Sandra Tralić – Promoting Zagreb Through Spectacular Photos

Her photo of a sunset at Zagreb’s Kvaternik Square recently went viral and gathered over 10,000 likes…

Zagreb photographer Sandra Tralić caught our eye a while ago. Sandra is doing an amazing job promoting the Croatian capital with her stunning photos and creative editing which capture details of the city which often go unnoticed. Her photos are shared all over the world and are even used as a background for the weather forecast on the TV.

Recently Sandra had her first exhibition and we caught up with her for a chat…

How did you get into photography? 

I love photography and I have sort of been taking photos all my life. I piled up thousands of photographs, but it wasn’t until about a year ago that I dedicated more time to my hobby and started digitally editing my photos and then posting them on social networks.

What software and camera gear do you use and what do you use for processing?

I have a Canon Powershot SX60HS and I always carry it with me. I find it practical because it has a wide zoom range. I edit my photos in the app called Snapseed. When editing my photos I use the HDR option, as well as various other filters depending on what I want to depict in a particular photo. I try not to overdo it with digital photography enhancement, but with digital enhancement of my photographs I wish to show my own vision of the composition.

What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

People who like and comment my photos motivate me to pursue it.

Is there any message you try to get across with your photos?

I like to show Zagreb from a different angle by trying to capture details which often go unnoticed. The message I would like to get across to all of us is not to rush through life, but rather to notice, take in and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.

Zagreb’s main square (photo: Sandra Tralić)

When you are out taking photos how much of your work is instinctual versus planned?

All my work is instinctual, from the choice of composition to the editing process. There aren’t rules I follow when I work. I relax and simply enjoy the moment of inspiration. Most of my photos were taken while I was walking, because I never know when I might notice an interesting composition. That’s why I always have my camera with me. The greatest obstacle is that I’m not mobile, since I don’t own a car.

Out of all your photos, which one is your favorite? Why?

My favourite photo is ‘Sunset at Kvaternik Square’. I live in the vicinity of the mentioned square, so the moment I saw the colour of the sky through the window that evening I ran to Kvaternik Square to capture that unique moment. That is the story behind the photo which hit over 10000 likes and has been shared on numerous Facebook and Instagram profiles, and has consequently made my dream come true.

Sandra’s favourite (Sandra Tralić)

How photogenic is Zagreb?

Every neighbourhood, building, street, square and park in Zagreb have a story to tell. And each of my photos has been an attempt to depict it and bring it closer to the viewer. Is it even necessary to mention the architecture of old historical parts of Zagreb, Maksimir, Jarun, Novi Zagreb, Medvedgrad… Zagreb itself is a ‘poser’.

What is the one thing you wish you knew when you first started taking photos?

I have always been interested in photography, from the very beginning, and over time and through experience I learned about all the different camera options and ways of editing photos…and everything else comes down to instinct and love for composition of the surroundings which dazzles me.

How has social media played a role in your photography?

If it weren’t for social media, which enabled me to present my work, this interview wouldn’t have happened. I joined a Facebook group called ‘Zakaj volim Zagreb’ (Why I love Zagreb), where group members post photos and posts about our city. I noticed that a great number of the group followers liked my photos, so I spontaneously started posting more and more photos. They also caught the eye of RTL meteorologist Dunja Mazzocco Drvar, so some of my photos can be seen on RTL Weather forecast.

St. Mark’s square (Sandra Tralić)

You held your first exhibition recently, can you tell us about that?

My work was also noticed by Ana Milčec, daughter of a well-known writer from Zagreb Zvonimir Milčec, and offered to organise an exhibition of my photos at her café, which exudes the spirit of Zagreb. It was an honour to have my photographs put on display at such a renowned venue.

King Tomislav square (Sandra Tralić)

What are your plans?

I have plenty of plans and ideas. I will try to realise them with a friend of mine, a graphic technician Tomislav Bugarin, in his printing house Bugigraf. We are both great enthusiasts of Zagreb and it’s our great wish to present and promote our city in a new and different way.

Enjoy more of Sandra’s work below: