As I am

Hypnotic blue eyes, graceful expression and balletic gestures, a point and shoot camera hanging from her neck.

I'm never leaving the house without it. Once I touch my camera – I'm already going places.

As Raluca unravels her love story with photography, an over-worldly glow appears on her face.

Ah, it's a total classic. After receiving my first camera from my parents, I began photographing everything: landscapes, houses, flowers. Then I got closer to people, sometimes being brave enough to shoot portraits. You see, I was so shy I could barely talk. And there came photography: the only way of expressing my fascination for people.

She grew up observing the world around her without preconceptions. Having a concern with humanity was carefully embodied throughout her work and, more openly, in her dissertation theme. ManAtWork showcased 12 people having different kind of jobs. In her quest for equity, Raluca took pictures of them on the same background, under continuous, circular light, emphasizing face particularities. Her goal? Bringing some light into the easiness we label the world around us.

We praise people for their well-paid jobs and pity their poor clothes. We talk about strengths and values in terms of social validation. We jump to conclusions, easily linking people's background and profession to the content of their character. In my thesis, I wanted to put an end to stereotypes. To see the people behind façades.

Of course, working in the beauty industry has its challenges. Coming face to face with the standards of perfection, she always tries to make her own rules. In one of her latest shootings, Raluca insisted on working with normal people, rather than fashion models. She asked everyone to come „as they are” wearing absolutely no make-up. A celebration of humanity: wrinkles and freckles, sparkling eyes, blushing cheeks, and the most gentle imperfection.

We're witnessing a trend in crescendo: more and more of my clients are willing to rediscover simplicity. In time, we'll be brave enough to leave the perfect beauty image behind.

In time, her approach to photography concluded to an edgy style – not in a geometric way, but a visionary one. Out of the ordinary faces, charming imperfections, the beauty of mundane. Oh, she adds laughing, my agent always said I'll die of starvation.

Running through perceptions over her work, we stumble upon a memory that stayed with her throughout the years.

As I stroll around Timișoara's streets, a goat appeared out of nowhere. A little girl followed. I started photographing them together, while more and more kids curiously approached. It was like a movie scene. I was so hooked on capturing the way they interact with each other that I forgot the outside world existed. It suddenly became real when I realized my wallet was missing, for sure. But, getting immersed in photography is worth everything – even my one-month rent.

Her trick? Giving close attention to anything that surrounds us. That's the moment when a golden beam falling on a kitchen chair becomes a magnificent, surreal, amazing world in itself. And, of course, with every good story comes the power of molding our reality.

I am fascinated by any form of light. One of my favourite experiments these days is playing with mirrors – reflecting natural light on my subjects. The possibilities are infinite, it's like a kaleidoscope of feelings.

While we talk about her doctorate plans, I can see she always used her camera as a way of communicating. Sharing a compliment, listening, seeing people. As they are.

I want to work with students, I dream of teaching film photography. Mostly because, in five years of studying photography, we never had the chance to learn anything about it.

As we say goodbye, she points towards a grey building entrance, brought to life by a voluptuous ray of light. It's true, light can make anything wonderful to look at.

Can I take a picture of you here? – Raluca asked.

I nodded yes while sharing her peculiar shyness.