Not Afraid to Experiment: Interview With Tijana Moraca

Tijana Moraca is this week’s featured contributor. Here portfolio is a collection of lively and positive images reflecting her themes of interest. You can always expect her images to reflect her positive attitude, featuring people that are having a good time, all the while mixing with images of new branches of photography she’s ventured into. Today she shares her story, tips and inspiration with our community of photographers.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your professional background.

My name is Tijana Moraca, I am from Novi Sad, Serbia. I have been a stock and fine art photographer for around 8 years.

What was the moment when you knew photography was something you wanted to pursue?

I started taking up an interest in photography during my studies at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, but I was interested in digital arts years before. I decided to make photography my main job and not just a hobby, when I realized how much I enjoy it, how much creative freedom you can have, and that you can also earn something with it, so I really wanted to give it a go! When I sold my first photo I felt excited and motivated.

What have you learned so far from working with microstocks?

I have learned that working, not just hard, but also smart, is very important. I believe having a large portfolio is a great thing, but carefully choosing and editing your best shots, is even more important. Having your own signature and style is what makes you stand out from the amazing microstock crowd. Also, taking photos of what you enjoy and what inspires you is a key to persistency.

If you had to choose one image that showcases your personality as a photographer, what would it be and what’s the story behind it?

This is a difficult question because every shot has a piece of who I am, and also, I feel like my work is evolving constantly. But I believe that a certain dose of positive energy, color, emotion and concept is always present. I guess, at the moment I would choose this photo:

This photos is a good example of positive energy, interesting angle and color pop that I really like. The shot was taken at the balcony of an apartment, it was chilly and I had to use a ladder to get the angle, it was a little unpleasant because I am not a fan of heights. The group of models were amazing, positive and really trying their best, so it was also a very fun photoshoot!

How significant is marketing in your line of work?

As a stock photographer, I don’t think that self-marketing is really that important. I occasionally post some of my work on social media, but I don’t think that is what makes one’s work sell. If you are a stock photographer, a large mass of people need to see your work, not just your friends. I believe that a photographer should put his/hers energy into creating great content, that will speak for itself, and the microstock agencies will do the rest. I also do some fine art work, and sometimes I like to share that to send a certain message and inspire people as an individual and as an artist. Bottom line is, promotion is always a good thing, but it is not a measure of success.

Do you promote your work on other platforms?

I submit photos to several different microstock agencies, I occasionally post photos on my Facebook page and Instagram account, and I have a 500px portfolio where I showcase some of my fine art work.

What are some of the issues that you’ve faced as a photographer?

Some of the issues that I have as a photographer is finding new and interesting locations and models. Also, there is a constant search for inspiration, and a struggle with always getting the results you want. But this is all part of being a photographer, and I enjoy resolving them, and always challenging myself to create something new and creative.

Who inspires you and where do you get your ideas for photoshoots?

There are some great photographers out there, but usually what inspires me for a photoshoot is location, models and sometimes I know what theme I want to shoot, so I spend some time thinking, researching and creating ideas regarding a specific topic. I always write down some specific ideas that I think are good, and that I don’t want to forget.   

What are your favourite themes to work with and what can we expect to see in your portfolio soon?

I like to shoot people and lifestyle: fitness and health concepts, family, people having fun and beauty, and this is something that I will continue shooting.

Your #1 tip or words of wisdom:

Always try to find something new that inspires you and pushes you forward. It could be a new branch like portrait or food photography, new location, props, color. Don’t be afraid to experiment as an artist, but also don’t dismiss what the customers would like to see.