Meet Misa Uvalic | CT & PA based Wedding Photographer

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

Hi Misa, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up, I’ve always been creative/artistic whether it be drawing or writing poetry. I never thought that photography could become a career where I could make money. It at first was just a gig at a gym job of mine where I took action shots. Then, I started to take photos outside of work of other people. Throughout the first year of me learning and meeting more and more people, I loved it (and still do of course). I craved for more after each session because I love learning about each individuals garden and how they grow it – to represent that in images is everything to me because I capture people’s love story in a way that is unique to them. In comparison to the poetry that I wrote, there was only so much I could have written. I wrote my own stories and those around me, but getting to document stranger’s stories that they get to cherish for the rest of their lives makes me happy. I never felt more passion in anything else compared to this.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of the fact that I built this business from scratch myself. Of course, I have had help from others along the way, but I was self taught. There were times where it felt difficult. Photography is more than just taking a photo – there is so much behind the scenes that people don’t even realize. Yes it may not be a 9-5 job, but owning your own business is a 24/7 job. You have to stay on track because you do not have someone bossing you around other than yourself. Growing up I have always had people discipline me in finishing work and I was always on top of it, but this time having no one was really an eye opener. It made me realize that I have to do this on my own.

A lesson that I learned along the way was to not follow another photographers style of running their business or how they took a shot – you have to learn how to be creative yourself. It is the only way to progress through the industry.

One thing that sets me apart from others is that a potential client is not just an inquiry to me – that client is someone I intend to be a lifelong friend. I want to build a relationship with the people I meet. Connections are everything to me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am from West Hartford, CT. I’d probably show my best friend the West Hartford Center because it is where I grew up hanging out with friends – from Zohara for a meal to Arethusa Farms for a dessert you cannot go wrong. We would stop by Elizabeth Park to walk around. Then, I would probably head to the coastal line and visit Harkness Memorial State Park and downtown Mystic. At some point of the week we would have to go to Modern Apizza in New Haven and Taco Daddy as well as Elm Street Diner in Stamford. Last but not least, I would drive out to RI and go to downtown Providence as well as Newport – the cliff walk is one of my favorite places to walk. We would also visit Castle Hill lighthouse and Beavertail state park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a couple of people who deserve credit for where I am at today. My sister, Fatima Uvalic, for always helping me decide what to do within my business from finances to editing. My fiance, Harun Sisic, for being a partner in my business and helping me set/achieve goals. My 12th grade English teacher, Ramona Puchalski-Piretti, for empowering me through her lectures in women’s literature in which case it showed me I am worth more than just an average human being, but that I have a story. My 9-12th grade Business teacher, Holly Ruiz, for teaching me how to run a business and giving great life lessons.

Website: misaflix.com

Instagram: @misaflix

Facebook: MisaFlix

Image Credits
@misaflix