We recently connected with Daniela Blagoeva and have shared our conversation below.

Daniela , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I never had formal education in photography — no college, no traditional classes. Everything I know, I taught myself. It all started with a $600 Canon camera, which at the time was a huge investment for me. I didn’t even have a portrait lens. But I didn’t let that stop me. I leaned into what I had — natural light. Since I couldn’t afford fancy equipment like flashes or studio setups, I learned to work with the sun, shadows, and timing. I studied the work of other photographers I admired, trying to figure out how they achieved certain effects. It was like reverse-engineering art. Every client was a new lesson, every shoot an opportunity to refine my skills. Portrait photography, in particular, taught me the value of human connection. When you’re photographing strangers, you have to build trust fast. You have to make them feel seen and safe, so I learned to be a better listener and a more empathetic communicator. This ability to connect became just as essential as technical skills like composition and editing.

My editing journey was another challenge. For a while, I wasn’t sure of my own style. Clients would have specific requests for how they wanted their photos edited, and I would accommodate, but I knew I needed to develop my own artistic voice. The turning point came when I invested in an online photography business course. It wasn’t just about the business side — it included lessons on color theory, editing techniques, and even downloadable presets. Learning about color psychology — how certain blues and yellows evoke certain emotions — changed the game for me. That course gave me the clarity I needed to develop my signature editing style, one that I’m proud of today.

To speed up my learning process, I probably could have taken more live workshops, especially in studio photography, which I still want to master. There’s something powerful about learning in person, practicing in real time, and getting immediate feedback. But honestly, I’m proud of my “learn-by-doing” approach. It taught me patience, resilience, and how to think on my feet. The most essential skills I’ve developed are adaptability and determination. When I didn’t have the resources, I found solutions. When I felt lost, I kept moving forward. It’s this determination — this mindset of “I’m going to figure it out no matter what” — that got me to where I am today.

But it wasn’t all smooth. My biggest obstacle was my own mind. Limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome crept in often. I’d walk into shoots with my Canon 90D, feeling self-conscious when I saw other photographers with bigger, more expensive gear. I’d think, “Who am I to be doing this?” But I kept showing up anyway. I reminded myself that it’s not the camera, it’s the photographer behind it. Overcoming that mental barrier was harder than learning any technical skill. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to believe in my vision sooner and trust that my work is valuable — no matter what camera I’m holding.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born and raised in the mountains of Bulgaria, surrounded by the wild beauty of nature. Those early years shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand until much later. Moving to the United States over 20 years ago — and settling in the vast, sun-soaked desert of Las Vegas — was a culture shock. The desert was the complete opposite of the lush, green mountains of my childhood. But I adapted. I had to. Learning to thrive in unfamiliar terrain became a life theme for me. I’ve lived in Las Vegas longer than I lived in Bulgaria, but those mountains are still in my bones. I think that’s why nature is so present in everything I create. It’s where I feel most free, most alive, and it’s where I take my clients so they can feel that freedom too.

I’ve always been an artist. It started with painting and writing — anything that allowed me to express what I felt inside. But photography? Photography became my greatest love. It wasn’t just about capturing images; it was about capturing *essence*. I want my photos to make people feel something — freedom, love, expansion, awe. I want people to look at my work and be reminded of the magic of being alive.

But my path to photography wasn’t linear or easy. After high school, I went through a 10-year period of isolation. I was physically and mentally unwell. Those were the hardest years of my life. I didn’t go out. I didn’t connect with people. I felt trapped within myself. Healing wasn’t quick or simple, but when I did heal, I emerged with a fire inside me. Something shifted. I saw life differently. Life became this grand, miraculous adventure that I was no longer willing to sit on the sidelines for. I didn’t want to watch it from behind four walls. I wanted to *live it*. Photography became my way of doing that. It was how I reconnected with the world, how I met people, how I made art.

Starting from zero wasn’t easy. I didn’t have a formal education in photography. I didn’t have a fancy camera, a big budget, or expensive equipment. But I had an unshakable desire to create. I taught myself everything — from shooting with natural light to mastering editing. I watched countless YouTube videos, did free photoshoots with strangers just to practice. Slowly, I found my style. I infused the natural elements — fire, water, earth, and air — into my shoots because nature has always been my sanctuary.

