Want Croatia BREATHTAKING Beach Photos?

Vanessa Joy is a wedding photographer and educator helping photographers grow profitable businesses.

If you’re a photographer who feels stuck shooting in the same locations or struggles with making travel shoots look cohesive, this post is for you. I’ll take you behind the scenes of a destination portrait session in Croatia and show you how location, light, and editing come together to create timeless images.

Korčula, Croatia: A Photographer’s Dream Location

Our journey started on the stunning island of Korčula. Pržina Beach, with its sweeping coastline and textured landscapes, felt like it was designed for portraits.

Every frame was cinematic—soft light, endless blue, and natural textures that amplified Julianna’s beauty. Croatia wasn’t just a backdrop; it was part of the story.

Crafting the Look with Custom Presets

Before the shoot, Julianna and I talked through her vision: warm, tanned skin tones, smooth textures, and a natural look that kept her blue eyes shining.

I built a custom Lightroom preset for her that streamlined the editing process while keeping everything cohesive. It not only saved time but gave her exactly the look she imagined.

💡 Tip for photographers: Custom presets aren’t just about speed—they help you create consistency and deliver images that feel uniquely yours (and your client’s).

Chasing the Light in Croatia

Natural light in Croatia was gentle and golden—perfect for portraits. All we needed was a simple reflector to bring out the sparkle in Julianna’s eyes.

I encouraged movement—walking, turning, shifting—so the landscape and subject worked together. This created effortless, organic images instead of stiff, overly posed shots.

Editing with Precision and Heart

Back in Lightroom, I layered that custom preset with my signature color corrections and then fine-tuned in Evoto AI. Dodge and burn gave depth without losing Julianna’s natural look.

Editing isn’t just a technical step—it’s storytelling. Every adjustment was a way to let Croatia’s beauty and Julianna’s personality shine equally.

Ready for the Next Adventure? Bali Awaits!

After Croatia, I’m thrilled to announce our next destination: Bali! 🌴

This photography trip will feature:

• Iconic waterfalls, temples, and beaches.

• Multiple styled shoots with Julianna.

• Hands-on learning and creative challenges.

• A small group of photographers (limited spots).

👉 Join us here: https://bit.ly/BaliPhotoTrip 

If you’re ready to elevate your photography, build your portfolio, and capture images in one of the most breathtaking locations in the world, this is your chance.

Wrapping Up Croatia

Shooting in Croatia reminded me why I fell in love with photography—it’s about more than pretty pictures. It’s about connecting with the world, capturing beauty as it unfolds, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reignite your creativity, destination photography offers a whole new perspective. And Bali is your next opportunity to experience that magic.