Interview
Andreea Rotariu
Romania
Andreea Rotariu is a painter turned photographer who has proven her abilities in the first ever competition she participated in.
1 Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I am Andreea Rotariu. Since I was a child I was interested in arts. I studied painting in high school, and fashion design at The University of Arts, but the fashion design was the factor that made me discover that I am more into photography, when I had to photograph my collections. I discovered in that time I like more photography as art.
2 Where did you study photography?
I made an online postgraduate course of photography at the British Academy of Photography, from London, United Kingdom.
3 Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
My first shot was to photograph my creative clothes made by me for the university.
4 What equipment do you use?
I use Nikon D7200, and 35mm +50mm Nikkor lens
5 What do you hope to achieve?
I would like to use my experience in photography. My experience with painting and with fashion design to be reflected in my photographs. This would make me feel accomplished.
6 What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
I think many compliments I got are common to me, but I can say I received a good advice from someone to me which I took it as a compliment: use your experience. This is what kept me to go ahead.
7 What inspires your unique storytelling?
My son inspires me everyday in everything I do.
8 What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Narrative, Illustrationist, Emotion.
9 Congratulations! As the winner of the MUSE Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Thank you for the award. I reckon I am very happy, in the ninth heaven. This award it make me feel accomplished as a professional photographer. It encoureges me to go ahead in my work.
10 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2022 MUSE Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
My work it was very special to me. It's my son who was playing with his little cousin. As they were playing and while photographing them in this precious moments of their I transposed it into another background. I chosen this image to represent their experience of playing together as playmates. Seeing how they were playing with cotton made me dream and took me back to childhood memories. I simply felt that experience I had to share and show the emotions of this beautiful experience.
11 How has winning an award developed your career?
This was the first time I took the courage to participate in a photography competition. I think it will help me a lot to go further with my career in photography.
12 Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Bella Kotak and Annie Leibovitz.
13 What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
I think I already said this in a previous question regarding compliments : *Use your experience* and it was my mentor who told my this.
14 What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Simply do what you feel, no matter other are saying to you.
15 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Work hard and be creative.
16 How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
I am always try to keep up with all the new things that are new, but sometime we really don't have time for everything we would like to do.
17 Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
It was a pleasure to me to answer to this interview. Thank you for the opportunity.
