We had the good fortune of connecting with Vera Djackova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vera, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my photography business to have creative freedom and control over my artistic vision. I wanted to move beyond working for others, explore my unique style, and pursue personal and professional growth. Starting a business allowed me to take on diverse projects, interact directly with clients, and build a brand aligned with my values. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey in pursuing my passion for photography.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My love for photography began when my father gave me my first camera during my teenage years, and photography soon became an integral part of my life. What started as a hobby gradually evolved into a professional business. Friends initially asked me to take photos, then their friends, and I realized that people appreciated my work and had a demand for it. In 2015, I established my business in Illinois, and in 2022, I relocated to South Carolina. My primary focus is on dance and family portraits. I take joy in capturing the talent of dancers and showcasing family connections. Describing my personal style as Fine Art photography, I enjoy creating painterly portraits based on photography.

Embarking on the journey of starting a business is no easy task. As a working mother and wife, finding the dedication and motivation to invest time and money into my own venture posed significant challenges. Nevertheless, I moved forward one step at a time. Last year, I inaugurated my own photo studio in Charleston, named ArtyBytes Photo Studio. This transition elevated me to the next level, providing clients with a comfortable space for photo sessions. It also granted me the freedom to experiment, learn, and grow within my dedicated space, allowing ample time for artistic projects and trying out new equipment and technology.

I exclusively use top-level gear, including the best mirrorless cameras on the market, such as the Nikon Z9 and Z8, as well as professional lights like Profit and Stella Pro. My passion for technology extends to post-editing, where I utilize software like Photoshop, Luminar, and Nik Collection to enhance my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite places in the Charleston area are the Pineapple Fountain, Rainbow Row, and countless small old streets where I can stroll for hours, capturing moments with my camera. And, of course, I can’t forget the ocean – it’s my magnet, my happy place, and my source of energy and inspiration.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my son Nikita. He is 18yo and is very creative, he is a writer. Nikita always supports me and help with my photo shoots as assistant and sometimes as a model, which is not his favorite role but he agrees to model for my projects and educational journey.

Website: www.photo.artybytes.io

Instagram: artybytes_photography

Linkedin: Vera Djackova

Facebook: ArtyBytes Photography

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