Ramona Elena Balaban Capturing Architectural Stories Through the Lens

Ramona Elena Balaban, a freelance photographer based in Como, Italy, has made a name for herself in the world of interior and architectural photography. With a passion for storytelling through her camera, Ramona’s work has graced the pages of international magazines, and her projects have won her several Architecture MasterPrize awards. In this interview, Ramona discusses her transition from law to photography, the challenges of her award-winning projects, and her inspirations as an artist.

Can you give us a little background on yourself and how you became a photographer?

Ramona Elena Balaban: I live in Como, Italy, and work worldwide as a freelance photographer. My journey into photography wasn’t traditional. I initially studied law and was a member of the Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Studies Centre at the University of Insubria. In 2017, I realized that my true passion was photography, so I made the decision to dedicate myself to interior, architectural, and portrait photography. I’m self-taught, and I’ve been fortunate to have my work published in international magazines while collaborating with architects and designers across Italy and abroad.

What were the challenges you faced in your award-winning projects?

Ramona Elena Balaban: I presented three projects: The Pocket Theatre, Papieri, and The House of Books. Each had its own challenges, but The Pocket Theatre was the most difficult. It’s a small, British-inspired theatre designed by Giuseppe Amato in Milan, and the space was very narrow and dark. The challenge was to recreate the atmosphere of 17th-century British theatres. For the other two projects, both of which were editorials, the main challenge was natural light. I love working with soft, natural light, so timing the photos at sunset gave me the beautiful warm light I needed to capture the spaces before it disappeared.

What are you most proud of in these projects?

Ramona Elena Balaban: I’m proud of the beautiful publications that resulted from these projects. Seeing my work featured in prominent magazines like Elle Decoration and Marie Claire Maison is always a rewarding experience, and there are more to come.

What led you to pursue photography professionally?

Ramona Elena Balaban: Photography has always been a passion of mine, but I never thought of becoming a professional photographer. While I was studying law, Airbnb reached out to me to photograph holiday homes in my area, Lake Como, after seeing my amateur photos on Flickr. I started doing it as a side job but didn’t take it too seriously. It was after the birth of my first child that I decided to fully dedicate myself to photography. I was going through postpartum depression, and photography was the only thing that made me happy. It helped me overcome that difficult time, and from then on, my path became clear.

Who are your biggest influences in photography?

Ramona Elena Balaban: I’m influenced by movies a lot. I take screenshots of scenes that inspire me and store them in a folder called “inspiration.” I’ve learned a lot by studying photos in magazines, and I still buy a lot of them. I admire photographers like Matthieu Salvaign and Robert Rieger for their recognizable styles. I also love the work of past photographers like Richard Avedon and Irving Penn. One photographer I admire greatly is Aldo Ballo—his product photography for design objects was genius!

If you could own any building or design object, what would it be?

Ramona Elena Balaban: I would love to own the Katsura Imperial Villa in Japan. Its rigor and simplicity, along with the beautiful Japanese garden, are captivating. I can imagine myself performing a tea ceremony in that magical place. I’ve never been to Japan, but I dream of having a photography project there—maybe something like Katsura Villa.

What trends or technologies do you think will shape the future of photography?

Ramona Elena Balaban: The development of AI will definitely have an impact, but I don’t see it as negative. I’ve started using some AI features, and they’ve been great time-savers. It’s all about understanding its potential and integrating it into our workflow. AI is a tool that can enhance our work, not replace it.

How do you think photography can make a difference in society?

Ramona Elena Balaban: Photography is the main way for people to see and learn about the projects, visions, and dreams of architects and designers who shape the world around us. It has the power to inspire, and if one of my photos can make someone think deeply or spark their creativity, then I’ve made a difference. That’s what I strive for—memorable images that resonate.

What does winning the Architecture MasterPrize mean to you?

Ramona Elena Balaban: Receiving recognition for my work is definitely a confidence booster. It validates my efforts and encourages me to keep pushing forward. Professionally, it gives me more exposure, and it’s always rewarding when your work is seen and appreciated by more people in the industry.

We thank Ramona Elena Balaban for sharing her journey into architectural photography and the challenges she overcame in her award-winning projects. Her passion for capturing light, architecture, and emotion continues to inspire and enrich the world of design.