Ilona Antina - Wedding Photographer

Tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based. Why did you decide to set up business in Mallorca?

I am based in beautiful Palma de Mallorca. Before I moved here, I was working in a bank in Germany and was a part-time photographer at the same time. It was a long way until I finally made the decision to leave my safe job at the bank and follow my passion for photography on this magical island of Mallorca. Now I feel like the luckiest person on earth for being able to do what I love and live in this happy place with the man of my dreams. 

What makes Mallorca a special place to be for someone in the photography business?

Mallorca has exceptionally beautiful light, beaches and mountaintops - the location choices are endless.

You have travelled all around the world. How has your experience shaped up what you offer in Mallorca? And your perception of the island?

That’s true, my travels have always been my biggest inspiration. I started to fall in love with photography through travelling as I was always so excited to capture my experiences and have those memories with me forever. Now, in addition to wedding photography, I also specialise in lifestyle photography, which allows me to record moments and sceneries that tell a story of what has brought people to this most beautiful island. 

What is special about your business? What sets you apart from everyone else?

My style and approach are very natural and my photography is a mix of documentary and editorial flair. I love to capture the real and raw moments as they are happening and would never ask anyone to look at the camera and smile. There are still plenty of photographers who prefer to work that way, and I am sure that there are still many couples who like these kinds of images, but that is not my way. If anyone is looking for posed pictures, I honestly tell them that I am not the photographer for them. I'd rather lose a job than be someone I’m not. 

Any areas in Mallorca you prefer in particular for wedding photography? And for fashion shoots? Why? 

My favourite wedding venues are the typical Mallorcan fincas. These ancient houses not only tell a history but they are surrounded by olive trees and the Tramuntana mountains or the sea. For me, the mountain area has something very dramatic and magical at the same time.

Which landscapes or spaces in Mallorca you find more photogenic?

I am completely in love with the west coast, with its winding roads leading up to the Tramuntana mountains overlooking valleys dotted with olive and lemon trees, as well as the Mediterranean sea. I had a 06:00 sunrise shooting at Cap de Formentor a couple of days ago and the colours of the light mixing with the sea and the mountains were simply amazing.  

Do you remember your first time in Mallorca?

Absolutely, it was love at first sight! The Mediterranean lifestyle, the turquoise clear sea water and the happy people sharing the island’s beauty with me drew me back to Mallorca so many times that I finally decided to stay. 

If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in Mallorca?

Everyone should definitely do the mountain drive (or hike) from Deià towards Sóller as it’s so beautiful! There are many little villages to stop for good food and small markets... The coastline on this route is very picturesque. 

Finally, can you give us a tip to escape the crowds in the summer?

If I tell you, it won’t be a place to escape the crowds anymore :-) However, we are lucky to live on this magical island where it only takes a 15 minutes car drive outside of Palma and you are able to be in the middle of nature, completely on your own.