Yana Benjamin shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Yana, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I’m most alive when I’m in a flow state – those rare, expansive moments when time seems to disappear and I feel fully immersed in what I’m doing. Photography is one of the clearest doorways into that state for me. To create my best work, I have to be completely present, attuned not just to the light or the composition, but to the energy of the people I’m photographing. It requires intuition, sensitivity, and trust in the moment, and when it all comes together, it feels like everything else fades away. I’m simply there, seeing clearly, creating freely.
But flow doesn’t only happen behind the camera. I find it underwater, too – scuba diving slows me down in the best way. It reconnects me to my breath, my body, and the quiet of the natural world. The rhythm of diving, the calm, deliberate movements, the weightlessness, brings me a deep internal balance that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. On the other end of the spectrum, I also love boxing. It’s fast, focused, and sharp, a completely different kind of intensity, but with the same outcome: I return to myself. Through breath, discipline, and physical presence, I tap back into my center.
These are the spaces where I feel grounded, alive, and whole, whether I’m creating, moving, or simply being. They remind me who I am when the noise quiets and I allow myself to just be.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Yana, I grew up in Slovakia, and my journey as a photographer has always been guided by a deep commitment to connection and intentionality. What sets my work apart is that I’ve consciously chosen not to become a high-volume photo studio. Rather than working with hundreds of clients each year, I focus on offering a more personal and meaningful experience, one that’s built on genuine connection and trust. I take the time to truly get to know each couple, allowing their personalities and stories to shape the way I capture their moments.
By intentionally limiting the number of bookings I take on annually, I’m able to provide a boutique experience that’s thoughtful, attentive, and tailored to each client’s unique vision. For me, it’s not just about beautiful photographs – it’s about creating something lasting, honest, and deeply personal.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I believe my dad saw my true spirit from an early age – the part of me that was curious, observant, and drawn to the energy of the world beyond what was familiar. As a journalist, he often took me along on his assignments, turning his reporting trips into little adventures we shared. Whether we were attending press events, or simply observing people in their element, I was captivated. Those early experiences introduced me to the world of news and storytelling, and they left a lasting imprint on me. I didn’t just witness events, I got to see the stories behind them, the humanity within them.
That’s also how I first fell in love with photography. Watching moments unfold and realizing how a single image could carry the weight of a story, that fascinated me. Being in the midst of real-life narratives, constantly learning from people and places, felt like the most vivid and meaningful way to live. That early passion guided me toward a master’s degree in Journalism and eventually a career as a reporter for a press agency.
But over time, my path evolved. While I still valued storytelling, I felt a pull toward something more personal and emotional – something that could allow me to document not just events, but moments of deep connection. That’s when I shifted my focus fully to wedding and elopement photography. It felt like a natural extension of what I had always loved: capturing the raw, unscripted moments that define people’s lives. In many ways, I’ve never left journalism, I’ve just found a more intimate lens through which to tell stories.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, I start to feel depleted when my work begins to take more than it gives back. There are times, especially during the high season, when I feel completely overwhelmed and physically exhausted. This often stems from long hours, extensive travel, or the sense that my efforts are going unnoticed or unappreciated. When that balance tips too far, it becomes difficult to stay connected to the purpose behind what I do.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that I’m someone who values integrity and clear communication above all else. Holding space for honesty is important, even when it’s uncomfortable. This commitment to truthfulness extends not only to how I treat others but also to how I try to live in alignment with myself. I strive to make sure that my actions reflect my values, and I feel most at peace when there’s clarity between intention and reality.
At the heart of what I value in life are a few simple but powerful things: my family, the ability to travel, and the joy of learning through doing. I’m a naturally curious person – someone who thrives on fresh experiences, new perspectives, and the feeling of discovering something just beyond the edge of my comfort zone. Whether it’s through exploring a new place or picking up a new skill, I find energy in movement and growth. And yet, even with this hunger for novelty and exploration, I deeply value stability, especially in my relationships. I want roots and wings. There’s something sacred to me about having steady, authentic connections that provide a sense of home no matter where I go.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
The light of expressing ideas boldly without trimming them down to what’s safe or expected is something I’ve always carried with me. It’s a form of inner fire that fuels creativity, honesty, and presence. Yet, like many people, I’ve felt that light dim at times, often because of the fear of being judged or the subtle pressure to blend in. Growing up in Europe, I was surrounded by communication styles that were often direct, even blunt, a norm that shaped how I showed up in conversations and how I valued clarity. But as I’ve moved through different cultures and spaces, I’ve learned that communication isn’t just about expressing truth; it’s also about how that truth is received.
In some parts of the world, what feels like honesty to me might feel like intensity to someone else. I’ve come to see that adapting doesn’t mean silencing my voice – it means learning to speak in ways that build bridges rather than walls. This awareness hasn’t erased my boldness, but it has deepened it, given it more dimension. I now hold space for both: the courage to speak with integrity and the wisdom to shape that expression in ways that are thoughtful, respectful, and culturally attuned.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yanabenjamin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanabenjaminphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-benjamin-1791361b5/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/yanasdarkroom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YanaBenjaminPhotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/yana-benjamin-photography-ann-arbor-2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDgMFWGvP0wm6EWhyCUxiNA
Image Credits
Copper Twig Collective (Yana’s portrait)
