Stefan Zaharia
1. Congratulations on winning in the London Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
At the beginning, I was just a child who really loved taking pictures with my phone. From my very first phone with a tiny camera, I started photographing everything I saw.
Later on, more precisely, three years ago, I bought my first professional camera. Of course, I didn’t know how to use it properly, so I decided to enrol in a photography course. That was the first time I realised how much I loved being a photographer, and I began searching for my own style.
The second course I took was a fine art nude photography class, and that’s when the magic truly began.
Because I’m someone who learns best through practice, I chose to be in front of the lens as well. That was the moment I realised this form of art is a part of me.
When I touched the ground barefoot, I felt a deep sensation of connecting with nature, and I completely fell in love with it.
Today, I’ve been an organiser and also a participant for many photography tours around Europe, and the feeling remains the same every single time.
2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
The story behind this picture is a very powerful one. I met Pocahontas—the model from the picture—in Bucharest at a photography conference. There, we discussed photography and the true meaning of the fine art nude industry, and we decided to do a photoshoot together.
At the photoshoot, we connected so deeply that every time I said something or visualised an idea, she instinctively did exactly what I was picturing in my mind. This is how "Butterfly" was born. It was born from two very passionate artists who came together with the same purpose.
Now, looking back and realising that we truly created this together, I can only say that I feel very grateful that we met and created this extraordinary piece of art.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
It was a very hard decision to make because I have some pictures that truly speak to my soul since the moment I created them. But this one has a powerful meaning and a special place in my career, which really made me choose it.
During that photoshoot, I had thoughts about my photography career, and that moment helped me decide to continue pursuing it.
As for the artistic style and the emotions the picture releases, there are no words. I just look at it, and I can't take my eyes off it.
4. What first made you pick up a camera?
I’ve felt a calling toward the camera since I was a child. I started taking pictures as soon as I had my first phone with a small camera, and the emotions I felt after capturing a photo were unforgettable. Every time I created a masterpiece, my soul began to feel love for photography.
Of course, the “masterpieces” I made at 10 years old are not the same as what I’m creating today, but the feeling is still the same!
5. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
My favourite type of photography is fine art nude in nature because it’s about our true selves being connected with Mother Nature. And when that happens, you can feel a unique sensation in your whole being that is very hard to describe in words. You have to experience it yourself.
6. What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
My go-to camera setup includes: a camera body, two lenses, a travel tripod, and my drone, which I always have with me.
My favourite feature is connecting my phone to my camera to take beautiful self-portraits. It feels amazing to know that you did everything by yourself, and it turned out that beautiful.
7. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
I want them to feel the emotion from the photograph.
8. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
The most challenging part was that we went to a very basic and unattractive forest near Bucharest, and it was hard to balance everything and create the perfect shot.
But this piece is proof that, if you are a creative person, you can create art in any environment.
9. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
What inspires me the most is nature, more specifically, the trees, their roots. They inspire me deeply. If I go into any forest, I’m pretty sure I can come out of it with a masterpiece and a wonderful experience.
10. Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
My biggest influence in photography was when I decided to be in front of the camera, not just behind it. That was the moment when I truly felt the calling of this art and understood it on another level.
11. What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
Help the world see your art! And the most important thing, be yourself. Create your art as you feel, and choose only the ones that truly speak to your soul.
12. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Practice and connect with more artists, even if they are photographers, models, or from other fields. It will help you evolve, get out of your comfort zone and experience wonderful moments around the world.
13. What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
At the beginning, it was a much bigger one, as you can see in this masterpiece. But now, because of practising a lot, I’ve started to do less post-processing since I’m doing everything during the shoot.
14. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
Well, I am trying to see the good side of everything. While editing pictures, maybe if there is something to be removed/ fixed, AI is very helpful and I am happy to use it. Even if it is useful and it can also create beautiful pictures, I would always prefer the art created by a human being, because there are always feelings, emotions, and vulnerability.
15. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
The naked souls.
