About Me
I’m Helina, an Estonian photographer with two homes — one tucked in the quiet forests near Estonia’s capital Tallinn, and the other shared between Valencia and Benitachell in sunny Spain. For over 20 years, I’ve travelled the world with curiosity — photographing people and cultures, tasting everything from fine dining to street food, and cultivating a long-standing love for wine along the way.
My journey into photography began through graphic design, one of my professional foundations. I’ve always been drawn to how visuals can be shaped, layered, and transformed — how a concept becomes a story through composition. At the same time, running my own production company, I started photographing our products myself — and that’s where something clicked.
What began as a practical solution slowly became a passion. Over time, people started asking me to photograph them, their stories, their work. That led to some magazine covers, personal portraits, intimate weddings and meaningful collaborations — and a deeper pull toward the emotional core of photography.
I’ve now been seriously and consciously photographing for about 10 years, always drawn to the moments that speak beyond the frame.
I became fascinated — even a little obsessed — with capturing "raw" emotion. I’m most inspired when I see something genuine unfold: a moment of softness, joy, vulnerability, connection. I’m less drawn to posed perfection and more interested in the quiet (or loud) truth behind a glance or a gesture.
I also believe that a good photograph doesn’t need to be heavily edited — often, it only needs a little touch. When the light, mood, and emotion are honest, the image already speaks.
Some of the most inspiring sessions for me take place in crumbling ruins and wild, forgotten spaces — places with texture, story, and soul. I’m especially drawn to photographing people who are bold, eccentric, and open-hearted. There’s a raw honesty in those moments that I love to capture.
I cover corporate events with a documentary mindset and a touch of editorial edge. I move quietly, reading the light and the rhythm of the room to capture what matters—keynotes, candid interactions, and brand-defining details. I shoot only with natural/practical light (no flash), keeping guests comfortable and the atmosphere authentic. I enjoy the real-world bustle and adapt quickly to any venue. Expect clean, consistent imagery ready for press, internal comms, and social. If needed, I’ll offer light direction—speaker angles, simple backdrop placement—without turning the event into a set.
Of course, I love intimate weddings — not just for the beauty of the day, but for the energy. People focus less on themselves and more on celebrating love. It’s joyful, human, and hopeful — and that always comes through in the photos.
And then there are animals — always genuine, always present. Some of my favourite sessions have been with pets and their humans. Animals open up instantly, and in doing so, they help people do the same. It’s in those quiet, unguarded moments that something truly real emerges.
And the horses. I’ve been around horses for most of my life — I did horse jumping for nearly 15 years, and the connection between human and horse still moves me deeply. Photographing horses — whether it’s a quiet moment in a field or powerful motion in stride — is something I do with instinct, emotion, and respect.
Even quieter sessions — personal portraits or intimate couple shoots — can be deeply moving. These moments of stillness allow for genuine connection, and in that space, I try to capture not just how someone looks, but who they are. For me, real beauty isn’t staged — it’s sincere. A photo that captures your essence becomes more than a memory; it becomes something you can return to whenever you need to reconnect with yourself.
See You Soon ❣️
Helina Saarniit
