get to have fun dressing in many different outfits and dong many different poses as Regina so skillfully captures your beauty and your soul. I highly recommend this experience with Regina Akhankina Portrait Couture to anyone! It is something everyone should gift themselves with!

Andrea Cameron

A natural photographer, Regina helped me feel at ease and directed me in a way so I could simply enjoy the experience.

Colleen Taporowski

Regina created a professional and fun experience that I will treasure! Great use of light and the final product was beyond my expectations!

Nadine Collison

I went for a boudoir shot with Regina and had the most positive and empowering experience! She guided me through the whole shoot, showing me how to pose, encouraging and supporting me along the way. The photos I ended up with (and it was hard to narrow them down as there were so many great ones) are beautiful and elegant, while others are playful and casual, and still others dramatic and sexy. I am a plus-sized woman in my mid 40s... but I think this is a great experience for ANY WOMAN of any size or any age if you want to feel beautiful! I highly recommend!

Therena Carlin

Beautiful images <3 Thank you

Sylvie Blais

The best experience I've ever have. I think every woman should experience a Boudoir shoot in their life and they should do it with Portrait Couture. There has been a lot happening in my life, I needed to do something for myself. After being pampered (hair and makeup) and the shoot I felt like a million dollars. The pictures are amazing ❤ I will definitely do it again if I ever come back to Victoria. Thank you again Regina and Alex !!

Kristine Small

If you are hesitant to do a photoshoot because you don’t feel you've hit your *ideal* weight, shape, age, etc. cast all that self-doubt away and call Regina! I guarantee you you will feel beautiful, sexy, and will not regret the experience. Regina is incredibly talented and will make you feel comfortable; she listened to exactly what I wanted and coached me through everything! Her professional makeup artist was incredible too! It was the best, self-empowering experience! I highly recommend Regina, she was absolutely amazing, and the photos turned out stunning!

Sidney Martini

Regina and Serge put me at ease very quickly. This was the first time I had had a "photo shoot". Regina gently guides you through posing and is so warm and caring that you can relax and be sure that she will capture the most flattering aspects of your personality. A review of portraits she has done will testify to her special talent. From business to casual and party to boudoir, it was a great experience. Every woman should do this at some time, I did this to celebrate turning 60 and am so glad I did. Thank you Regina for your warm and professional hospitality.

Dana Klint

An absolutely amazing experience. Regina and her team bring out your inner beauty. So empowering, every woman needs to do this!!

Amanda Poelman

Every woman should do this at least once in their lives! I was nervous because I've never been totally comfortable in my own skin, but wow!! I'm so happy with how my photo's turned out! From hair & make up, to the shoot, to the viewing of the photo's, this experience was one of the most empowering of my life and I highly recommend Regina and her team!

Nancy Smith

Thank you Regina and Alexandra Loughton for making my photo shoot such a special day. I highly recommend your services and hope we will work together again soon.

Gillian Adam

Would most definitely recommend Regina and her talented team. I am a shy person by nature and she made me feel.so comfortable. A fantastic experience. Look forward to future shoots.

Kelsey Kargus

Thank you to Regina, Ali and Serge for an amazing first experience for my pet diaries and boudoir photo shoot! Regina will put you at ease make you feel comfortable and is very professional. Also did I mention that they love animals?! I had my dog with me for 5 hours during the shoot and they absolutely spoiled him with treats and attention! They have a lovely home that they’ve turned into their multi room studio which is absolutely amazing! So ladies if you're on the fence about whether or not you should do a boudoir shoot. Stop debating and just go for it! You definitely won’t regret it! Or just any photo shoot at all Regina and Ali will make you feel beautiful❤️ can’t wait to go back and have more sessions with Regina!

Reinert Peterson

Regina is excellent at getting you to relax, enjoy the session and get the most out of your time at the studio. I am very happy with the work she did. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Portrait Couture. Thanks Regina!

Kaitlin Wells

This was my first time getting professional photographs taken of me and I cannot rave enough about the experience from start to finish. I was nervous and hesitant but after the initial discussion and the actual shoot, I can't wait to go back for more! Regina has a beautiful studio, is encouraging and an incredibly talented woman. Thank you!

Jenn Miller

I recently did a photoshoot for 30 in their 30s. I was super nervous and regina was able to ease those nerves to where I was beyond comfortable. The whole experience was amazing and I look forward to using her in the future!

