Portrait Photographer | Dragi’s Journey: Who Are You?

No really, do you know? I know who I am but, daily life and the responsibilities I take on as a parent and provider can interfere with my best intentions. I read and listen to audiobooks about personal growth all the time. I’m always looking for ways to improve myself and my approach to work. The latest buzzword I’m reading about lately is “vulnerability”.

Vulnerability.

It makes me shudder thinking about it.
As a photographer, I consider myself an artist. As an artist I put myself “out there” on a regular basis. In those moments when I show my clients the end product of their photo session, I am vulnerable. Over time though, I am less and less vulnerable in these situations. Without sounding cocky, I have figured out what my clients are looking for. If I haven’t figured out my clients’ wants and needs during our initial meeting, I will definitely have them figured out within the first 30 minutes of our photo shoot. I’m not full of myself, it’s just that 15 years of being in the photography business and actively learning and growing in that time, taught me a lot. Am I perfect? No way! Do I have everything figured out? Absolutely not! But, in this particular aspect, I am confident.
What I am less confident about is… Let me take a deep breath before I admit this…
 Sharing my story.
Dragi dress in Mariachi costume - Portrait photographer

No I’m not mexican, i’m macedonian | canadian. 🙂

 English is my second language and I speak it better than I write. My beautiful and uber-talented sister-in-law and assistant, Jenn writes for me. We spend hours on the phone with me dictating the story that I would like to share. Whether it’s a blog post about a family I photographed, a Facebook update or our informative newsletter, Jenn’s hands have been on it. Writing takes time and a lot of effort. That time and effort I choose to spend directly dealing with families, newly engaged couples and anyone else who would like their picture taken! You can’t do it all and I’m thankful to have talented people surrounding me and helping to make my photography business successful.
 Onto my story… In the time I spent relaxing with my family and on my own, I realized that I’ve been living in a comfortable state. I haven’t pushed my vulnerability boundaries lately and am beginning to feel complacent. Complacency stunts the creative spirit and I can’t have that! So, I’ve decided to try and put myself “out there” even more. Share a little bit more about who I am, what brought me here and what life-changing events happened in my life to make me the man I am today.
 We all have stories… Funny ones, embarrassing ones that are funny to others, heart-breaking and tragic ones. The desire to share and connect with others is a common thread that makes us human. I look forward to sharing my human side and sincerely hope you will both read about it and share your stories with me.

Dragi photographing native Mexican Indian - Portrait photographer Dragi pose in front of NFL prop, Tampa Bay - Portrait photographer

“Don’t keep me a secret”
If you believe there is value in the work that I do, you will be doing your friends, family and colleagues a favour by introducing them to me.

Photos taken by Matt Barrett and some other photographers in CCL.

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