Masha Sakhno – Transforming Moments into Modern, Editorial Love Stories
READING TIME: 2 min 44 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/19/2025
UPDATED: 08/19/2025
READING TIME: 2 min 44 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/19/2025
UPDATED: 08/19/2025
For Masha Sakhno, photography began not with a camera in her hands, but with a role in front of it.
“After moving to Hawaii over 11 years ago, I found myself frequently in front of the camera—modeling for local creatives and brands,” she recalls. That early experience didn’t just make her comfortable in front of the lens; it gave her a rare perspective on what it means to be truly seen.
That understanding sparked a love for visual storytelling—one that naturally drew her toward vibrant, editorial imagery where art direction, emotion, and style intersect. “I’m not only drawn to beautiful composition and light, but also know how to guide people in a way that feels natural, elevated, and effortless,” Masha says.
Now calling Oahu home, she specializes in capturing destination weddings for modern, fashion-forward couples who want their photos to feel as alive and layered as the memories themselves.
Masha describes her style as editorial with a relaxed approach—a balance of artful composition and honest storytelling.
“I focus on capturing real moments with a refined, cinematic eye, creating imagery that feels both timeless and emotionally resonant,” she explains. Think creative portraits, rich textures, and candid frames that are anything but ordinary.
Her toolkit reflects that blend of precision and artistry. “I’m a Sony girlie through and through!” she laughs. She primarily uses the Sony a7IV with her go-to 28–70mm lens for versatility and sharpness. For added nostalgia, she incorporates 35mm film with a Canon camera, sometimes layering in grain and black-and-white edits to evoke emotion and depth. And when the scene calls for it, her Profoto lighting system and DJI drone add new dimensions to her galleries.
While trends in editing come and go, Masha’s approach remains anchored in timelessness.
“My post-processing style is clean, timeless, and inspired by classic film stocks,” she shares. Her focus is on preserving natural colors and true-to-life skin tones, removing only what distracts—like exit signs or clutter—so the viewer’s attention stays on the emotion and story.
When asked what she loves most about being a photographer, Masha’s answer reflects her deeply observant nature.
“It’s the way it allows me to observe the world with intention and translate subtle, often overlooked moments into something visually meaningful,” she says. From the humor in unscripted exchanges to the quiet elegance in body language, she finds beauty in the details that others might miss.
This attentiveness extends to how she works with her couples. “I’m an over-communicator through and through,” Masha admits. Detailed questionnaires, planning calls, and shared inspiration boards ensure she understands not just how couples want their day to look, but how they want it to feel.
“All of my collections are custom at this point,” Masha explains. Many of her clients plan multi-day celebrations or have unique priorities, so she tailors each proposal—whether that means adding a welcome party, extending coverage, or incorporating more film photography.
Her advice to couples preparing for a shoot is simple but profound: “Plan ahead, then let go. The more prepared you are…the more freedom you'll have to actually be present. The best photos always come from real connection and genuine emotion, not perfection.”
If she could speak to her younger self at the start of her career, Masha would say:
“Stop waiting until everything feels ‘ready.’ You grow by doing, not by perfecting…Show up, share your work, and don’t be afraid to take up space—even if your vision isn’t fully formed yet.”
Though rooted in Oahu, Masha’s heart belongs to destination weddings—especially those in Europe. “I’m especially drawn to Mallorca, as well as Sardinia, Capri, and the Greek Isles,” she says. “There’s something about the blend of old-world architecture, textured landscapes, and that warm Mediterranean light that speaks to my style.”
Masha Sakhno’s work is more than photography—it’s the curation of moments that feel alive decades later. With her editorial eye, intuitive direction, and bespoke approach, she turns wedding days into timeless visual stories couples will treasure forever.