From Passion to Fine-Art Mastery
Photography is more than just an image—it is a feeling, a frozen moment, a story waiting to be told. Some photographers find their passion early, while others stumble upon it through life’s twists and turns. But for all artists, the journey from beginner to expert is filled with lessons, struggles, and defining moments.
At AURA AWARDS, we created the NOW & THEN Project to highlight the incredible transformations of photographers who have grown, evolved, and refined their craft. Today, we shine the light on Ella Drozynska, a UK-based fine-art photographer who has captured the essence of family, motherhood, and childhood in the most breathtaking way.
Her journey is one of dedication, perseverance, and a love for storytelling—a story that continues to unfold with every new image she creates.
Meet Ella Drozynska – The Heart Behind Kidi Photography
Some artists are born with a camera in hand. Others, like Ella Drozynska, are drawn to it by something deeper—a longing to preserve fleeting moments and turn them into timeless memories.
“My name is Ella, and I am the face behind Kidi Photography by Ella. But first, I am a mother, a wife, and a storyteller.
Memories have always fascinated me. The way a tiny newborn’s fingers curl around a parent’s hand, the sparkle in a child’s eyes, the quiet love in a mother’s embrace—these moments pass in an instant, but through photography, they can last forever.
Photography has always been part of my life. I carried my camera everywhere, capturing everything that made my heart skip a beat. But it wasn’t until my university years, when I photographed nature for a local newspaper, that I realized something:
This isn’t just a passion. This is my purpose.
Becoming a mother only deepened that purpose. I saw how quickly my children grew—the tiny toes, the sleepy cuddles, the laughter filling our home. I wanted to hold onto it all. And so, Kidi Photography was born, not just as a business, but as a way to give other families what I longed for myself: a way to freeze time.”
NOW & THEN – A Journey of Growth and Transformation
Photography is an endless journey of growth. No one starts as a master. Every award-winning artist once struggled with light, composition, and finding their unique voice.
That’s why we created the NOW & THEN Project—to celebrate not just the success, but the journey. The late nights of editing, the frustration of getting a shot just right, the joy of finally capturing something magical.
For Ella, that journey has been one of passion and relentless learning. She has gone from capturing simple family moments to creating breathtaking fine-art portraits that are rich in storytelling, detail, and emotion.
What We Can Learn from Ella’s Evolution
Ella’s growth as a photographer didn’t happen overnight. It was a path of trial and error, challenges, and personal breakthroughs. Through her transformation, she has learned:
Lighting is Everything – Mastering natural and studio light changed the way she saw photography. The right light can turn a simple moment into an extraordinary masterpiece.
Styling Matters – Colors, props, and textures bring depth and personality to an image. Over time, Ella developed a fine-art approach that blends elegance with warmth.
Photography is Storytelling – A great photo isn’t just technically perfect; it tells a story, capturing emotions and connections in a way that words never could.
Growth is Never-Ending – Even after winning multiple awards, Ella continues to push her creative limits, explore new techniques, and evolve with every session.
Her journey reminds us all that where we start doesn’t define where we will end up. Every mistake is a lesson, every challenge an opportunity, and every photo a stepping stone toward something greater.
Below is one of Ella´s Work at her starting point in 2016.
The AURA AWARDS Interview with Ella Drzynska
As part of the NOW & THEN Project, we sat down with Ella to talk about her evolution, the lessons she has learned, and what keeps her inspired.
Q: When did you first start your journey as a professional photographer?
A: Ella – My journey truly began in 2016, though I hesitate to call it “professional” at that stage. It was the year I picked up my camera with real intention—capturing my own children, friends, and families. It started as a deep love for preserving fleeting moments, and slowly, it became something more. I didn’t just want to take photos; I wanted to create memories that last a lifetime.
Q: Looking at your earliest and latest work, what changes are you most proud of?
A: Ella – Everything! Looking back, my first photos were… let’s just say, a work in progress! Lighting, editing, styling—I had so much to learn. But if I had to choose one thing I’m most proud of, it would be mastering light. Light is everything in photography. It creates mood, depth, and emotion. Learning how to harness it changed the way I see the world through my lens.
