Our community member Eduard Moldoveanu (EduardMoldoveanu) loves photography because it give him an opportunity to share 'that moment' through one single picture with the rest of the world. Eduard is an aspiring photographer and his sharp and well-detailed photos from around the world will make you long for travels. Based in New Jersey, US he dreams of shooting the busy streets of Tokyo and the magnificent landscapes of Japan. We had a chat with Eduard, read our interview below!
What inspired you to be a photographer?
Being able to capture a story and seeing it come alive in the darkroom was everything I ever dreamt of when I was a teenager.
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
My first camera was a Zenit-E, a 35mm film SLR.
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it, what are you trying to communicate?
I want them to feel and experience the moment I froze in time when I framed the story and pressed the shutter button.
What is it that you love about photography?
The fact that I have an opportunity to share with everyone ‘That Moment’ through one frame.
What has photography done for you?
Photography got me a second pair of wings if I can say that, taking me out of the daily routine, getting me to visit and explore new places, National Parks, meeting new people.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
It really depends on what I’m shooting but mostly trying to show what I feel and how I felt when I pressed the shutter button.
How do you describe your style?
I don’t think I can say I found or defined my style just yet. I think it takes years to truly find your style. I like photographing everything that tells a story. I can jump from PJ to shooting a conceptual story. And when some will say that you need to focus on a specific area of photography I think a photographer should be able to see and tell the story in any situation.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why.
My favorite is and will always be the 70-200mm lens. I’m so drawn in long focal lenses because I like to compress the field and use that compression to enhance the story.
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?
1. Follow your dream and not the mainstream
2. Experiment with ideas that will take you out of your comfort zone
3. Educate yourself through workshops, read about the masters and their work and it is very important to understand the light
Have you received negative feedback from your work? What did you do about it?
Yes, many many times. I like to participate in competitions so that way I can learn through other photographers work and receive feedback from judges. I consider the negative feedback as constructive feedback helping me to understand what I did wrong and what I need to improve next time.
Where did you learn to take photos?
I’m a very much a self-educated photographer with an engineering background.
Raw vs jpg and why?
RAW. I’m a big fan of getting everything right in camera but we need to understand that no matter how good the light is, how well it shapes the frame at the time we press the shutter the output of the camera will be very two dimensional. Post processing of the file can help shaping the story more. A JPEG file will not be able to provide the same flexibility as a RAW file without suffering banding and pixilation.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
- Canon 5D mark III
- EF70-200mm f/2.8 IS II
- EF16-35mm f/2.8 II
- EF24-70mm f/2.8
- ND and GD filters
- Extra batteries
- Gitzo tripod with RRS ballhead
If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?
Combination of Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
Trying to fit in the mainstream.
What is your dream location to shoot?
Japan. Would love to be able one day to shoot in Japan. From the beautiful landscapes to the busy streets in Tokyo.
How do you decide on where to shoot a photo?
I do a lot of pre-visualization, research and scouting the area at first. Lining up all the elements and waiting for the right moment to plan the shoot.
What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?
My next adventure will be to continue exploring the Southwest of United States. Started few years back in Utah this year will move south in Arizona and explore Navajoland.
What is your goal with your photography?
To continue to tell captivating stories.
For more great photos taken by Eduard, visit his profile and website.
