The Hamptons offers a backdrop that feels both expansive and intimate, with its wide-open beaches, open farmlands, and luminous light that has drawn artists here for generations. Within that landscape, Diana Balnis has become a familiar, trusted presence, photographing everything from newborns and childhood summers to engagements, weddings, and multi-generational gatherings across the East End.
A family portrait photographer with deep East End roots, Balnis built her career on the ability to see people as they are. What began with borrowing her father’s camera as a child grew into formal training at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography and, ultimately, a full-time career back home in East Hampton. She brings a grounded, easy energy to her sessions, and her images reflect that warmth and polish without ever losing their honesty.
Balnis spoke with Hamptons Social about her path, her process, and her connection to the community she loves photographing.
The Hamptons has such a distinct atmosphere. How do you incorporate the beauty and light of the Hamptons into your work?
BALNIS: There are so many amazing places in East Hampton to work with at any time of day. “Golden hour” at the beach is always a fan favorite, but there are so many other locations: Duck Pond on Davids Lane, Mulford Farm, the Blacksmith Shop in Springs — just to name a few. All of these spots can be used any time of day with amazing light, so it’s great to offer that to clients with little ones who can’t quite make it to golden hour.
Many of your images feel like stories frozen in time. How much of your work is planned versus spontaneous?
BALNIS: I have my routine of poses and candid shots I pretty much always do; however, it just depends on the family. Some sessions are more candid — chasing kids down the beach — and some are more posed. I really try to accommodate each client’s vision. I love candid shots, but there’s also something to be said about a nicely posed family portrait, especially when it comes to gifts for grandmas and grandpas. Those are always a favorite.
What do you love most about working with local families, artists, and brands in the Hamptons community?
BALNIS: I have so many amazing clients, local and visitors, that I’m so fortunate to work with year after year. The Hamptons community really is something special, and I love that I get to be such a part of it.
What first sparked your passion for photography, and how did you find your way to building a career in the Hamptons?
BALNIS: I was always interested in photography, even in high school. After high school I did a semester at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, which really wasn’t for me. Following that, I went to the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula, MT. That led me to Colorado, where I worked with a photographer doing family photos and weddings. Once I decided to move back to East Hampton to be home with family and friends, I started taking photos of friends’ kids for fun and loved it. When I had my daughter, I photographed her constantly, and from there it just took off.
Your portraits feel both effortless and cinematic. How do you put your subjects at ease and bring out their most authentic selves in front of the camera?
BALNIS: I really try to keep all my sessions moving. I know the attention span of most kids is about two minutes—haha—so I try to keep everything at a fast pace and not too overly posed. I do think having children of my own helps; it makes you realize you need to be as patient as possible, and what works for one child might not work for the next. I find myself smiling the entire session and saying the most ridiculous things to get that genuine smile.
You’ve photographed everything from quiet family moments to Hamptons weddings. What draws you to capturing these special occasions?
BALNIS: For me, very small, intimate weddings are my favorite. During COVID I photographed so many 20-person backyard weddings, and they were absolutely amazing. Seeing the love in such a small setting is really so special.
You photograph all stages of family life, but newborn sessions seem especially close to your heart. What makes that work so special to you?
BALNIS: My very first interest in photography was newborns. I worked with an amazing newborn photographer in Colorado, and I was so excited to bring back to East Hampton what I had learned with her. There’s something so special about capturing tiny newborns. It’s such a moment you can’t ever get back, and it’s so fun capturing them. Studio newborns or lifestyle newborns—both capture the pure sweetness of them.
You clearly have a deep connection to the Hamptons. What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not behind the camera?
BALNIS: The beach is always a favorite, for sure. We also do a lot of camping in the summer. Gin Beach in MTK is our favorite spot, and we try to get out there as much as possible. A bonfire on the beach is one of my absolute favorite things to do in the summer. Off-season we try to get away as much as we can to the mountains and go snowboarding.
What’s next for you — any dream collaborations or creative directions you’re excited to explore this year?
BALNIS: Yes! I’m working on starting dramatic sports photography. I’ve been interested in getting it going for quite some time, and this year I’m going for it.
dianaleephoto.com
Instagram: @dianalee_photography
