Behind the camera | September 2026

Jens Matthias Balasch began flying with airBaltic in January. He says he especially enjoys working with the great colleagues at this airline as well as the challenges and the complexity of the work in terms of doing ACMI flights one week and flying for airBaltic another week.

Photography is Jens’ hobby. He’s been doing it since childhood, when he got his first camera. Later, while studying at university, he acquired his first professional camera.

Pilot in uniform standing beside an airBaltic airplane, smiling and wearing sunglasses.

1. Known locally as La Tour Eiffel, this landmark remains a highlight when visiting Paris. If you wish to enjoy the views from the top, it’s best go early in the morning.

The Eiffel Tower against a clear blue sky, with tourists visible at the base and Paris cityscape in the background.

2. A statue in front of the National Assembly in Paris. Two things Jens definitely recommends when in Paris is dedicating a day to exploring the Louvre Museum and taking a stroll around the Montmartre district.

Statue holding a staff in front of the French National Assembly building, with the French flag and a clock on the façade.

3. Statues of dragons can be found all over Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. There’s even a Dragon Bridge here. It seems that this dragon is guarding the bridge.

Green dragon statue perched on a stone pedestal beside a road, with historic buildings and trees in the background.

4. London is impossible to explore in just one day. Jens has visited the city many times, yet every time he returns, he finds places he hasn’t seen before. This garden close to the River Thames just across from the London Eye caught his attention as it was such a peaceful oasis in the middle of the busy city.

Words by Ilze Pole

Photos courtesy of
Jens Matthias Balasch