Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nemanja Zdravkovic. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nemanja, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I’ve been in photography for over 17 years, with more than 13 years dedicated to wedding photography. Over the years, I’ve learned so much about the craft, the business, and myself. If I look back, I’d say the most important factors that helped me grow were having a strong passion and real commitment to what I do. Those are the keys to not only speeding up the learning process but also ensuring the quality of your work gets better over time.
When you genuinely love what you’re doing, you’re naturally driven to learn more and improve. That desire to be better makes it easier to put in the effort, whether it’s studying new techniques, experimenting with gear, or learning how to connect with people better during shoots.
The skills that were most essential for me included understanding light, composition, and how to tell a story through a photograph. But beyond technical skills, patience and discipline were crucial. Sometimes, obstacles like self-doubt, lack of time, or even comparing yourself to others can slow you down. What helped me overcome those challenges was focusing on my work and constantly striving to do better, one step at a time.
In the end, I believe everyone has their own pace when it comes to learning. Progress is deeply personal, and there’s no “one size fits all” approach. However, without hard work, discipline, and patience, no progress is possible. Those qualities are what turn a passion into mastery.
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 started my journey in photography in my early 20s. As someone who has always been passionate about art, architecture, and history, and with a strong visual sense, photography felt like a natural way to express myself. Over the years, I’ve worked in different fields, including art photography, commercial projects, corporate work, and wedding photography. What connects all these areas for me is the challenge of solving aesthetic problems within the frame. I truly enjoy the process, treating it as a creative exploration where I play with elements to create balance and harmony.
As the owner of NZ WEDDING STUDIO, a wedding photography service based in Los Angeles, I focus on capturing the most important moments of a couple’s wedding day. My role involves both artistic vision and technical expertise to ensure that these moments are documented beautifully and authentically. Every wedding is unique, and I take pride in telling each couple’s story through my work.
I’m proud of the experience I’ve built over nearly 20 years in photography. That experience has shaped how I approach wedding photography today, giving me the ability to bring both skill and creativity to every shoot. My dedication, passion, and belief in what I do have been essential in reaching this stage of my career.
What sets my wedding photography apart is my style, which blends fine art photography with a photojournalistic documentary approach. This combination allows me to create images that are artistic, natural, and authentic, reflecting the true essence of each couple’s day.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the opportunity to explore and express both myself and the society around me—all while playing with ideas, visuals, and emotions. Art and creativity give me the freedom to dive into my passions for art, architecture, and history, while constantly solving aesthetic challenges in the frame. Whether it’s through fine art, commercial projects, or wedding photography, this process feels less like work and more like a playful exploration of balance, harmony, and storytelling. That sense of play combined with meaningful expression is what makes it so fulfilling.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I’m constantly searching for inspiration, not just within photography but across various forms of art and storytelling. While I’ve built a collection of photo books from artists and their projects, I often find deeper inspiration in books and movies. Some of the works that have profoundly influenced my thinking and creative philosophy include Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s – The Brothers Karamazov and Stanislav Lem’s – Solaris. These books explore complex themes of humanity, morality, and the unknown, which resonate with me and my approach to art.
In film, I’m especially inspired by the work of Andrei Tarkovsky. His movies are masterclasses in visual storytelling and atmosphere, filled with poetic imagery and profound ideas. Tarkovsky’s ability to blend art, philosophy, and emotion in his films has had a lasting impact on how I view creativity and approach my own projects. Whether through photography, books, or films, I’m always looking for ways to expand my understanding and find new perspectives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nzweddingstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nzweddingstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/NZ-Wedding-Studio/61561304966706/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nzdravkovic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0F354PJy9ycFQsvSyffczg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nz-wedding-studio-los-angeles
Image Credits
image credits by: Nemanja Zdravkovic NZ WEDDING STUDIO