Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mirjana Vidic. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mirjana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Photography has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was always drawn to capturing the world around me—whether it was the way the light hit the trees or the expressions on people’s faces during family gatherings. There was something magical about freezing a moment in time, turning fleeting seconds into lasting memories.

The first money I ever made, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it—I bought my first camera. At the time, I was fascinated by landscapes. I would spend hours outside, chasing the perfect light, experimenting with different angles, and trying to capture the beauty of nature in a single frame. It was a creative escape, a way to see the world through my own unique perspective.

But as much as I loved landscape photography, I felt like something was missing. I wanted to tell deeper stories, to capture emotions, connections, and the essence of people. That’s when I decided to start photographing people, and everything changed. The challenge of capturing someone’s personality, the way a single image can evoke emotions, and the connections I’ve made through photography—it all made me realize that this wasn’t just a hobby. It was my calling.

From that moment on, I dedicated myself to becoming a professional photographer. Every photoshoot is an opportunity to tell a story, to create something meaningful, and to freeze a moment that might otherwise be lost. And that’s what I love most about this journey—it’s not just about taking pictures. It’s about capturing life.

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 specialize in capturing intimate, emotional milestones—secret marriage proposals, engagements, family moments, and raw, unscripted emotions. There’s nothing quite like the magic of a surprise proposal, the excitement of an engagement, or the warmth of a family laughing together. My goal is to freeze these moments in time, so that years from now, the emotions come rushing back just by looking at a photograph.

What sets me apart is my ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera. I focus on storytelling, capturing real emotions rather than stiff, posed shots. I want my clients to be fully present in their moment while I document it naturally and authentically. Another key part of my service is speed—I know how important it is to relive special moments quickly, which is why I deliver fully edited photos within just 48 hours.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me to capture the most important moments of their lives. It’s an honor to be part of their journey, and I take that responsibility seriously. My work is not just about taking pictures—it’s about preserving emotions, telling stories, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
For those looking for a photographer who truly cares about capturing the essence of their most precious moments, I want them to know that my work is not just about taking pictures—it’s about preserving emotions, telling stories, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most memorable photoshoots I’ve had was with a family of four visiting San Diego from the East Coast. They had reached out to me wanting to capture some special moments during their trip, and we decided on Balboa Park as the perfect location. With its stunning gardens, historic architecture, and beautiful golden-hour lighting, it was an ideal backdrop for a session filled with warmth and connection.

As we started the shoot, I could tell they were a bit camera-shy, especially the parents. Like many families, they were more focused on making sure their kids looked great in the photos rather than enjoying the moment themselves. So, instead of giving stiff poses, I guided them through fun, interactive prompts—having them walk hand-in-hand, share a quiet moment while their kids played, and whisper something funny to each other. Slowly, they relaxed, and I could see their genuine love and connection start to shine through.

One of my favorite moments was when I had them slow dance under the arches of Balboa Park’s Spanish-style buildings while the kids giggled nearby. It was simple, effortless, and full of emotion. They weren’t thinking about the camera anymore—they were just being in the moment with each other.

At the end of the session, as we were wrapping up, the husband pulled me aside and said something I’ll never forget. With a heartfelt smile, he told me, “During this shoot, I feel like I fell in love with my wife all over again. Thank you for this.” It was such a powerful reminder of why I do what I do. Photography, to me, isn’t just about capturing images—it’s about creating experiences that bring people closer, allowing them to see and feel the love they sometimes overlook in their everyday routines.

That’s what sets my work apart. I don’t just take pictures—I create moments that people will cherish forever.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn as a photographer is that perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity is.

When I first started, I believed that the best photos were the ones where everything was meticulously controlled—perfect lighting, precise composition, and flawless poses. I spent so much time trying to make every shot look polished that I sometimes overlooked what actually made an image compelling: real, unfiltered moments.

Over time, I noticed that the photos people connected with most weren’t always the ones that were technically perfect. Instead, they were the ones where emotions felt real—the slight imperfections, the movement, the unexpected expressions. I started shifting my approach, focusing less on a rigid structure and more on creating an environment where people could just be themselves in front of the camera.

I focus on storytelling—capturing the moments that feel natural and honest. And ironically, once I let go of the idea that every shot had to be “perfect,” my work became stronger, more personal, and far more meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.replicaphotography.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/replicaphotographysd/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Replica-Photography-SD/61561958531932/

Image Credits

The photo of me was taken by Anna Manansala