How Irina Jomir’s Photography Tells Stories of Emotion and Human Connection

Irina Jomir is an award-winning fine art photographer whose work beautifully captures human emotions, femininity, and personal transformation. In this interview, she shares the journey that led her to photography, including the influence of her brother, who was a talented painter. She talks about how she finds inspiration in art history, mythology, and everyday life and walks us through her creative process—from the first spark of an idea to the final image. Irina also reflects on the deeper meaning behind her work and how she hopes to connect with people through her storytelling.

Irina Jomir (b. 1983, Chisinau, Moldova) is an internationally acclaimed fine art and portrait photographer based in Norway. Her work is celebrated for its emotional resonance and compelling visual narratives, delving into themes of the feminine experience, psychological depth, and human complexity. Jomir’s accolades include being named Photographer of the Year at the 2023 Budapest International Foto Awards, winning the Women United Art Prize, and earning 1st Place at the 25th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards. She was also a finalist in the Luxembourg Art Prize, further cementing her reputation as a visionary in contemporary photography. Her series Destiny – The Shaping of Fate was showcased at the Chianciano Art Biennale 2024 and now resides in the permanent collection at the Chianciano Terme Art Museum in Tuscany, Italy.

Her artistry has been featured in prestigious publications such as 101 Art Books: Portrait Edition, One Eyeland’s Best of the Best Photographers, and Trierenberg Super Circuit’s Luxury Edition. Jomir’s work has been exhibited internationally, including at the BIFA 2023 Winners’ Exhibitions in Athens and Budapest and the I Wonder If You Can group show at the Siena Awards. Drawing inspiration from art history and pioneering female artists, Jomir’s practice combines meticulous craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic, creating works that provoke introspection and invite viewers to explore the deeper layers of human emotion. Through her evocative imagery, she continues to redefine the boundaries of fine art photography on a global stage.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am a fine art and portrait photographer originally from Chisinau, Moldova, now based in Norway. My work explores themes of femininity, transformation, and the psychological complexity of human existence, often drawing inspiration from classical art and mythology. Over the years, my photography has been recognized internationally, and I’ve been fortunate to exhibit my work in galleries and museums worldwide. Art, for me, is not just a profession but a means of self-exploration and storytelling—an ongoing dialogue between the seen and the unseen.

Rather than projecting my own opinions, I aim to unveil and validate the diverse range of our feelings.

Irina Jomir

2. What inspired you to become an artist?

My first true artistic influence was my brother. He was a gifted painter, highly praised for his talent, and he graduated from art school with a gold medal. As his little sister, I admired him deeply and longed to be part of that creative world he belonged to. However, I never believed I could reach his level of skill, which planted the seeds of my imposter syndrome—a lingering feeling of never being good enough. But looking back, I’m immensely grateful to him for unknowingly giving me the gift of having a dream. Without realizing it, he set me on a path where art became my way of understanding and expressing myself.

3. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

My creative process begins with an idea or emotion that lingers in my mind—often inspired by literature, art history, or personal experiences. I then build a concept, sometimes sketching compositions or writing down thoughts to refine the vision. The photoshoot itself is an intuitive process, where I allow spontaneity to play a role alongside careful planning. Post-processing is where the final layers of storytelling emerge, as I shape the image’s mood and visual language. I see each piece as a conversation with myself, unfolding in stages until it feels emotionally complete.

4. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

Inspiration comes from many places—art history, mythology, psychology, and personal experiences. I am drawn to the complexity of human emotions and the silent narratives that exist within us. My work is also influenced by classical paintings, particularly the way light, symbolism, and composition are used to convey deeper meanings. But beyond external influences, much of my inspiration comes from introspection—the process of looking inward and transforming thoughts and emotions into visual form.

The foundation of my work lies in authentic stories and messages. While I may not explicitly reveal them to the viewer, I intentionally leave room for self-reflection, imagination and a subtle reminder of the power of human emotions, and their ability to shape our perceptions and interactions with the world.

Irina Jomir

5. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

There isn’t just one external artwork that holds a special place for me, as so many have left a lasting impact. But if I were to choose one of my own, “Destiny – Rebirth” would be among the most personal. It encapsulates a profound journey of transformation and self-discovery, questioning the notion that fulfillment comes from external change rather than internal growth. The image reflects the realization that true evolution happens from within, shedding past constraints and embracing self-nurturing as a path to destiny. It’s a deeply introspective work, a metaphor for choosing inner transformation over external circumstances—a theme that resonates throughout much of my art.

Irina Jomir’s photography is more than just beautiful images—it’s a way of telling stories, expressing emotions, and capturing the unseen moments of life. Her journey reminds us that art is not just about skill but also about passion, personal experiences, and the stories we want to share with the world. Through this interview, we’ve learned how she creates her work, what inspires her, and how photography helps her connect with others on a deeper level. To learn more about Irina, visit the links below.