But beyond the technical side of photography, something deeper was happening. The women I photographed started transforming in front of my lens. They’d step into the shoot feeling unsure, maybe even shy, but as the session went on, something magical would happen. Their posture would shift, their smiles would soften, their eyes would glow with this *knowing*. I would see them become *themselves* — their truest, most radiant selves. And when I showed them the photos, I’d hear it every time: *“Wow, that’s me?! Thank you for the healing experience.”* But that beauty was always there. It just needed a little space to be seen.

This is why I do what I do. I create spaces where people — especially women — can feel free to be themselves. It’s a judgment-free zone where they can feel wild, untamed, and powerful. Every photoshoot with me is a celebration of self. It’s not just about taking pretty pictures; it’s about capturing the parts of you that you sometimes forget exist. It’s a reminder that you are powerful, beautiful, and worthy of being seen.

I specialize in portrait photography, but my work extends far beyond that. I also create immersive travel and lifestyle photography, where I capture the magic of places, properties, and experiences. Hotels, resorts, and brands invite me to document their spaces in a way that makes people *feel* something — the allure, the dream, the story that lives within that space. I don’t just shoot “pretty pictures” of places. I capture their *soul*. I want viewers to imagine themselves there, to feel like they’re already part of that world. From sunlit balconies and hidden jungle retreats to cozy interiors filled with warmth, every shot tells a story. It’s more than content; it’s a feeling.

What sets me apart is my connection to nature, to elements, and to the experience itself. I’m not just clicking a button on a camera. I’m guiding you through an experience that feels *cosmic* and *euphoric*. I’m drawn to nature because it never judges. It just lets you be. That’s what I bring to my sessions — that sense of wild freedom.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s this: I make life dreamy because *life is a dream*. It’s magical, miraculous, and worth every ounce of wonder. I want people to romanticize their lives — to see themselves as the main character in their own story. I want them to realize they’re worthy of beauty, adventure, and self-love. Every photo I take is an invitation to step into that version of yourself.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come. From being a shy girl who believed she couldn’t connect with people, to being someone who now photographs strangers and turns them into lifelong friends. From being isolated for 10 years to building a career where I’m meeting people from all walks of life, seeing new places, and experiencing the world in ways I never thought possible. I’m proud that I kept going, even when I was scared. I’m proud that I started from nothing and built something meaningful. And most of all, I’m proud that I chose to live fully, with my whole heart.

This is who I am. This is why I create. This is why I’m here.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey is to inspire people to romanticize life — to see the beauty, magic, and possibility in every moment. As a photographer and lifelong creative soul, I’m fueled by a deep passion for art as a form of self-expression. Through my work, I aim to evoke good feelings, spark joy, and remind people that they have the power to shape their lives into something meaningful and extraordinary.

My mission is to create art that brings more beauty and positivity into the world. I want to give people the space to express themselves authentically and to feel seen, heard, and inspired. Life is full of small miracles, and I hope my work encourages others to notice them. At the heart of it all, I believe we have the power to craft the life we want — and I want my art to be a reminder of that choice.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the belief that greatness only comes through relentless hard work. Growing up, I was raised in a family that embodied the meaning of hard work. My parents made immense sacrifices to move our family to the United States, and I witnessed firsthand the constant effort it took to build a life from the ground up. That experience shaped me deeply. I felt a responsibility to make them proud, to be the best at school, to be the best at everything I did. Subconsciously, I internalized the idea that success could only be achieved through sacrifice, struggle, and overextension.

For a long time, I lived by that belief, pushing myself to work harder, do more, and give more, even at the cost of my own well-being. As a solo business owner, it only intensified. I thought that doing it “the hard way” was a badge of honor. I took pride in being hardworking. I’ve often felt the weight of doing everything alone. There were moments when I craved a mentor, a guide, or even just someone to lean on — someone to remind me that ease and support are allowed on this journey too. I’m still unlearning this belief, but I’ve realized that success doesn’t have to be synonymous with exhaustion.

I’m learning to trust my intuition and follow what feels true to my heart, even if it doesn’t promise an immediate payout. It’s about listening to that inner voice, not just chasing money. This mindset shift has been one of the hardest but most rewarding parts of my journey. I now believe that fulfillment comes from alignment, not overwork — and when you move in alignment with your heart, the right opportunities naturally follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://danielablagoeva.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/dani.ela.photography
• Other: https://instagram.com/artisticspring

Image Credits

All other images are mine.