a pianist picks up a camera.

Once upon a time, in a practice room far, far away – just kidding, this story isn't quite as dramatic as that. It's a simple tale of how a pianist found herself falling in love with a camera, and how that unexpected journey led to a whole new creative path.

It all started with my family – I'm the youngest of two siblings, and from a young age, I was encouraged by everyone around me to explore my creative interests. I sang, drew, painted, and even made the world's finest mud pies (if I do say so myself). And, of course, I took piano lessons.

Piano and music, in general, have always been my first love. As a certain Hogwarts Headmaster once said, "Ah, music! A magic far beyond what we do here." I couldn't agree more – there's something undeniably enchanting about the world of music.

Grafenegg Academy Orchestra conducted by Håkan Hardenberger @ Grafenegg Academy 2023

I got my first toy keyboard when I was just 5 or 6, and that little keyboard became my constant companion. I'd play the demo songs it came with, pretending I was the one producing those beautiful melodies. It was clear from a young age which direction my heart was taking me.

From that point on, my family rallied behind me to help me realize my dream of pursuing music. I was incredibly fortunate and privileged. Our collective efforts even took me to Vienna, where I now live and work. I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees in piano performance at the University of Music and Performing Arts here.

But here comes the plot twist – I always knew that music alone could never be enough *cue the song "Never Enough" from “The Greatest Showman”* Throughout my journey, even as a kid obsessed with her toy keyboard, I held onto other passions and dreams I hoped to explore someday. However, I chose the piano, and mastering it required my full dedication. Anyone who knows classical music can attest to the fact that there's little time and headspace for anything else when you're practicing 5-8 hours a day, on top of going to classes, supporting yourself and maintaining at least an illusion of a social life. Still, I held onto the hope that one day, I'd have the chance to quietly and slowly explore those other interests.

As long as I can remember, there were always cameras lying around our house. My dad used them occasionally for his work as a visual artist, although he wasn't a photographer. I pestered him endlessly to let me play with those cameras, and thankfully, he finally gave in. I loved capturing moments, clicking random buttons without knowing what I was doing – but it felt right.

Returning to my studies in Vienna during my master's program, the daunting question of "what comes next" loomed over me. The need to take my hobbies seriously and explore my options intensified. With little hope that my dad would say yes, I asked if I could take his old Canon Rebel to Vienna to try my hand at photographing my musician friends. To my surprise, he agreed.

I took that camera with me almost every time I went to practice, seeking willing subjects among my friends. Some posed eagerly, looking forward to their new Facebook profile pictures, while others rolled their eyes and obliged (you know who you are, and thank you). But then, something unexpected happened – offers started pouring in. I was invited to photograph concerts and take people's portraits, despite my limited knowledge and equipment.

Since I didn't have the appropriate gear for some of these opportunities, I turned down many of them, and a year passed. Still, the idea of pursuing photography as a paid hobby lingered in the back of my mind. I knew that with a bit of investment in a new camera and a few lenses, this dream could become a reality.

At the beginning of 2022, I decided it was time to invest in myself again and do something simply because I wanted to – not because there was an expectation for me to do it. I asked a friend if she would pose with her violin so I could test out my new gear. I posted the results on Instagram, and as they say, the rest is history. I learned that it is in fact possible to be more than one thing, follow more than one interest and most importantly to me, that you can start a few chapter at any point in your life.

So, if you ever feel even a spark of curiosity for something creative in your life, I urge you to follow it. You never know where that path will take you. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I can't wait to share more adventures in the world where a pianist picked up a camera.

Stay tuned for more stories, photos, and the ongoing exploration of where passion can lead.

Sofija.