Capture Life’s Little Luxuries
If you opened your smartphone gallery right now, how many photos would you see? For most of us, the count reaches into the thousands. My gallery, for instance, has about 2,500 photos, capturing memories with family and friends. Most of these were taken on my Samsung, but some moments—those truly special occasions—call for a professional touch.
One such moment came last year when I was expecting a new baby at 41. I hadn’t anticipated being pregnant again, so this maternity shoot was something I knew I’d cherish. For that, I turned to photographer Evita Dhondai, whose style beautifully combines simplicity with depth.
During the shoot, I got to know Evita not just as a photographer, but as a mother balancing her creative career with the demands of family life. Her passion for storytelling through imagery shines in her work, and I was moved by her philosophy: “For me, it’s about purity—revealing someone’s soul through the lens. Especially with women, I want to show strength and vulnerability without aiming for perfection. I’m not after a flawless image, but one that captures who they truly are.”
Portrait of Evita’s son; Image Source: Evita Dhondai Photography
When I asked about her approach to capturing the essence of her subjects, Evita shared, “I’ve always felt a strong connection with people, and photography allows me to capture that connection. It’s not just about beautiful pictures; it’s about moments, emotions, and the essence of people. Creativity combined with that human interaction is the beauty of what I do. It lets me show people at their best, creating something meaningful and lasting.”
Fashion and Photography: Finding Authenticity
As a columnist for Gazetta, I was curious how style plays into her work. For Evita, styling enhances the subject’s personality rather than overshadowing it. “Styling should add authenticity and balance, reflecting the person’s character. Sometimes, I like to play with contrasts—using bold clothing against subtle backgrounds or adding delicate tones to match a softer mood. It’s all about harmony between fashion and personality.”
Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
Evita’s journey as both a mother and a business owner offers an inspiring look at how women can find a unique balance. She says, “Being my own boss means I can prioritize my son, especially during school breaks. It’s not easy, but this freedom lets me shape a lifestyle where I can be fully present for him.” For her, success is a blend of freedom and fulfillment, both in work and motherhood. “As an entrepreneur, success means loving what I do—not just growing financially but creatively. It’s about telling stories, helping others share theirs, and shaping my life to reflect what matters to me.”
Portrait of myself when I was pregnant with my second child; Image Source: Evita Dhondai Photography
When it comes to her role as a mother, success takes on a slightly different meaning. “It’s about making sure my son feels safe, loved, and happy. I want him to grow with confidence and curiosity, knowing I’m there for him. Watching him flourish, knowing he feels secure—that’s success to me as a mother.”
Future Aspirations: Creating a Lasting Signature
Evita’s goals are clear: she’s on a path to developing her own unmistakable style. “My goal is for people to recognize my work instantly—something that feels typically ‘Evita’ That’s the dream—to refine my style and let it speak for itself.”
Looking back at my maternity photos, I see exactly what Evita means. The emotions she captured are authentic and timeless. I’m grateful for these images I’m sure her focus will bring her vision to life.
