We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maida Salkic. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maida below.
Hi Maida, thanks for joining us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?
My hero is undoubtedly my dad. He’s been my greatest inspiration, especially because of the incredible journey we went through. Surviving the Bosnian war was a testament to his resilience, and the fact that he moved our entire family to a new country and started from scratch speaks volumes about his determination. The lessons I’ve learned from him are invaluable. He taught me to push through obstacles, never give up, and work hard, no matter how tough the circumstances. His unwavering strength during our transition period was incredible, and it’s a story that’s deeply ingrained in me, reminding me to persevere in the face of adversity. My dad’s unwavering spirit has been a guiding light throughout my life, shaping my values and my approach to challenges.
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?
My name is Maida. I was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but after the war in Bosnia my family moved to Chicago in 2002. I picked up my first camera during Covid, and since then, I haven’t looked back. I began capturing the vibrant essence of Chicago and its businesses, infusing my unique perspective into each shot. My primary objective is to showcase the beauty and strength of my subjects through my lens.
In my photography, I believe that perfection is attainable, and I strive for it in every photograph, ensuring that every image tells a compelling story.
What sets me apart is the blend of my Bosnian roots, Chicago’s rich culture, and my commitment to perfection. I take pride in my ability to capture not just what the eye can see but the emotions and stories that lie beneath the surface. Whether it’s showcasing local businesses, cityscapes, or the essence of everyday life, I aim to create visual narratives that resonate with my clients and viewers.
What I’m most proud of is the ability to convey the beauty and resilience of Chicago through my photography, and the connections I’ve made with clients and fellow enthusiasts. I want potential clients and followers to know that I’m dedicated to delivering images that stand out and evoke emotions, and I’m always eager to take on new challenges and create visual stories that leave a lasting impact.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by a deep passion for capturing the essence of Chicago and its businesses, infusing my unique perspective into each piece of work. Beyond that, my goal is to spread positivity and brighten people’s days through my photos and videos by adding positive captions or quotes. I believe in the power of images to inspire, uplift, and connect with viewers on a deeper level. By sharing my work, I aim to bring a touch of positivity and joy into the lives of those who experience my work. My mission is to showcase the beauty and strength in everyday life and share it with the world, hoping to leave a lasting, positive impact on anyone who views my videos or photographs.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A valuable lesson I had to unlearn during my creative journey is not to take the ever-changing Instagram algorithm personally. When I first started sharing my photography, I used to feel discouraged when I didn’t get the engagement or recognition I hoped for. I realized that the algorithm’s unpredictability is not a reflection of the quality of my work or my message.
Understanding that Instagram’s algorithm evolves constantly and doesn’t always reflect the true reach and impact of my posts has been a significant shift in my mindset. It’s crucial to remember that the algorithm’s changes are a part of the digital landscape, affecting many content creators. So, I’ve learned not to internalize it and instead focus on my passion for capturing the beauty of outlr city and spreading positivity through my work.
The takeaway is to remain dedicated to my craft, keep sharing the stories that matter to me, and not be disheartened by algorithm fluctuations. What truly matters is the connection I build with my audience and the meaningful impact I can have through my photography.
Contact Info:
- Website: Maidaphotography.com
- Instagram: Maidaskys
- Twitter: Maidaskys
- Youtube: Maidaskys