Hello,

I am Elena (Lena) Baldes, a family photographer.

I was born and raised in Russia where I started my photography journey back in 2011 — I took my first course to learn the basics of camera settings and composition.

The next step was becoming a part of a small photography group that was focusing on portraits, mostly in the studio.

In 2013 I moved to Germany, and for the next 10 years I was on my own, too shy to offer portrait photoshoots and focusing on landscapes and cityscapes instead. I loved that part of my journey too, just wished I would have had more opportunities to take pictures of people.

In 2022 I bought a new camera and thought it was too good to be used for only ad hoc landscape shots. I signed up for the “Warmth in the Lens” course by Tatyana Nadezhdina, and that pretty much turned my world upside down. Tatyana turned out to be one of the best teachers and persons I’ve ever known; and I found a lot of joy in working with families, capturing their emotions, freezing-in-time smiles, hugs, and laughter — all those moments that you treasure and share with your kids and grandkids, parents, and grandparents…

I still have a full-time job and photography is my hobby, but I will be happy to help you capture your family’s precious moments.

I now live in USA, Beaverton/OR, and will be happy to travel ~30 miles from 97007.