Meet IRENA BALASHKO, a seasoned photographer with over a decade of experience capturing weddings across Europe and the U.S. Known for her deep love of both digital and film photography, Irena brings a timeless, soulful approach to her work. Long before film regained popularity, she was drawn to its soft grain, rich tones, and ability to immortalize a moment with unmatched emotional depth.
With a portfolio that spans Lake Como, Paris, and beyond, Irena is inspired by travel, artistry, and the quiet magic found in real moments. Her imagery evokes nostalgia and elegance, carefully curated for couples who value beauty, emotion, and intention. Whether it’s a lakeside celebration in Italy or a romantic elopement in the heart of France, Irena approaches each story with a passionate eye and a heart for connection—turning fleeting moments into enduring heirlooms.
WHAT LED YOU TO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, AND HOW DID YOUR CAREER BEGIN?
I always dreamed of being an artist, but my connection with brushes and paints never quite came to life. With my mom being an artist, I always felt a deep artistic vision within me—I just didn’t know how to bring it to the surface. Then, in 2014, I picked up a camera for the first time. With just a press of a button, I discovered a new way to paint—through my lens.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE, AND WHAT SETS YOU APART?
I’m a film photographer who blends editorial, documentary, and film aesthetics to create timeless wedding stories. My focus is on capturing real emotions with an artistic edge, paying special attention to portraits that feel natural and intimate. Film adds depth, nostalgia, and a unique texture, making every image truly one of a kind.
“In my free time, I usually go to the flower market in the morning to pick out my favorites, catch a movie, cook a meal without a rush, and definitely don’t open Lightroom”
WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO CAPTURING A WEDDING? DO YOU PREFER A STRUCTURED OR MORE CANDID STYLE?
My approach is a balance of candid storytelling and thoughtful organization. I love capturing genuine, unscripted emotions and embracing improvisation to create authentic moments. At the same time, I value structure and great timing, ensuring no detail is missed. This allows me to document the day naturally while staying organized enough to catch every important moment beautifully. If you’re shooting both film and digital, there’s no way around it—you’ve got to stay organized and think ahead.
WHAT’S ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE WEDDINGS YOU’VE EVER PHOTOGRAPHED, AND WHY?
The first wedding that really stands out to me, and I have to tell you about, is the beautiful wedding of Evgeny and Nikola on Sicily. Among the guests was the legendary Mario Testino, a photographer I think everyone knows. It was such a cool and unforgettable experience. We had a small talk that I’ll never forget!
The second wedding that immediately comes to mind was in Florence. And, totally by chance, Kanye West showed up and came over to take a photo with the newlyweds. Of course, I grabbed the opportunity and took some shots. Afterward, the couple and I couldn’t stop talking about that incredible moment for ages! The next day, all the news was about it!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUPLES WHEN CHOOSING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
Find someone whose work you love, whose vibe you click with, and who won’t make you do awkward prom poses. Oh, and if they say, “Don’t worry, we’ll fix it in Photoshop,” run!
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BEYOND WEDDINGS? ANY PERSONAL PROJECTS OR CREATIVE INFLUENCES?
Every year I organize editorial photoshoots just for myself. It helps me keep my eye sharp during wedding season, find inspiration, and discover new angles and ideas. When I first started photography, I originally wanted to be a fashion photographer. That’s why now I love creating projects that mix both wedding and fashion photography.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT BEHIND THE CAMERA, HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?
In my free time, I usually go to the flower market in the morning to pick out my favorites, catch a movie, cook a meal without a rush, and definitely don’t open Lightroom
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION WEDDING TO PHOTOGRAPH – WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
My dream destination wedding would be at a French chateau somewhere in the South of France , with a vibe straight out of a Wes Anderson movie—perfectly styled and full of color. The dress code would be chic, with colorful, stylish guests, and there’d definitely be live music to keep the energy up. It would be all about creating a visual story, full of elegance, personality, and, of course, a lot of love!
IF YOU COULD GIVE COUPLES ONE TIP FOR FEELING COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
My tip for couples to feel comfy in front of the camera is to focus on each other and forget about the lens. Just enjoy the moment, laugh, and be yourselves! The best photos happen when you’re relaxed and having fun together—it’s all about capturing those real, authentic emotions.
WHAT’S YOUR GEAR SETUP?
I am a Canon girl: I use the Canon R6 Mark II, and for film, I use both Contax and Canon.
