Back in high school, when I got a red plastic camera for my birthday, my love for photography began. A roll of film with 36 shots, the anticipation of developing — all of it had its own charm. Later, with a digital camera, I captured moments, always searching for authenticity.

For years I wanted to learn professional photography, but there was never enough time. During the pandemic, I came across an ad for an online course and decided to give it a try. The beginning was tough, I thought I would never succeed, but with a simple camera and persistence, everything fell into place.

The first photo I was truly proud of was taken on the Danube — a dog, a girl, reflections in the water. Members of the Photography Lovers Club voted it the photo of the month. Since then, I’ve completed more courses and taken part in exhibitions in Belgrade, Pula, and Timișoara. At the same time, I worked on improving my skills, attending several courses at Fabrika fotografa and having the unique opportunity to try photographing the filming of a well-known domestic TV series.



I love photographing nature and travel, but I’m more inspired by people, street scenes, or concerts of my favorite bands, where I enjoy the music and capture the moments. I always challenge myself not to photograph the same things as others, but to stay true to myself.

Photography relaxes me when I’m stressed and motivates me to go outside and get moving, even when I’m tired. Sometimes you have to squat, climb, run, or push through a crowd. That’s why when people ask me if I exercise, I say: I take photos.

Mentally, photography helped me free myself from limitations. I approach people with a smile and communicate through the lens. The biggest challenge was photographing an unfamiliar family — but it was also the most beautiful experience.

For photography, observation is the key, as well as anticipating what a person will do next and what I want to convey through the image. Everything I’ve learned translates into my job as well: looking at things from multiple angles, creativity, precision.

Everyone should find something that fulfills them and pushes them forward. There are so many new things waiting to be discovered — all it takes is the first step.

Author of the photo of Vesna Ružić is Svetlana Kolarž.