Hello

My name is Dobrescu Matei-Ștefan, a 2nd year Masters' student at the Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. Currently I am studying Molecular Biotechnology and I have a BEng in Industrial Biotechnology.

​

Now you wonder (as many before you), how does biology mix with photography? To this I have a simple answer and a complex answer. The simple answer goes like this: I have always found myself at the confluence of art and science. The complex answer is the biography you are about to read.

​

Ever since I can remember, I was always interested in the arts. For many years I focused on performing arts such as dancing and singing and didn't pay that much attention to the visual arts because I never saw myself doing this kind of arts. However, it was with the help of my mother that I started to see the beauty of the visual arts (herself majoring in Arts and Art History).

​

As time passed, I started to dabble into photography, of course, starting with a film camera, moving on to the camera on my phone and at one point receiving from my mother our old DSLR (a Canon 350D which at this point is as old as time itself).

The move to a DSLR really opened my eyes and helped me discover the beauty of photography. At the beginning I just took random pictures of friends until I started to think my photoshoots a bit more. While doing this I have noticed how much I like Portrait Photography and I started to understand the saying” The eyes are the windows of the soul”.

​

Until the summer of 2020, I used that old Canon 350D, which served me well keeping in mind that the screen was the size of a price tag and it was quite rudimentary. But through these technical limitations I have learned to adapt and improvise on the spot, a skill I am thankful for. As a graduation present, my parents offered to buy me a new camera and replace the old one. This felt like a turning point, opening the way to new possibilities.

​

Many people asked me how I learned photography (most people know I am more of a performer). To that I answered with a classic Romanian saying: ”Meseria nu se învață, se fură” (You don't learn a craft, you steal it). I was lucky enough to be surrounded by people that are more advanced in the art of photography, so I did what I knew best: learn by observing and trying to” steal” tips and tricks.

​

As said before, I have found myself an area I find interesting and matches me, Portrait Photography. I remember very well having discussions with my mother and a good friend of mine as to why I am doing this kind of photography. To which I said: ”I find people interesting. Taking a picture of a flower, or some mountains isn't doing it for me. I cannot connect to that. But I can connect to people” Portrait Photography allows me to connect with the subject, allows me to see in their soul and allows both of us to create something special or even create a different reality altogether. These are some of the many things that I find interesting in my craft.

​

Right now, I am still learning many things and I am looking forward to develop more and more. I am sure that with enough work and passion I will be able to take my craft to the next level.