Romanian Photographer Monica Lazăr Captures Beautiful Self-Portraits Intertwined With Nature

Monica Lazăr, currently residing in Bucharest, Romania, is a self-taught portrait photographer and retoucher with a passion that initially found expression in the world of food photography. In those early days, her free time was devoted to artfully arranging and capturing images of food, each shot reflecting a delicate and feminine aesthetic. Despite the presence of chocolate glaze and crumbs scattered throughout, the creative journey was immensely fulfilling, and her love for those food snapshots endures.

Little did Monica anticipate that her artistic path would evolve towards photographing people. The transition occurred organically when friends and family approached her to capture moments of their lives. Unlike the structured realm of food photography, portraitures granted Monica newfound creative freedom, particularly in the realm of post-processing using tools like Photoshop. This marked the beginning of her exploration into various techniques, forming the foundation of her current skill set.

The allure of post-processing, with its potential for storytelling and narrative creation, captivated Monica’s imagination. Quickly, she became immersed in the art of manipulating images in the digital realm, fostering a creative addiction to the limitless possibilities that unfold during post-production. Today, Monica Lazăr continues to weave visual stories, seamlessly blending her technical expertise with a profound passion for capturing the essence of her subjects.

Scroll down and inspire yourself. Please check Monica’s Website for more amazing work.

You can find Monica Lazăr on the web:

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“My childhood memories are filled with the joy of playing with toys that sparked my creativity, whether it was building cubes or molding clay. Surprisingly, drawing and photography didn’t initially capture my attention; it wasn’t until my teenage years that they entered my artistic realm. I dabbled in painting and drawing during this period, testing the waters of traditional visual arts. However, it was my encounter with Photoshop that truly ignited my creative spark.

The moment I delved into the realm of digital manipulation, I was immediately captivated by the boundless possibilities that Photoshop offered. The ability to craft and shape images in ways I hadn’t imagined before fascinated me, and it became a transformative tool in my artistic journey. From that point forward, my passion for creating expanded beyond the tangible and into the limitless realm of the digital, forever altering the course of my artistic exploration.”

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“It happened quite unexpectedly. For the first 23 years of my life, I never owned a camera. Then, on my birthday, I decided to treat myself and bought one, envisioning it as a means to document the beautiful moments unfolding in my life. Little did I anticipate the profound impact it would have. Photography swiftly captured my heart, and my newfound passion propelled me into a journey of discovery.

The initial intention to simply capture moments evolved into a deep-seated love for the art of photography. Eager to enhance my skills, I found myself yearning to learn more with each passing day. The camera, once a casual acquisition, became a gateway to a world of visual storytelling and self-expression, transforming a serendipitous purchase into the catalyst for a lifelong pursuit of photographic artistry.”

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“My photographic vision can be best characterized as surreal, feminine, atmospheric, and vibrant. Colors play a pivotal role in my work, and I firmly believe they extend beyond mere symbols of joy and happiness. To me, colors are powerful conveyors of mood and emotion, and I embrace their diversity to craft a rich tapestry within my images. The interplay of hues allows me to intricately design atmospheres, each color serving as a brushstroke in the narrative I seek to express. In essence, my photography is a celebration of the multifaceted language of colors, a means by which I weave intricate emotions and atmospheres into every frame.”

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“Each image I craft is a reflection of the emotion coursing through me in that precise moment. Whether it’s fear, longing, sorrow, hope, or boldness, my photography becomes a vessel for the raw essence of my feelings. This intimate connection with emotion is the reason I find it impossible to edit an image without experiencing the very emotion I aim to convey. Each editing session is a visceral journey, a process of translating my innermost sentiments into visual stories that resonate with authenticity and depth.”

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“Within the realm of post-processing, my focus predominantly revolves around color toning. Rather than heavily relying on composites or introducing numerous elements, I prefer the subtlety of enhancing my images with carefully chosen color palettes. Harmonizing colors is the crux of my workflow — a meticulous dance where each hue plays a specific role. Employing selective contrast is a key element in my process; it acts as a guiding force, directing attention to the heart of the composition and ensuring a seamless visual journey where the viewer’s gaze effortlessly follows the narrative thread of the main subject.”