Hi, I’m Yelena — an award-winning photographer based in Auckland.

I live in the beautiful seaside suburb of Rothesay Bay with my daughter Neda, my husband Nenad, and our two curious cats, Sophie and Masha.

Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been drawn to people’s faces — the way a single expression can reveal so much raw, unspoken emotion. But I’ve also been deeply drawn to colour, and the way it can shape mood, feeling, and memory in such a powerful and subtle way.

From a young age, I was passionate about art. Art history was my favourite subject at university, and that love for classical composition, colour theory, and storytelling still influences the way I frame and edit my images today. Whether it’s the soft pastels of a newborn session or the warm golden light during a family shoot, I see photography as a form of painting with light and emotion.

That artistic curiosity eventually led me to study photography and earn my diploma — and over the years, my work has been recognised by some incredible organisations. In 2025, I received a Silver with Merit in the Children category at the Asia Pacific Photo Awards, along with Highly Commended Awards in both 2024 and 2025. I was also honoured with the People’s Choice Award (2024) for Newborn photography, and in 2025, my work was acknowledged by the International Photography Awards with both a Special Selection and an Honourable Mention in the Children category.

But truly, the greatest reward is being invited into people's lives to capture the quiet magic of everyday moments — a sleepy yawn, a shared joke, a gentle touch.

For me, photography is a kind of time travel. Years from now, when the details begin to fade, a photograph can bring you right back — to the feeling of holding your newborn, the chaos and joy of family life, or that one look between you and your partner that said everything.

During our session, my aim is always to make you and your family feel relaxed and comfortable. We’ll laugh, play, and ease into it together. There’s no pressure to “perform” — just space to be yourselves, so I can capture the real, meaningful moments that matter most.

I’d love for you to read what some of my clients have shared below. And if you feel a connection to my work — I’d be honoured to help tell your story through my lens.

Let me know if you’d like to add a call-to-action or contact info at the end, or adapt it for a shorter version (e.g. About section for Instagram or homepage).