Meet Anjeza Dyrmishi

We recently connected with Anjeza Dyrmishi and have shared our conversation below.

ANJEZA, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

When you’ve worked hard for many years and have extensive experience, confidence in your work often comes naturally. However, despite my many years of experience, every day feels like a challenge because I constantly push myself to improve in my profession. In such moments, my confidence might feel lower, but I always manage to find the strength within myself to embrace new experiences and learn from them. In my opinion, our profession and life lessons never truly end; they occur every day, and this is a natural part of everyone’s journey.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My artistic journey began at a very young age. Every book in my house, starting from the age of 2, was filled with my scribbles and sketches. Later, I began using blank sheets of paper, covering them with watercolors. In my memory, like a film, I vividly recall the image and smell of my home’s courtyard. It was a summer day, with a gentle Mediterranean breeze in my hometown of Tirana, Albania. There I was, a young girl painting in the yard. Nearby, my mother was watering the flowers, and a little further away, my grandfather was sitting under a more than 100-year-old orange tree. The wind would occasionally sweep away my papers, and I’d run to catch them.
While painting, I would dream of my future as a world-renowned painter. Those dreams inspired me. I’m sharing these memories because I believe that, for each of us, childhood and our dreams shape who we become. From that time to now, those dreams have never left me. From being a young girl dreaming of becoming a world-famous painter, I’ve become a photographer with 20 years of experience.
The journey continued when, at a very young age, I began taking professional painting lessons from some of Albania’s most renowned artists. My primary dream, which set the foundation for my success, was to be accepted into the Academy of the University of Arts in Tirana, the only higher education institution for art in Albania. It took years of hard work, but I finally achieved it. Every day during my four years there, I was enthusiastic and optimistic because I loved being where I had always dreamed of.
During my studies, I started working at the age of 17 for several magazines in the capital, initially as a graphic designer. In my second year of school, I won a first-place award in photography. That’s when my desire to focus on photography was born. Why did this shift from painting to photography happen? I’m one of those artists who loves connecting with people. I’ve always painted portraits and later transitioned to photographing portraits. This connection with people gives me immense emotion.
At the age of 20, I opened my studio. I’ve always been focused on creating my art while blending it with what people want because I believe that without commercial art, an artist cannot be entirely fulfilled. Art should always have a function. At the same time, I believe that art should not become 100% business because, if it does, it is no longer art.
After a long career in Europe, countless travels, thousands of portraits taken, and exhibitions that fulfilled the dreams of that little girl in her home’s courtyard, I’ve now been in America for three years. The dream continues as I expand my archive of photographed portraits. I continue pursuing my passion while also helping fulfill the dreams of each of my clients.
I believe that every moment in my life has been focused and driven toward achieving what I am today. My story is filled with countless details and artistic events worth mentioning. One of the key factors that has positively influenced my career is my husband. Endrit Bardhi, who was my boyfriend when I was just 16 years old, is also a photographer and videographer.
Throughout my journey, since the age of 16, he has been by my side, working tirelessly to support my dreams, which eventually became our shared dreams. It’s a beautiful thing to have a life partner who shares the same dreams and goals as you. It makes you stronger and more successful. For anyone, having such a companion would be a great blessing.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe that every profession requires a journey to truly excel. Along the way, the experiences and knowledge gained serve as building blocks for the future, helping to refine and perfect your craft while remaining authentic in what you do.
In my case, my photography is built upon three key components:
1. Painting – Painting has deeply influenced my photography, as it is highly complex in light, color, and composition. This foundation allows me to bring an artistic and thoughtful approach to every photo I take.
2. Graphic Design – I worked as a graphic designer for many years, which plays an essential role in my photography today. It gave me a strong understanding of composition and the functional purpose of a photograph, enabling me to create images that not only look beautiful but also serve their intended use effectively.
3. Practice – I am a photographer every single day of my life. This consistent practice helps me grow, evolve, and think deeply about my work. I continuously analyze what could be improved or changed. Without practice and hard work, there is no development.
These three elements—artistic depth, technical knowledge, and daily dedication—form the foundation of my photography and allow me to continually push boundaries and stay true to my craft.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My parents and family have had a profound impact on shaping who I am today. They recognized my talent early on and took the initiative to enroll me in professional lessons with some of the best experts in the field. It was their dream and desire for me to become an artist. Seeing my potential in the arts, they constantly encouraged and nurtured my passion, fueling my determination to excel in this field. To this day, they continue to support me, taking pride in the work I do and finding joy in my success. Their pride has always been a driving force for me to master my craft and pursue new achievements every day.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have had their unwavering support. Today, I find myself doing the same for my 11-year-old daughter, Ajna. When I see her, it feels like history is repeating itself, and every time I feel proud of her, I begin to understand what my parents must have felt for me. I don’t want to push her; instead, I want to support her so she can have the courage to follow her dreams, whatever they may be.

To families who may hesitate to encourage their children to pursue art, I say this: don’t give up on their dreams. Having a passion and the ability to dream is a gift. Support them, believe in them, and let them explore what they do best. Never stop dreaming,

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anjezadyrmishi.com
• Instagram: anjezadyrmishi
• Facebook: anjezadyrmishiphotography
• Linkedin: anjezadyrmishi
• Twitter: anjezadyrmishi

Image Credits

ANJEZA Dyrmishi