Photographer Razvan Balotescu
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Photographer Razvan Balotescu

- edited by: Glenn Shuck

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Say Hello to Raz, One of the First Coast’s Premier Photographers …

Born and raised in Romania, at 24 I made my big move to the United States to start my career as a family physician. As a doctor my focus is on lifestyle, and I find photography goes hand in hand with health and wellbeing. Observing and exploring combined with photography is a form of therapy. My interest in photography began when I started noticing then carefully searching to capture naturally occurring patterns in the sky and in nature. The patterns of the movement reveal the power of nature and its beauty, which evokes an emotional response. Photography is a dynamic art form. One picture in a room changes the entire room’s energy.

My local environment, Florida’s East Coast, is the main source of inspiration. My photography illustrates seascapes and landscapes and offer a wide variety of colors, moods, subjects, and photo techniques. I sell my work in a few local art galleries as well as online. I offer my work as high quality canvas prints, metal prints, fine art prints, acrylic or wood up to 90” in size, and as high-quality printed coffee table books.

What part of First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?

I’ve been living in North Jax Beach for seven years

What is your favorite part of the First Coast to photograph?

Anywhere along Jax Beach, Neptune beach and Atlantic Beach

What type of equipment do you use?

Sony A1 and Sony lenses

How long have you been part of the hobby?

Over 20 years

Do you do any type of planning before you head out to take photos or do you just wing it?

I’m very fortunate to live on the beach so I will play it day by day, moment by moment, depending on how the sky is changing

Are there any constants in your photography, if so what are they? (ie. subjects, editing, lens, etc.)

I try to look for patterns, usually in the sky, water or sand, I call them random patterns, as they change randomly, they are still somewhat organized. I prefer wide angle lenses. I also like to play with long exposures. I love to shoot dogs faces in action.

How do you feel like social media has changed photography and do you think it’s a good or bad thing?

Social media clearly increased competition and noise but also broaden access to many cool locations, artistic ideas and talented artists

How would you describe your style of photography?

Wide angles views, capturing nature’s movements in patterns, mostly in the sky and water.

Do you edit your photos right after your shoot or do you let them sit for a while?

I edit them as soon as I can but usually it takes me a few days, as I have a full time day job to do

Where is your favorite place (or type of place) to take photos?

Northeast Florida coast, I also like the desert in Utah and Arizona, and Alaska

If you could live in any decade (with your current photographic gear), which one would it be and why?

With my current equipment it’ll be an advantage to go back in the past about 20 years

What photographer (current or historical) do you draw the most inspiration from?

Marc Adamus

What do you think is the most important component to producing great results? (camera, lens, light, editing, location, artistic vision, etc.)

Artistic vision, inspiration, perseverance, enthusiasm, then the rest

Is there a ritual that you use to get into a creative zone?

Every morning before sunrise I am standing still and watching the light changing

What advice would you give someone who just picked up their new camera on how to get started?

Find a photographer that inspires you, that has a unique photographic style, and observe the hows and whys. Then work on applying them in your own vision

What is the goal of your photography? (A business, just to share on social media, gateway to adventure, etc.)

A business, a daily dose of happiness, a daily dose of challenge, a disconnector from the noise, a connector to nature, beauty, peace….

What is the best way for photographers to network?

Online

Do you shoot with your editing style in mind, or do you edit based on the shot that you got?

I edit based on the shot

Do you enjoy books? If so, any specific genre?

Yes, novels, self help, in literature, philosophy, psychology, spirituality

Do you prefer to photograph alone, or in a group?

Alone

What is your favorite photographic accomplishment?

Two coffee table books: “Beach Dogs” that I just publish it and “St Augustine from Dawn to Dusk”

If you had a question you would like to ask another photographer what would it be?

How to stay inspired

Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?

Artist reception with Raz on Saturday December 4th from 10-4 at Adele Grage Cultural Center, Come see gorgeous images of our beaches at a unique reception and meet the artist behind these stunning images – Raz! plus, get an early sneak peek of his recently published and much anticipated book, Beach Dogs.

How can we see your work?

www.razgallery.com
The Archway Gallery in Atlantic Beach
https://www.facebook.com/razgalleries
https://www.instagram.com/razvan.balotescu/

Starting December 4th you can preorder the new coffee table book Beach Dogs.

Suggest a Story: FCL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so when you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

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One Response

  1. Raz is one of my favorite local photographers! And, check out his Beach Dogs book! The images come alive on the page. have ordered two so far.

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