Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbora Havlickova.
Barbora, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I always loved art as long as I can remember. I’ve been very creative and always craft something, creating, drawing. My best friend and I were inseparable. We did everything together. And because she was such a great painter and I wasn’t, it was always frustrating me. I had a vision, how I wanted some picture to look, but I couldn’t put it on paper with my hand. Everything changed, when I first pick a camera.
It was just a simple film camera, that my friend had. You know, nothing special. But we played around, taking pictures of each other, nature and other people. It was frustrating for me to see, that whenever I would ask people to take picture of me, there would be so much space above my head and cut legs, or something else essential that I wanted in the picture. On the other hand, people always complimented me on pictures taken by me.
And slowly but surely, I could see, that I have a gift and I can share it with people, because not everyone can take beautiful pictures. Just as I couldn’t draw a perfect picture that I wanted to. When I finally saved money for my summer job, I purchased my first “real mirror camera”. It was still a film camera, but I was over the moon and started to play around, learning all the technical staff about cameras. After my return from England, where I lived for couple years, I met my ex-boyfriend, who is a photographer and thank to him, I learned everything about cameras, taking pictures and photoshop.
I found a partner and mentor for my hobby and my life lasting love took another form and shape. I was over the moon, that I can learn more about photography. I don’t like to go to school, so having a personal mentor, who taught me everything he knew was the best way for me to learn as much as I could. I started practicing on my family and friends and it spread to their friends and another people. While I was working as an executive assistant at an office, I was building my network and bettering my skills.
Not just photography, but also people skills. I studied business school, which I didn’t like, but it all fell in place along with studying psychology myself, when I discovered, that capturing people’s essence and showing the beauty within is my life passion and purpose, how can I help people. It was many years of working and building my business, which goes along with self-discovery and self value, I finally became a photographer, who is doing it for living.
And I wouldn’t change it for a world. I believe, that I found something, that I can do for the rest of my life and always learn something new, interesting, meet new people, challenge myself and be a better person. I feel blessed for this gift.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was definitely a struggle. Probably the most it was to overcome my own self-doubt, that I can be a professional photographer and do it for living. For so many years, I’ve heard from family and friends, or just even random strangers’ comments like: You can’t do this for living, it won’t sustain you. How can you do something for living, that is just for few chosen one and not many people can do this for living. I believe, that it was my self-doubt, that was talking to me through all those people. It helped me. To be more determent, gritty and persistent. Nothing can last for a long time without persistence and struggles.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Barbora H Photography – what should we know?
I’m specialized in taking portraits of people, boudoir and weddings. I love capturing the special and ordinary moments in people’s lives. Practicing mindfulness for many years has helped me tremendously to be truly present, which can be a gift itself especially in this time in which we live. I love go with the flow style (some call it photojournalistic style), along with some guidance and encouragement.
I believe, that everyone has a beautiful part of themselves, that as an artist and psychic I can reflect back to them and show them, how beautiful they truly are. So many of us struggle with self-doubt, self-worth and acceptance. It’s easier, when others see our true nature and show it to us. And that’s what I do. I’ve heard so many times from so many people, that they aren’t photogenic. That isn’t thing. It’s about how the photographer see you and how can they capture you.
The more present I am, the more real you can be captured in a picture. Since I became mom, I have another depth of love and care, which I can share with my clients. There are many people, who have cameras and think, that they are photographers. To be a photographer isn’t just about having a good camera. It takes way more than just click. I know, that I can capture essence of your soul. I also know, that people feel at ease with me and that helps so much to relax, and just be yourself. I’m so grateful, that I could photograph so many wonderful people around the Globe. I love capturing people’s unique stories.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My first mentor was my ex-boyfriend Tomas. Now, I’m following a wonderful mentor Sue Bryce. She has changed me once more to the core of how I see my business and my work – service for other people. I’m forever grateful for his guidance and help along my way.
I’m also very grateful for my husband Nick and his support, love and trust in my abilities and gifts. He is the biggest cheerleader and manager that I could ever hope for. And also, my family and friends, who are always there for me and helping me to become a better version of myself every day.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4652 Wilson Ave., unit 1, San Diego 92116
- Website: www.havlickova.com
- Phone: +1(858)-699-5474
- Email: barborahphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barborahphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HavlickovaPhotography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/barbora-h-photography-san-diego
Image Credit:
Shilpa Pradhan
Color Shot Studio
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