Briefly About Me (The Woman Behind the Lens)
Hi! And welcome to my first blog post. I’m Irena. Latvian-born, currently based in Auckland but really, my story weaves through many corners of the world.
I come from Latvia, a tiny country in Northern Europe with ancient forests, white sand beaches, and more storks than people (ok, not quite, but close). It’s known for its folk songs, midsummer celebrations, and ridiculously good rye bread. I have crafted the skill of making amazing Latvian honey cake, which happens to be my husband’s favourite. My secret talent if I may praise myself.
Picture from 2018.
I’ll share a fun fact right at the start, because I’m still quite proud of this time in my life- I used to be a cheerleader (and even more shocking: I had red hair). High energy, high kicks, and full-on performances. Those were some of the best years of my early twenties; being part of that team, always buzzing with events and exposure. Not sure if I can still pull off any of those tricks though…
A tiny part of our 12 people group. Can you spot me? :)
Despite the bright energy, I’ve always been an introvert at heart. I love deep chats and quiet corners. I’d choose a night at home over a party any day. Long conversations that stretch for hours? That’s my happy place.
It doesn’t mean I never leave the house. I enjoy meeting new people. But since I started studying the Human Design (HD) system, I’ve learned that my energy comes in bursts and I don't have consistent access to it. That is where mindfulness comes in. I need to pause and have a quiet downtime by myself.
When I leaned into my personality type and started living a more balanced life according to HD: pursuing my dreams and living for myself, I began to notice a different side of me. More at ease, less burnt out (let’s be honest, who even knows what work/life balance really means, right? Especially when you're your own boss).
Noticing my energy levels, moods, and thoughts has shown me who I am and who society tried to shape me into in the past. Majority of my friends don’t believe when I say I am a low energy type. Explanation is rather simple. We can “run“ on other peoples energy too. That is what I used to do. But I didn’t understand why after social gatherings I always felt like I was struck by bus and I needed a day to recover. It was because I was feeding on “stolen“ energy (in simple words).
My husband and I first came to New Zealand in 2014 on a Working Holiday visa like most Europeans do. We applied for both Canada and NZ, but the Kiwi visa landed in our inbox within two weeks so it was a clear winner. At the time, I didn’t know much about the country. He’ d done all the research, I just tagged along for the adventure.
Roy's Peak. The love for hiking begins. New Zealand
We thought it would be a once-in-a-lifetime thing and then off to the next country. Which we did. We travelled Australia in campervan doing relocations, backpacking in South East Asia for 3 month non-stop, then moved to Vancouver when our WH visas for Canada finally came through (they take they sweet time over there). We also managed to picked grapes in Champagne in France for their harvest season, worked in many wineries across several countries, did some volunteering jobs and even worked in a dairy farm. The stinkiest experience of them all. And that all with just a 7kg backpacks each. I am stilled awed that we managed to do that! So if you need any travelling tips, I am happy to share what I know (and what I remember). I used to write a travel blog (the text is only in Latvian, but you are welcome to either use a translator or just see the pics. The quality of the pics aren’t the greatest considering I only had a very cheap camera on hand back then). There are also few videos you can watch.
Uluru / Ayers Rock. Australia
But not long before I turned 30, something shifted in me. I wanted to settle down as I was tired of living out of suitcases. Travelling is fun and all but it is also extremely exhausting. I wanted to own a couch, I wanted my own bed, my garden. And when I asked myself where I’d want to do that… the answer was obvious. New Zealand. For both of us NZ was the first pick so it was an easy choice.
The nature, the relaxed lifestyle, the feeling of peace - it all stayed with me. It still does. This country stole my heart. It’s home now! My family didn’t fully understand why we’d move so far from everyone we know. But when something feels right, you just know. I’ve never once regretted returning here.
So how did photography come into this?
Back in 2019, when we returned to New Zealand and found ourselves in the middle of the COVID lockdown, something inside me stirred. When the restrictions lifted, I was craving new experiences. I started capturing local events in Christchurch- festivals like Electric Avenue, The Great Kiwi Beer festival and Nostalgia. I did it for free just to try it out. I knew I didn't have much to loose by trying. I quickly noticed that what drew me in wasn’t the scene or the stage, it was people. Expressions. Emotions. The spark in someone’s eyes. The energy of the place.
The Electric Avenue festival in Christchurch, NZ
Then, in 2022, I photographed my first maternity session in Piha Beach in West Auckland. The day was perfect for beach photoshoot, everything aligned beautifully. And the couple! Just a dream to photograph! So in love, expecting their first baby. Their joy and energy was so contagious that I left the shoot glowing. And when they told me how much they loved their images, something clicked. I knew I need to explore this further. Working in hospitality and retail taught me how to approach strangers, make people feel welcome, and step beyond my natural shyness. It was a skill I had to learn. It has helped me in my photography so much and I am grateful for those experiences.
My first maternity session back in 2022 with Eden and Cameron in Piha
I’ve since invested a lot in myself. Courses, editing skills, new gear and more importantly, I’ve learnt how to bring people’s stories to life. There always is a reason for booking a photoshoot. Through portrait photography, I get to be a part of something special. I get to witness these precious moments and in a way be a part of it. It gives me a sense of connection and value.
Plus with all the Human Design knowledge I’ve gained so far (I’m still studying, but I’ve completed my first certificate in foundational knowledge), my goal is to tune into my clients' energy and reflect back their potential the way they were always meant to shine in this world.
This is exactly what I’m pouring into my new personalised photoshoots for women. I love working with women. I admire their depth, strength, softness, and spark. And if I’m honest, I’ve probably always been a quiet feminist at heart.
I want my work to be meaningful!
With Love, Irena