Dr. Aneta of Los Angeles / OC on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Aneta and have shared our conversation below.

Aneta, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m most proud of the version of myself I built in silence.

The resilience that formed on days when quitting would’ve been easier.
The strength I had to create for myself when no one else could carry it for me.
The habit of standing back up — again and again — even when I was tired, discouraged, or unsure.

Nobody sees the nights I stayed awake planning, doubting, rewriting my goals, and choosing to try one more time.
Nobody hears the conversations I had with myself when I had to remind my heart why my dreams still mattered.

I kept going when progress was slow.
I kept going when the finish line felt too far.
I kept going when no one was clapping yet.

I built discipline.
I built belief.
I built the courage to chase what scares me.

And maybe the world only sees the results —
but I know the real win was becoming someone who refuses to give up.

Because in the end, it’s not just about achieving my dreams —
it’s about enjoying the victory knowing how hard I fought to get there.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Aneta — I’m a European living in the USA, a photographer, a psychologist, and, above all, a human being.

I found joy, peace, and deep happiness in creating unique visual masterpieces through photography.

My journey began with macro photography — with the desire to see what the human eye usually overlooks. I became fascinated by what happens when you slow down, bend lower, and change your point of view. Looking at flowers from beneath instead of above revealed an entirely different world: hidden colors, fragile structures, scars, textures, and quiet beauty that often go unnoticed. Over time, I expanded my work into portrait and wedding photography, bringing the same sensitivity, attention to detail, and love for capturing the unseen into the human stories I photograph.

I’m also a psychologist, and in many ways, these two worlds blend into one for me. Both photography and psychology are about learning to truly see — to look deeper, to stay present in silence, and to approach others with commitment, compassion, and a genuine wish to understand and support.

When I photograph nature or people, I’m not just capturing images — I’m being with them. Listening to the wind, observing the slow work of time, noticing the dents in rocks, the chips in petals, or the emotions and stories in human faces. Those details remind me of people — of the scars we carry, the hurdles we overcome, and the quiet strength formed through difficult moments and trauma.

My work is about honoring those stories — both in nature and in humans — and reminding us that beauty often lives in what we’ve survived, not only in what appears perfect.

Through my lens, I aim to show that every mark tells a story, and every story deserves to be seen.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world is not one single event, but a collection of experiences — losing loved ones unexpectedly, whether through breakups, death, or distance, and realizing that there will never be another chance to hear their laugh, their voice, or feel their love. In those moments, you confront the weight of being truly alone. And yet, what does it really mean to be alone? Is it the physical absence of others, or the deeper feeling of being unseen, unheard, or unsupported?

Through my work as a psychologist — whether in prisons, mental health institutions, or supporting clients in their daily struggles — I have seen this same pain mirrored in many lives. I’ve witnessed what it means to lose freedom, hope, loved ones, or even oneself. I’ve seen the crushing weight of isolation, the despair of feeling completely alone in the face of trauma, mental illness, or life’s hardest moments. And I’ve seen how transformative it can be when someone offers a hand, a presence, a chance to stand up again after falling.

These experiences have taught me that loss and loneliness, as hard as they are, can shape us profoundly. We may lose people, security, or moments we can never get back — but we also gain awareness, empathy, and the understanding of what it truly means to be human. They remind me that connection, presence, and care are everything.

What I carry forward from these moments is a deep commitment: to be present for others, to offer a hand when I can, and to never underestimate the quiet power of simply showing up. I strive to grow into someone who honors both the fragility and the resilience of life — to live more fully, love more deeply, and to never take for granted the moments and people around me.

Ultimately, these experiences have shaped the way I see the world: as a place of both profound pain and profound possibility, and as a reminder that even in the deepest loneliness, reaching out and being seen can be life-changing.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: it’s okay to slow down. Even though the world around you constantly tells you to push harder, to achieve more, and to measure your worth by productivity, remember that how much you overwork is up to you — and it’s okay to choose differently.

The resilience and drive that have shaped you into who you are today are things to be proud of. They are part of your strength, your commitment, your ability to keep going when things get hard. At the same time, life has shown you how important it is to nurture yourself, to let habits, thoughts, and self-perception evolve gently, and to focus on what truly brings you joy.

Travel more. See the world while you can. Taste every cuisine. Savor the moments that make your heart light, not just the milestones that look impressive on paper.

Would you be the same person if you had done these things sooner? Perhaps — and I think you would like yourself even more. You are learning, growing, and living fully, and that’s exactly how you were always meant to be.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what really matters to me is family, health, love, and happiness — the deep connections that make life meaningful. They’d say I care about expressing emotions honestly, being present for others, and offering support when it’s needed most. They’d also notice my passion for capturing the beauty of nature, finding the hidden details and quiet stories that often go unseen.

They might also say that I value resilience, growth, and striving for excellence — the kind of inner strength that comes from facing challenges and always pushing myself further. And while I am ambitious and driven, they’d see that I’m learning to balance that with presence, savoring moments of life while still pursuing my dreams and goals with determination.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Yes, I absolutely love being a photographer. I love discovering new perspectives, playing with the best light, and finding the angles that showcase people at their best. I enjoy incorporating them into unique, beautiful locations and capturing not just their image, but their essence — their soul. Editing is part of the process too, though I aim to capture as much as possible in-camera so the photos feel natural and authentic. I love working with nature — whether it’s a colorful field, a striking landscape, or even the soft, mysterious look of fog — and seeing how light, location, and emotion come together in a single shot. I also love seeing the final results and reliving those moments with my clients, because without them, there wouldn’t be these stories to tell.

At the same time, being a psychologist brings me a different, equally profound joy. Even small improvements in my clients — a new insight, a shift in perspective, or a moment of relief — remind me of the power of presence. Providing that time and space, even if just for a short session, where someone feels seen, heard, and supported, is incredibly meaningful. It’s the quiet, transformative moments that make me feel deeply connected to my work and to others, in a way that complements the joy I find behind the camera.

Every day, in both photography and psychology, I feel alive in my work — creating, connecting, and witnessing growth, beauty, and transformation in the world and in people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coufalova.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aneta.coufalova/