Maja Topcagic - Leave Your Touch In Every Single Thing That You Do, It Is The Emotions That Count (Photographer, Bosina and Herzegovina)

My work focuses on capturing a moment in time, whether it's portraiture, fashion, lifestyle imagery, creative stock images or just the perfect light. When I'm not taking photos, you'll find me travelling the globe, playing with my cats, training, or spending time with my family.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

My name is Maja Topcagic, and I am a PORTRAIT + ART + FASHION photographer based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. I have graduated with a degree in mathematics and computer science. I am entirely self-taught.

Photography is my passion. It is a way to express my thoughts, feelings, fears and dreams. Photography as art lets us to display life in some way through our eyes, and everything we can imagine.

I'm most famous for my “Freckles” project that has been published all around the world, starting from Huffington Post, Daily Mail, Telegraph, and even actor Ashton Kutcher shared it!

My work has been published in a lot of magazines and book covers. My proudest moment is when Canon Europe made a short documentary about my work.


2. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?

My first DSLR was given and sent to me as a gift, by a person that I actually have not met! That was one of the most beautiful moments in my life; I finally could pursue my love for photography.

Back then, I was taking photos with my mobile phone, Sony Ericsson K8ooi, and I would retouch them in Photoshop. Then my dream came true. I am forever grateful for that shifting moment in my career.


3. What creative projects do you do on your own time?

I like to shoot creative portraits, making short videos, or even shooting self-portraits. It’s a whole other aspect of photography. Facing yourself on camera and in Photoshop, it’s the weirdest thing ever!

Like drawing yourself with a piece of charcoal, you can’t ever get it right because you don’t have the right perspective of yourself. But it can be really interesting, when you want to shoot something, and don’t have a model!

4. How do you keep up with the latest creative tools and technologies?

I enjoy every single bit of it. I have always been a technology freak, so I love to have the latest gear. Especially the newest Adobe apps. Technology is now available to all and made it more simple for us. And it’s beautiful – now everyone can create!


5. What are some tips you would like to share with the future aspiring photographers?

Find what you love and give yourself into it. Leave your touch in every single thing that you do. Make people know your work instantly, even when it doesn´t say your name. And then, follow your heart.

But remember, the most important thing isn’t having the best cameras, lenses, or many lights.. it’s the emotions that count. If you make an artwork that can touch people’s hearts, you did it!


6. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?

Photography—it’s all about passion, skill, and commitment.

I would say - seeing things others can’t. A good connection with people. Your creative energy, before everything else. Then, passion, organization, persistence, will for always learning new things and seeing the world differently.


7. What is your long term plan for future?

Because of the current situation, I have no major plans, other than spending time with my daughter and husband, and watching her grow. :)


8. Which is your favorite book and why?

The classic Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. No other novel has made me feel so much for the main character, so deeply depicted by the author. This novel is a masterful and completely captivating depiction of a man experiencing a profound mental unravelling.

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Website: www.themajatopcagic.com

Instagram: majatopcagich

Facebook: majatopcagicphoto

YouTube: Maja Topcagic

Interviewed by Pearline Marie Rein K