Authentic Photography in Croatia's Most Beautiful Locations
You know how, with some people
you feel such a profound connection
that you wonder
if you've known each other in previous lives?
Hi, I'M VANJA! YOUR CROATIA-based PHOTOGRAPHER
If we haven't met yet, I'm Vanja. As a Croatia-based photographer recently relocated from California, I bring a unique perspective to both intimate weddings across Istria and authentic personal branding sessions for creative and wellness entrepreneurs.
I'm obsessed with photography, mindfulness, capturing beauty, love, and meaning. My approach combines California creative sensibilities with deep understanding of Croatian culture and hidden gems.
I believe in soulmate partners, soulmate friends, and soulmate clients. Many of my clients become lifelong friends because the experience we create together goes beyond just taking photos.
In my ideal world, we all share love and kindness, see the good in people, give ourselves and others permission to live authentically, and are inspired by connection.
because, i believe we are all one
we might as well love each other
My Photography Philosophy: Capturing the Unseen
"I am not a regular photographer in Croatia. I capture those rare moments that are almost unnoticeable, and make them alive. I help people feel special and significant as they really are."
What makes my approach different:
* I bring a high level of presence and mindfulness to every session, whether photographing an intimate wedding in Istria or creating brand stories in Opatija
* I notice details others don't see – the fading light on ancient Istrian stone, the genuine emotion in a fleeting moment, the essence of your brand beyond the surface
* I can take the lead when guidance is needed and become invisible when authentic moments unfold naturally
* I hold space for vulnerability, joy, and everything in between, making our photo experience comfortable and meaningful
* My standards for creating timeless images across Croatia's most beautiful locations are exceptionally high because I understand how precious these moments are
* My unique background in marketing helps me understand how your photos will serve your business goals, ensuring each image works strategically for your brand
My Journey From California
to Croatia
My love for travel runs deep—in 2018, I embarked on a year-long journey with my partner across Southeast Asia, India, and Europe. During this time, I spent time at the Osho Meditation Center in India, deepening my understanding of mindfulness and presence. These experiences broadened my perspective and deeply influenced my photographic eye.
I'm passionate about continuous learning and expanding my awareness—whether through cultural experiences, personal growth practices, or exploring new creative approaches. This commitment to growth allows me to bring fresh creativity and evolving perspectives to every client session.
When I'm not behind the camera, life finds me cherishing moments with my partner and our energetic duo—a curious toddler and playful puppy. I find balance through my yoga practice (a passion that led me to earn my teaching certification amidst Bali's lush tranquility), wandering through Istria's stone-walled villages and sun-dappled landscapes, and savoring culinary discoveries at local restaurants with friends, both new and lifelong, over vibrant conversations, artisanal cocktails and delicious Croatian cuisine. These rich experiences continuously inspire my photographic perspective, infusing my work with mindfulness, authenticity, and a genuine connection to the moments that matter most.
Having recently relocated after living in California for 25 years, I moved to Croatia to be closer to what I consider the most beautiful sea of all—the Adriatic. I bring fresh eyes to Croatia's Istria region, and my international background—including living in Sweden, Germany, and Holland in the past—has given me a unique perspective that allows me to see Croatia both as a local and as someone discovering its magic anew.
Life has taught me that the hardest things are often the most worthwhile. Every challenge has deepened my capacity to connect with others and capture the authentic beauty in their stories.
My approach to photography has been shaped by mentorship with professional photographers from New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Kind Words
Vanja is an incredible photographer. Even more so, she is a woman with an incredible soul. When I met Vanja, I was immediately comforted by her welcoming spirit. I am usually very nervous in front of the camera, but she made our session so enjoyable and effortless.
The purpose of our session was to create branding photos for my Nutrition and Energy Healing business. I deeply appreciated Vanja’s attention to detail and her desire to encapsulate my message of healing through photography. I felt supported by her to be my authentic self, and I saw this successfully captured in her work. I will recommend Vanja to my family and friends for not only branding work, but her work as a wedding photographer. Her skills are diverse, her talent is definitely inarguable, but most importantly, who she is as a human being precedes her gifts. Vanja is truly a blessing.
Katherine H. Brand Photography Client
Kind Words
We absolutely love our photos from Vanja! We worked with her for both our engagement and wedding photos, and couldn't have asked for anything more. We wanted our photos to tell the story of our wedding and they perfectly capture all of the big and small moments throughout the day. Vanja was great to work with and made us feel comfortable from the beginning.
Christina & Steve Wedding Photography Clients
MY PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIALTIES IN CROATIA
Intimate Wedding Photography in Istria
I specialize in documenting authentic love stories against the backdrop of Croatia's most breathtaking locations – from ancient stone villages to the crystal-clear Adriatic coast. Every wedding is approached with reverence for your unique connection and the emotional moments that make your celebration special.
Available throughout Istria, Dalmatia and willing to travel to any beautiful corner of Croatia or beyond for destination weddings.
Personal Brand Photography for Soulful Entrepreneurs
For creative professionals and wellness practitioners in Croatia, I create authentic visual narratives that capture your essence and connect you with your ideal clients. My brand sessions go beyond standard headshots to tell the full story of who you are and the transformation you offer.
a few of my favorite things
TRAVEL
READY TO CREATE TOGETHER IN CROATIA?
Whether you're planning an intimate wedding in Istria or need authentic personal brand photography in Croatia, I'd love to connect and discover if we're the perfect match for creating something beautiful together.
Based in Opatija, proudly serving Istria, Kvarner and destination clients throughout Croatia and beyond.