Andreea Rotariu
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I am Andreea Rotariu, the photographer.
I was always interested in arts, since a young age. After completing my MA in fashion design, I realized I was more into photography. I first had interactions with photography through my fashion collections, when I had to take photographs and that was always my favorite part. Besides it, I have a background in fine art-painture from high school.
2. Where did you study photography?
I could say I studied a little photography at The University of Arts- I had for one year, one optional for photography and I loved to do it back then, but I studied more deeply when I attended the photography course at the British Academy of Photography.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
I do. My first serious photo shot was for my collection as a fashion student. I photographed my creative garments and made a catalogue of it.
4. What equipment do you use?
Nikon D7200 + 50mm mostly
5. What do you hope to achieve?
I want through my photographs to illustrate what I see behind the images I take. If I see more than just a photograph I want to add composites to it, to challenge the viewer to see more than just photograph.
6. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
"Use your experience".
7. What inspires your unique storytelling?
My son inspires me a lot.
8. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Creative, dreamy, illustrative.
9. Congratulations! As the winner of the European Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
I am very grateful to have achieved this award.
10. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2022 European Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The series of images I entered was an attempt to represent an experience of playing. Seeing how two kids were playing with cotton wool made me dream. Their age is the age when your world is supernatural, even with two years difference in photographs they still play creatively, you have the impression that you can touch the sky, and can make clouds.
The cotton wool makes us see how some ordinary things can transpose us to an imaginary world. The feel of playing, the feel of life, and childhood remind us to feel like a kid again, and that's why.
11. How has winning an award developed your career?
It helped me gain confidence and recognition.
12. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Bella Kotak
Annie Leibovitz
13. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
"Use your experience", by my mentor, Anthony Griffin.
14. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Do what you feel, and do a lot of practice, a lot of "second attempts".
15. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Never give up and do what you feel and work hard.
16. How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
I am always trying to keep up to date as much as I can.
17. Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Thank you for the opportunity of this interview.