Q: In the early years, what did you struggle with the most in photography?
A: Ella – Oh, where do I begin? Everything felt like a challenge at first. Some photographers seem to have a natural talent, but for me, it was all about passion, persistence, and sheer determination. I remember early on, someone told me I wasn’t cut out for photography—that my images were a disaster. It stung, but instead of giving up, I used it as fuel.
The hardest part was trying to teach myself everything. I had no formal guidance, no workshops—just my camera, my curiosity, and endless nights of trial and error. Lighting was my biggest struggle, followed closely by editing. And honestly? Photoshop and I still have a complicated relationship!
Q: How did you develop your lighting skills to create the look you have today?
A: Ella – My biggest teachers? Two wonderful photographer friends who shared their wisdom, and my four-year-old daughter, who patiently let me practice in the park every day.
For studio photography, I spent years fine-tuning my setups, learning how to shape and control artificial light. Every session taught me something new. Eventually, I attended workshops that helped me refine my technique even further.
For outdoor photography, it was pure magic—watching how sunlight kissed my daughter’s face, learning how shadows danced through the trees, and discovering how different times of day painted an entirely new mood onto the scene. That’s when I truly fell in love with light.
Q: Was there a defining moment or image that made you feel like you had “leveled up”?
A: Ella – Absolutely. There was one autumn afternoon when I captured a photo of my two children—golden leaves swirling around them, their little hands intertwined. That image felt different. It was warm, intimate, filled with emotion. For the first time, I looked at my work and thought, Yes. This is me. This is my art.
Q: What’s something you wish you had known when you first started in photography?
A: Ella – That photography is so much more than just taking pictures. It’s time-consuming, emotionally demanding, and an endless journey of learning. And it’s expensive! Cameras, lenses, props, editing software—it’s an investment not just of money, but of heart.
Would I have still chosen this path if I had known all this beforehand? Without a doubt. Because despite all the challenges, photography has given me a way to freeze time, to create magic, and to give families something priceless—their memories, preserved forever.
Q: How has submitting your work to contests like AURA AWARDS helped you evolve as a photographer?
A: Ella – It has been a game-changer. When you pour your heart into an image, it’s easy to overlook things. But through competitions like AURA AWARDS, I’ve received honest, unbiased feedback—little details I might not have noticed, but that make all the difference.
More than that, it has given me confidence. Seeing my work recognized among talented photographers worldwide has been a huge motivation to keep pushing forward.
Q: If you were only allowed to use one lens for the rest of your career, which one would it be and why?
A: Ella – Oh, that’s like choosing between work and passion! Most of my sessions are in the studio, but my heart belongs to the outdoors. If I had to pick just one, I’d go with my 35mm lens. It’s perfect for my small studio space, and it was one of the best purchases I ever made.
Q: What’s the next big dream or milestone you’re working toward?
A: Ella – I have one big dream. I’ve been so close to achieving it three times, but I don’t want to say it out loud just yet—I don’t want to jinx it! If it happens this year, you’ll be the first to know.
Q: If you could give just one golden piece of advice to photographers trying to establish themselves, what would it be?
A: Ella – Follow your dream, but make sure it’s YOUR dream—not someone else’s.
Ella’s Journey – A True Inspiration
Ella’s story is a reminder that every photographer starts somewhere. Growth takes time, dedication, and a relentless passion for learning.
Through her lens, she has turned family moments into fine art, fleeting memories into tangible treasures. Her images aren’t just pictures; they are stories filled with warmth, love, and timeless beauty.
At AURA AWARDS, we are honored to showcase Ella Drzynska’s incredible journey in our NOW & THEN Project. Her transformation is proof that with hard work, creativity, and heart, every photographer can turn their vision into something extraordinary.
Follow Ella’s work at: https://www.kidiphotography.co.uk/
Join the AURA AWARDS and take your journey to the next level! www.aura-awards.com