Meet Hollywood Commercial Photographer: Mirza Hasanefendic

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mirza Hasanefendic.

Mirza, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well, my story starts like for so many others – as a failure. I actually failed my photography exam while attending Fine Arts Academy. I failed by accident to which I am now grateful for. My mom tossed my final work that morning by accident, and I had nothing to show for. It ended up with me spending days locked inside the dark room, developing photos from beautiful grainy Ilford 400 black and white film, and I fell in love with the whole process. Then came the digital photography and bridged the gap between classical art and my love for technology and design. Next year, I presented my work and was awarded the best in class recognition. After that, I knew that photography is going to be something that’s going to define me in years to come.

Having obtained BA in graphic design, logical next step was to pursue a career in an advertising agency. I did just so and spent few years working for international clients like United Nations and Coca-Cola. But, as time moved on, I also moved away from graphic design and transitioned completely to the exciting world of commercial photography, and never looked back.

For the last four years, I call Los Angeles my home; together with my wife Lamija we shoot commercially in our Hollywood-based studio. I specialized in portraiture and product photography, and in my spare time I shoot landscapes and create large framed prints on both paper and canvas. But I’m also working as a full-time University photographer.

I come from an artistic background; my father is a famous painter, so for me growing up around color and art was normal. I often get comments on my work as “It looks like a painting”. I believe it’s because of him I have inherited the “eye” to perceive colors and the world around me differently.

Has it been a smooth road?
Ever since that day that we won the Green Card Lottery four years ago has been a rollercoaster ride, and thankfully I do enjoy a bumpy road. Moving to LA, and in a way starting over was a huge challenge, but that’s where your work starts actually working for you. It has helped me get my everyday job as a University Photographer, and it helped with meeting new creative people too. Moving from Europe to LA is the very pinnacle of the concept “get out of your comfort zone”. I love this city and everything it stands for. To me, LA is a state of mind and it had taught me a lot, but I am still learning. Business, presentation, a way of life, way of thinking and doing things were the little tidbits on the road that were smoothed out, and now helped turned me into what I am today.

So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
Future is now exciting and filled with possibilities. For now, what I can safely say is that I plan on further improving in product photography because it is turning out to be just right for me. So, I will never stop learning. And of course, everything that goes along with it – investing in new camera gear, studio and lighting equipment and few accessories. Hopefully more exhibitions, and let’s see where the road takes us?

Let’s go backward a bit – can you tell us about the most trying time in your career?
Well, I think the hardest time in anyone’s career is when there are no job prospects or any real challenge that presents a possibility of “closing shop” so to speak. For me, that was the move to LA. It is hard when you land on a new continent and try to start over. But what I learned in life is that every challenge is a possibility to grow, so I adjusted, and meeting new people is now a joyful and optimistic experience. Out of that hard time I gained real friendships, fell in love with this city and it’s people, and have a new appreciation for life. Take every day as they come and get to know people because they will surely surprise you in the best possible way.

Are there days when you feel like you’ve done everything you wanted to, careerwise – the “I’ve made it” kind of moments?
Wow, the moment was the first time a commercial client called after he saw my work and said: “This is how I want my products presented, do what you do best!” It was an exhilarating feeling that my work and talent were recognized and I was the given freedom and trust to do it my own way. The project was a huge success and the preliminary reactions just blew me away. It is amazing to see that all your hard work, education, and knowledge paid off. So yeah, moments like those help me realize I am on the right track and better things are on the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mirzastudio.com
• Phone: (949) 202-6343
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mirzaphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MirzaStudioLA
• Other: plus.google.com/+MirzaStudioLosAngeles