Fly Me To The Moon
Professional photoshoot, Pandora - Art of Pole, Behind The Scenes, 22. 11. 2025, @Center Plesa, Maribor, Slovenia
Chapter I: WEW.
On Saturday, 22. 11. 2025, I sneaked through the back door (I actually didn’t, it just gives the story a bit of thrill), quietly walked (ok, now I’m being ridiculous) into impeccably set pop-up photo studio to capture maestro, Saša Huzjak, and his helping hand, Matic Brezovšek, at work. A chance to do a Behind The Scenes of a professional photoshoot, capturing talented pole dancers, guided by their amazing teachers from Pandora - Art of Pole, doesn’t occur often.
After 4 cups of coffee (hello, I’m Neža, and I’m a coffeeholic) and two mouthfuls of apple pie, it was time to roll up the sleeves (I didn’t, I was cold) and get down to work. Literally. Lying on the floor kind of becomes a “professional” defect once you start photographing wildlife (and just like that, you find yourself on the floor while shooting other scenes, too.)
If I had to describe the photoshoot in one word it would be: WeW (which is, in fact, three words).
“What a cool acronym I just came up with!”
Or did I? After a quick Google search (yes, I still use Google Search like a cavewoman) I learned I didn't. But whew, there are Women Empowering Women out there. Collaboration over competition. Say it louder for the ones in the back row!
Body’s way of showing its strength
I see pole dance as a way of expression. A way to feel your own strength. Mental. Physical. It is about feeling empowered. And hearing the “Wows”, “Ahhs”, and “You got this!” of the loving husband and supporting friends felt so inspiring. I could get home with zero photos and I would still feel I had a successful day. That supporting energy was a reward on its own.
I wish I stayed longer. To capture even more fascinated and truly supportive expressions. Those in form of genuine smiles. Tears of joy. Eyes glowing with pride and feeling of self accomplishment. My goal was to capture this exact energy, portrayed in this visual story; I hope you can feel it, too!
I heartily invite you to check Saša’s blog to see his stunning images, showing just how incredible these women are.
Quote of the day:
“Damn, I’m good!”
Word, girl!
With every strike of a pose and quick glance at the captured shot, joy and encouragement filled the room. The ladies proved they can. Not to their dance teachers. Not to the audience. Not to the photographer. To themselves.
Chapter II: It all starts with “Hello.”
A bit of a background. I met Saša in 2017, as he was doing a photoshoot for First Scene, cultural program organised in cooperation with Slovenian National Theatre Drama Maribor and Zavod MARS. I vividly remember waking up with the biggest cold soar all over my nose and lips.
“What a fantastic add-on for a photoshoot. Thanks, Universe. Love you, too.”
Oh well. Nothing tones of make up and a magic wand called Photoshop can’t handle.
2 years later, the company I work for needed a photographer for an anniversary event. Videographer we worked with suggested Saša to jump in. Name sounded familiar.
“Oh, I know this guy!”
A couple of work projects later, saving my wedding day, and helping unlock the secrets of studio lightning to me, I’m doing a BTS of his photoshoot of absolute legends from Pandora - Art Of Pole (Say what?!).
Thank you, Saša, for your mentorship. For your guidance. For enthusiasm and authenticity. For the laughs. For helping me get better every time I press the shutter.
;TLDR: Pandora Art of Pole ladies are Queens. Saša rocks. Photography is awesome.
