PHOTOGRAPHER | Alina Smit

Alina Smit is a destination wedding photographer based between Switzerland and Italy. Shooting in both digital and film formats, she brings an editorial yet intimate perspective to each celebration, capturing the beauty of in-between moments alongside refined portraits. Drawn to couples with unique personal style and love for honest storytelling, Alina Smit's work blends the nostalgia of film with an emotive, poetic imagery that feels personal, atmospheric and timeless. 

Tell us about your business?

Photography has been my passion since 2007. Before becoming a wedding photographer my journey began while studying choreography, which gave me access to the behind stage world of theatre, where I started photographing ballet dancers. That’s where my love for movement and documentary storytelling was born.

I primarily shot on film and even had my own darkroom. I was incredibly fortunate to take part in portfolio reviews with masters of photography such as Paolo Roversi and Sarah Moon, whose influence deeply shaped my love for portraiture.

I started my photography business in 2016, without realizing how beautifully all those experiences would merge within the world of weddings. Today, I’m still exploring new ways to make wedding photography as personal and honest as possible and I truly enjoy every step of this journey.

What would you like couples to know about you?

I prioritize couples experience above image perfection. 

Where are you based?

I'm based in south of Switzerland, close to Italy.

Do you travel for weddings?

Yes!

How would you describe your style?

My work carries an intentional yet effortless editorial feel, a balance of emotion, artistry, and quiet elegance.

What inspires you?

I'm deeply inspired by light, by those sudden, unexpected moments of magic; also genuine emotions, unique personal style, movement, music, cinema, and everything authentic.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

I shoot both digital and film; 35mm as well as medium format vintage camera.

Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?

Absolutely, packages can be tailored to your needs, number of days and type of coverage.

What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?

Analogue photography, of course.

Where would you love to travel to for work?

My favorite are the places with history - Tuscan villas or châteaux in Burgundy, charming old towns, but also raw natural landscapes like the Swiss Alps, Sicily and the islands of Spain and Greece. I'm always excited to discover destinations my couples have chosen to celebrate their love. 

Who is your dream client?

My dream clients are those who trust my vision and process. They have effortless elegance and appreciation for beautiful photography, yet they don’t let their celebration revolve around the camera. They value connection, emotion, and atmosphere over staged perfection.

They are the couples who say “We trust you completely, just do your thing.”

What is your advice to couples getting married?

The real magic in photography happens when a couple is ready to enjoy their wedding day forgetting about cameras and good angles. Genuinely enjoy your day and yourself, exchange glances, jokes, smiles, kiss each other without hesitation, cry from overwhelming feelings, laugh, fool around, hug your loved ones endlessly and dance until you drop!

Alina Smit 

Website: alinasmit.com

Instagram Handle: @alina_smit_photo