Hidden Gems: Meet Vesna Zdravkoski of Mike Staff Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vesna Zdravkoski.  

Vesna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started as an assistant at 16 years old for my father who was a wedding photographer on the weekends. I was hooked after the first wedding! I photographed weddings with him until he retired 5 years later. I started taking my own weddings at 20 years old. I took a short sabbatical from weddings when my daughters were babies. During that time, I pivoted into photographing families, seniors, and commercial headshots while building my studio lighting skills. By the time my youngest was ready to go into kindergarten, I had built myself a home studio that quickly turned into a commercial space in Romeo, MI. When I was ready to go back into weddings in 2015, I found Mike Staff Productions. I joined their team and have been back to doing weddings full-time ever since. A couple of years ago I was offered the role of Director of Photography at Mike Staff Productions. In this role, I have the opportunity to build the skills of our team through personal attention and workshops. 26 years and nearly 500 weddings later I mentor a team of very talented photographers while photographing weddings on the weekends. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In photography, the struggles seem to be unending. There are always fast-moving changes in technology. The job is very physically demanding so maintaining good health and avoiding injuries is a constant practice. Not only do you have to look forward,  you also need to look back and know the art, history, technology, and skills that has come before our time to really have a well-rounded knowledge of the photography genres. On top of artistic and technical skills of photography, current times require a business owner to be knowledgeable in business management, social media, marketing, real estate management, contract negotiations, and many many more areas. 

As I learned, each skill built on the last. The path is winding and never-ending. It feels like I will never know enough but I am curious and try to expand my skills every day. That never-ending search for knowledge is what keeps this profession so interesting! Now that I am with Mike Staff Productions I able to share what I have learned in a very direct and meaningful way with many photographers. It seems every week brings a new challenge but the people I get to work with make magic with light, a simple camera, and their amazing creativity. The amazing art we get to create makes any challenge worth the risk. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mike Staff launched his company in 1996 to simplify wedding planning. Now, two decades later, we’ve helped more than 25,000 couples have an awesome wedding. 

Mike Staff Productions has helped couples simplify the wedding planning process, eliminate the headaches, and significantly reduce the stress of choosing three important wedding vendors: professional photographer, DJ, and videographer. 

Our mission statement: “Give people the absolute best customer service experience they’ve ever had, with any company, ever!” 

Here’s how we’ve earned more than 1,000 5-star reviews and a sought-after spot in The Knot Hall of Fame… for 20 years straight: 

First, we’re relentless in vetting the photographers, videographers, and DJs who work with us. We have super high standards and it is really tough to get on our team. On average, less than 10% of applicants pass our robust, 118-point certification process, which means when you hire one of our experienced pros, you get the best of the best of the best. 

We perform background checks. 

We speak to all references. 

We’ve shadowed and watched the professionals in action 

Second, when you bundle services with us, we approach your once-in-a-lifetime day as a team. Our photographers, DJs, and videographers work together to bring your wedding vision to life—coordinating with one another so you don’t have to. It’s a huge time-saver, too: Imagine making one phone call to book three key wedding services. 

Finally, we expect the unexpected with our for-real backup plan. You’ll have paid professionals standing by to cover any imaginable or unimaginable “just in case.” Wedding-day emergencies happen, but that’s not your problem to solve; it’s ours. Our fail-proof backup plan means you never have to worry about your photographer, videographer, or DJ not showing up. 

Our team works together & has one another’s back. When you work with us, you’ll have one wedding company delivering your three most crucial wedding services. Our team members don’t compete with one another; they collaborate to deliver the wedding of your dreams. 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I LOVE posing training by Sue Bryce and Roberto Valenzuela. I have done a lot of art history research through YouTube and Coursera as well as self-study from local libraries. I have attended many in-person workshops in my career locally and at conferences. As my skill in photography has grown, I have started to read books, listen to podcasts and seek local resources to maintain my physical and mental health so I can continue in this career for another 30 years. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mikestaff.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikestaffproductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeStaffProductions

Image Credits
Mike Staff Productions