We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nastia Vesna a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nastia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

As a business owner in the wedding photography industry, I find immense happiness in what I do. It provides me with a plethora of new emotions, skills, and sensations that would be difficult to experience in any other profession. Every obstacle or challenge I encounter becomes an opportunity for personal growth. I embrace the risks involved, as they are solely mine to bear.

I must admit that there are often difficulties and fears that arise along the way. However, I have learned to become my own kind teacher, critic, and friend. By adopting this mindset, I am able to navigate these moments with compassion and love.

Being a wedding photographer allows me to capture the most precious moments in people’s lives. It is a privilege to witness and document the love, joy, and connection between couples and their loved ones. The satisfaction I derive from delivering beautiful photographs that will be cherished for a lifetime is immeasurable.
Recently, I experienced burnout, primarily due to intense physical and emotional exhaustion. I had taken on a lot of responsibility, and each shoot was accompanied by a significant emotional toll. If I had been working a regular job at that time, I would have likely quit. However, as a business owner, I discovered new meanings for myself. I was able to adjust my schedule and find a balance, and now I feel harmonious and stronger both emotionally and physically.
It is a journey of self-discovery, continuous learning, and personal fulfillment and beauty that I wouldn’t trade for anything else.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was born in a small town into a family of artists, so creativity and artistry have always been a significant part of my life. Despite studying at an art academy, wedding photography happened quite unexpectedly for me, and it wasn’t something I had dreamt of pursuing. It started when my friends began getting married, and knowing that I had a camera and was studying to be a designer, they invited me to capture their special moments. Gradually, my summer schedules were filled with weddings by the time I finished university. At some point, I made the decision to merge with my husband to photograph under one brand, and now I can proudly say that my work is both my passion and my family.
With consistent positive feedback and recommendations, we moved beyond the boundaries of my city and eventually my country.
It was during this time that I realized what a beautiful job I had stumbled upon and how much beauty and joy it was bringing into my life. Each new project opened up a world of serenity and creativity. As I explored different cultures and traditions through my lens, I became deeply appreciative of the power of a photograph to capture and preserve precious memories and emotions.

A defining moment in my career was when I organized workshops for photographers. It was not just about photography, but about community and bringing together incredible individuals. We created something truly beautiful. And I hope that we will return to this and create some workshops/events.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I really love all forms of art and have always been inspired by beautiful cinema (from Wes Anderson to Paolo Sorrentino), architecture, fashion photographers, beautiful books, I love botanical gardens and try to visit them in all new places but most of all I am inspired by the stories of the people I photograph and travel, cultures and nature. Now I’m reading the book Creative Act of Living by Rick Rubin and i love it, great reminder of everything the creative mind must retain on a daily basis.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

recommendations from those with whom I have already worked are the best and surest way. But also wedding planners and of course Instagram.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nastiavesna.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nastia_vesna/