Anika Ursuliak

Regina is wonderful to work with. I had boudoir photos done for the first time in my life this year. I lost my leg when I was in grade 6 and have been an amputee for over 30 years. Boudoir photos were something I dreamed of for myself but never mustered the courage to do. When I came across Regina’s page, I felt drawn to her work and decided to take the plunge. Regina immediately made me feel at ease. Her excitement and openness towards working with me and my limb difference made me feel beautiful. I would love to work with Regina again in the future.

Darsh Thomsen

Regina is brilliant. I had an amazing time and the photos are beautiful. I am proud to share!

Karen McArthur

Regina recently did my portraits for her 50 over 50 project and I couldn’t be happier. The whole afternoon was wonderful from the hair and makeup to her help with posing and wardrobe suggestions. I highly recommend her services!

Stephanie Wakefield

Regina is amazing! She is very professional and made me feel beautiful in all my shots! This was a first for me, and the morning of my shoot, I was feeling very nervous, and she really made me feel at ease with the camera. She guides you in how to pose and move in front of the camera. After just a short while of being there, my anxiety disappeared and I felt comfortable enough to start. She is very creative and is a perfectionist and has an eye for all the details. My photos turned out amazing! I went for a package, and they were all so good that it was hard to narrow down all the "good ones", as they were all so great! :) I can't wait for my next photoshoot with Regina and I would definitely recommend her to anyone who is thinking of getting some photos done for professional, bridal, and just for fun ! :)

Jen Tarala

I had a photoshoot done recently. Regina was absolutely amazing. She guided through the entire process and kept it fun. Her makeup artist was amazing as well. Very happy with the process and with the beautiful photos!! Highly recommend!!

wendy phillips

Amazing experience from start to finish. So much fun.The photos were outstanding. Love.

Marina John

Lovely experience! Good location

Jessica LePage

I could not have asked for a more professional, calm and welcoming environment for a very personal photoshoot! The atmosphere was calm and welcoming with a group that tended to every question and situation in such a perfect manner. I love my photos and would highly recommend both the experience, Regina and her team to anyone. I will definitely be using her services in the future for further photoshoot locations.

Paula Sauve

I'm a little camera shy, but my friends encouraged me to do a photoshoot. I'm also fast approaching 60! Well I'm glad I did, the day was a real treat, getting my hair and makeup done and the experience of trying on multiple outfits- felt darn right spectacular. Regina was lovely and helped to make me feel comfortable. I think everyone should experience this and honor themselves with an everlasting gift.

Mira Wade

I had a wonderful time with Regina and Ali earlier this year in July! They took the time to sort through my outfits, and created looks and poses that matched the personalities of what we chose. The pictures turned out beautifully and are true art pieces. I believe that Regina can create whatever image she desires, and she and Ali are excellent at making people feel beautiful!

Deniz Unsal

I loved working with Regina, she listens and researches ideas, explores possibilities and has an artistic eye on her work.

Cara Temmel

My photo shoot was a fun and very comfortable experience, and I absolutely plan to do it again in the future. They made me feel beautiful.

kiersten hussey

The experience that Regina and Ally provided the day of my shoot was nothing short of empowering. I left feeling more confident and more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. They were an excellent team and were unbelievably creative with backdrops, outfits, poses and we genuinely had a great time. … then I received my photos. They were spectacular, powerful and so beautiful. If you’re on the fence about a photo shoot I would highly recommend checking out Regina’s work.

Ryanna S

Just received my photos from the boudoir shoot and I couldn’t be happier! Thanks again for making me feel at ease during the shoot and making me feel absolutely beautiful!!!

Hailee More

Wonderfully creative, kind, and professional. It was my first time doing something like this and it was a great time... She made me feel comfortable and fabulous. 100% recommend the experience!

Sarah Shaw

Amazing to work with - truly empowers women to express their true selves. She is a magician with the camera lense.

Steve Wickware

Regina and Serge delivered exactly the experience we had hoped for. Excellent finished product from an outstanding talent. Looking forward to working with them again in the future and I have no hesitation in recommending them to you.

Leah Dobell

I absolutely love my portraits! Regina is an amazing photographer and a lovely human being. I had a great time at my shoot! Regina and her team made it fun, and I felt pampered and beautiful.