I started April in Berlin, attending Way Up North for the third time — and what a way to begin the month. My first time was in Berlin back in October 2023, then Florence in May 2024, and now returning to Berlin felt like a full-circle moment. This conference has become something I look forward to — it fills me up creatively, connects me with others, and always reminds me why I do what I do.

The Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm) dominates the skyline as visitors take a photo in Alexanderplatz.
A tall modernist apartment building with beige facade and distinctive stacked balconies stands against a cloudy sky.
A black pendant lamp hangs between two vintage fashion photographs on a light blue wall with track lighting above.
A hand holds an event program while people gather around a table under glowing balloon lights at an indoor venue.
A group of friends smiling together at what appears to be a casual indoor event with blue decor visible in background.
Hand holding library card in front of orange Art Deco style apartment building with curved corners in urban setting at sunset.
Construction crane and Berlin TV Tower stand against bright blue sky with urban buildings below.
Text saying 'WE NEED YOUR ART' displayed on stage screen with crowd silhouettes at an event.
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WUN Berlin


This time, I also had the chance to speak during the PicTime Storytelling Evening, which was such an honor. I shared a photo from Jasmine and Aaron’s wedding — a quiet, magical moment under the Northern Lights. I spoke about how, in moments where we don’t feel inspired or confident in our work, we should keep looking for those “Northern Lights” to appear in our skies — the moments of wonder that remind us of our purpose.



A wedding photograph placed on wooden surface shows a couple embracing under the magical glow of the Northern Lights in the night sky.
When we feel uninspired or stuck, we just need to keep looking up — like waiting for the Northern Lights. The magic always returns. Sometimes quietly, sometimes all at once. But it’s there, waiting to appear in our skies.
When we feel uninspired or stuck, we just need to keep looking up — like waiting for the Northern Lights. The magic always returns. Sometimes quietly, sometimes all at once. But it’s there, waiting to appear in our skies.

WAY UP CLOSE


I also brought a small personal project with me to Berlin — a series of “ 1 question ” interviews I did with other photographers, each one centered around the question: what is good enough?

It’s something I’ve asked myself many times — especially in a creative field where there’s always someone doing more, achieving more, sharing more. Hearing how others define “enough” in their work and life was eye-opening. The answers were thoughtful, vulnerable, and so honest.

It reminded me that even though we all have different styles, paths, and experiences — we’re all trying to feel content with what we create, to quiet the noise of comparison, and to trust that what we bring to the table is worthy.

WUN AWARDS


And then, something really special happened — two of my images were recognized with Way Up North Awards this year.


Best Wedding Vibe — This moment was from Tara & Shane’s wedding. Tara’s brother had just proposed to his partner, and this photo shows their mom erupting in joy, arms in the air, while everyone raised their glasses around her. It was spontaneous, raw, and completely full of life — a celebration within a celebration.


Best Wedding Moment — Captured during Katrina’s wild elopement adventure, just moments after her dress got partially melted by the volcanic heat. Her expression says it all. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and unforgettable — the kind of realness that makes this job so beautiful.


These awards felt like a reminder that the way I see things — the humor, the emotion, the unexpected — has value. That these fleeting, unscripted moments are just as worthy of recognition as the polished portraits. And when I find myself spiraling into comparison, I try to come back to that. To the trust my couples give me, to the stories we tell together, and to the joy of capturing life as it happens.

People raising glasses of beer in celebration with arms extended upward while cheering together.
A person in a flowing white dress stands among dark rocky terrain creating dramatic contrast with the landscape.
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Icelandic and Lithuanian community


One of the things that made this WUN especially meaningful was seeing how many photographers from Iceland were there. It felt like we were everywhere — reconnecting in between talks, dancing at the Banana Party, or simply cheering each other on.

Over the past few years, I’ve watched our local scene grow into something really special. I even created the Wedding Photographers in Iceland group to bring us closer together, and it’s been amazing to see that space evolve into a supportive, generous little hub of talent. Seeing so many familiar faces in Berlin made it feel like home away from home.

And this time, I also felt deeply connected to the Lithuanian community — meeting so many incredible photographers from my roots. There’s a quiet kind of joy in those moments — where two parts of who I am meet in one space. Conversations flowed so naturally, and I left feeling proud of where I come from, and of all the talent and warmth that the Lithuanian photography world carries.

Being surrounded by both of these communities — my chosen one and my original one — reminded me that the work we do is never in isolation. We’re all lifted by the people around us, by the stories we hear, the hugs we exchange, the “me too” moments over coffee and tired feet.

The iconic Fernsehturm television tower in Berlin rises against a bright blue sky as seen from below.
A group of friends taking a selfie together outside the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on a city street.
A Berlin street with tram tracks leading to the iconic TV Tower on a clear day against blue sky.
A group gathers for a photo outside a tan-colored building with curved balconies in an urban setting.
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FINAL THOUGHTS


As I flew home from Berlin, my heart felt full — from the stories shared, the connections deepened, the laughter, the dancing, the little reminders sprinkled throughout the days. The speeches this year stayed with me long after the lights dimmed — each one a quiet nudge to keep going, to trust the process, to remember why we pick up our cameras in the first place.

These kinds of gatherings aren’t just about learning something new — they’re about remembering who we are, what we bring, and how much community matters.

And now, I’m already looking ahead — the next Way Up North will take place in Stockholm, where it all began 10 years ago. There's something poetic about that. A return to where the seeds of this creative family were first planted. I can’t wait to be there — to listen, to laugh, to grow, and to celebrate just how far we've all come.

Maya Angelou quote about making people feel appears on screen over sunset sky with rainbow.
Two colleagues wearing lanyards take a selfie together outside a shop window on a sunny day.
Berlin street view with tram tracks leading to iconic TV Tower against blue sky and historic Synagogue building.
A view of the Volksbuhne theater in Berlin with its distinctive art deco architecture and flags on a sunny day.
Two festival-goers in sunglasses, hats and winter clothing pose together outside a theater entrance.
The Berlin TV Tower rises into a misty blue sky with its distinctive sphere and antenna visible against clouds.
Group of friends taking a selfie together on a sunny day in front of historic architecture.
Rear view of a classic blue Ford Thunderbird parked in a lot showcasing its distinctive taillights and chrome trim.
A city street in Berlin with the iconic TV Tower visible in the background on a sunny day.
A group enjoying drinks and food while dining outdoors at a restaurant patio table on a sunny day.
A hand holds a photo booth strip in front of the Berlin TV Tower on a clear blue sky day.
Two illustrated portraits displayed on a large screen above a stage with people and floral decorations at a live event.
Colorful illuminated balloons float above a crowded dance floor during a lively party celebration.
A group of smiling people taking a selfie together under an elegant crystal chandelier in an indoor setting.
Two people lounging casually in colorful clothing on a dark couch under purple lighting at a nightclub or lounge.
Three people pose for a selfie in a bar or restaurant with warm lighting and drink taps visible in the background.
Person sits at cafe table with laptop and two tall glasses of beer while working near window with plants.
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