Meet Andrea Domjan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrea Domjan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Andrea , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

Being born and raised in Hungary gave me a very strong work ethic from a young age. Both my parents were very hard workers. My parents would leave in the morning and come back in the afternoon, and my mom, even when she was not working for a few years in between jobs, was always busy cooking and cleaning. She never just rested and did nothing.

My parents taught me the value of hard work because they wanted us to succeed. Even my grandma, who was already retired, couldn’t stop working because she loved what she did. For me, working hard was just normal. On the weekends, we would spend the time at our weekend house and my parents and grandma would work in the garden all day. They showed us that success comes from hard work and persistence, not just words but by their own example.

I started working at 16 to earn my own money. I didn’t like asking my parents for money, especially since they often didn’t agree with what I wanted to buy as a teenager, like a Samsung flip phone, which was considered very cool and expensive back then. So, I decided to make my own money. I handed out free magazines on the streets and did many jobs like that besides school. At one point I even cleaned apartments, it was great money! I didn’t tell my parents about it because I knew they wouldn’t approve.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve always been captivated by beautiful magazines. As a teenager, I’d cut out pictures I loved and stick them into a notebook. I wasn’t interested in the articles, just the stunning photos—those perfume ads and editorial spreads always fascinated me; the colors, beautiful models, perfect hair and makeup and stunning dresses! I had no idea back then that I’d end up creating those kinds of images myself.

Just recently, while visiting family in Europe, I found old videos of me building a camera out of Legos. I used to pretend to take pictures at just two years old. Fast forward to today, and I’m a portrait photographer based in Orange County, CA, with 16 years of experience. My goal is to be the go-to photographer for anyone looking for high-quality, beautiful photos—whether it’s glamorous shots, maternity sessions, branding, or headshots.

I moved to the US from Europe in 2015, blending my European style with contemporary photography trends. My work has been featured in local magazines and even made its way into People, Harper’s Bazaar, and Daily Mail.

In my private studio in Orange County, I aim to deliver a magazine-style experience. I work with a wide range of clients, including celebrities, providing a fun, pampered day with a professional beauty team and guiding everyone through their poses. It’s like having a Vogue-style shoot right here in Orange County!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

One of the things that’s been a blessing in disguise for me is my stubbornness. I might have given up a few times if I wasn’t so determined. Not everyone is naturally persistent, but if you’re not, I’d advise you to stick with it. There will be moments when you feel like giving up. Success rarely happens overnight. Mastering your craft takes time—I’ve been perfecting mine for 16 years, and I’m still learning.

Another key factor has been my commitment to constant learning. I don’t have a formal degree in photography; everything I know has come from YouTube, online courses, and reaching out to other photographers. I emailed countless professionals asking to be their assistant. Only one photographer took me on, but that didn’t stop me from seeking more knowledge about my camera, editing, lighting, and posing.

The third thing that’s been crucial in my journey is making time to play. I regularly organize shoots just for fun with my team. This approach helps me reconnect with the passion and creativity that initially drew me to photography. When your hobby turns into a business, it can sometimes overshadow the joy you once had, due to the pressures and risks involved. Setting aside time for playful experimentation helps me keep the excitement alive. Interestingly, many of my bookings come as a result of these fun, creative sessions.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I can’t point to just one person, but I owe a great deal to the amazing online educators who continually share their knowledge on platforms like YouTube and their subscription sites. Sue Bryce, Lindsay Adler, and Felix Kunze are among my top favorites—they’ve been incredibly inspiring and educational.

To overcome challenges, my husband has been one of my biggest supporters. He’s also my business partner in the photography studio, handling a significant amount of behind-the-scenes work to help me focus on my craft. As photographers, we juggle many roles, many of which happen out of sight. I’m fortunate to have a partner who stands by my side, offering support and pep talks whenever I need them.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Andrea Domjan Photography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move