Interview: Photographer Dimian Maria (Romania)

Can you tell about you?

I am Maria, a 25 year old Romanian photographer. I think the best description about anyone is talking about the things that they love, so I will tell you a little bit about these: I am a vintage style lover and a nostalgic soul and I love to create stories, to be a demiurge, a creator. Some years ago I used to write stories and poems, but now I am more focused on creating visual stories, maybe because it is a source of income too. I love travelling, reading, writing, watching movies and I adore animals!

How and when did you get into photography? It is a long story here, because I remember when I was very little, 8-10 years old I used to steal my brothers's camera and take photos. Then in 3rd grade I saved money that I got for Christmas and bought a phone with a photo camera. I was so happy and fascinated and I remember how I used to capture everything. Then, in 6th grade I saved money again and bought a compact camera, later on I got the first DSLR. So... this was 10 years ago, my first DSLR, a Nikon D60. At first it was only a passion because I never thought I can make a living from photography. Now I am doing it. 4 years ago I started everything in a more serious way, I got myself a new setup, after an entire summer working in France, in an orchard, picking fruits. Last year I changed my camera again and I was super happy that now I didn't have to work anywhere else, but in photography, to afford a new camera and lens. ( even though I loved working in the orchard)

Studio, on location or both?

Both. Every photo has a different story and I love all of them. I love to create different stories all the time. Many photographers would say I didn't find my style, but it is not like that. I love so many things that have soul, I can't just choose one and create just one kind of thing for the rest of my life. I love everything that has a soul. So if it is a story with soul, I am proud and happy to photograph it.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography means to me... a lot. First of all, as I already said, I am a very nostalgic soul, I am very sensitive and empathetic, I love people very much, I love emotions and feelings. To me it's also therapy. I went through hard times and photography and autoportraits really helped me. I was not happy, I was not at peace with my life, I didn't like anything about my life, so through photography I created a different world. I created a home where I could be anything I wanted: happy. Still nostalgic, deep, but happy and at peace. Secondly, as I said, I love people. I love photographing their stories, I think I have the best job in the world: to be able to immortalize forever a moment, to stop the time. I think photography is like Proust's madelaine, you see a pic and you remember the moment. And that is all that matters in the end. To remember who you are, who you have been, you need to have a proof that at some point you were... happy or sad, or just together with the person you loved. Time passes by so fast, we have to save what we can because we have to remember. We are memories. As Missy Mwac said: If you don't think photos are important, wait until they are all you have left.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I think my photography style is about emotions. It is all that matters to me, to make the spectator feel something.

Where do you get inspiration from? Everywhere. Life. Books. Movies. Feelings.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

Sometimes I do, but most of the time even if I start to capture something I thought about, I change my mind because other ideas comes to my mind. It is like I start with a seed and I nurture it to life.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am a paid professional and I am so happy and glad for it.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

This is the hardest question ever. All of my sessions are different and I love all of them because they are telling different stories. Maybe I would say about a shooting I had 3 years ago with one of my favourite content creator from Romania: Grebenisan Carmen. It felt so good to photoshoot with her because I felt like our inspiration is connected, she came up with an idea, I came up with another one and our ideas and souls merged so well that we created a great story. I love that we were there two demiurges, each with her own part and then when we put it together it was magical.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Canon. 50 mm f1.2, but I think soon will be Sigma 85 mm.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

I know it sounds a cliche, but... believe in yourself. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. We are so many people in this world, each of us with our different skills, experiences, soul, mind, we have to do what we like, because it is the only thing that we'll do perfectly. Because we like it. Because we will put soul in that thing. And everything that has a soul is just... perfect. You can do it! Why would you do for the rest of your life something that you don't like? We live for such as short time, don't waste it. Use it to feed your soul.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I think your magazine is amazing, I like that you can find inspiration there and this is the best thing. You find inspiration and motivation to do it better every day. Thank you very much for making me a part of it!

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