1. We’ll start with the classic question: Who are you?
A: Hello! My name is Claudiu Valentin Borsan, and I am passionate about photography. Being an introverted and discreet person, I prefer to let my images speak for me. I believe that photographic art is a powerful way to express emotions and stories without needing many words.
2. Photography – your greatest passion? How did you start?
A: Yes, photography is more than just a passion for me; it’s a way to connect with the world and express what words cannot always convey. My passion for photography has helped me overcome a few difficult moments in life, providing me with a refuge and a way to see beauty even in the most complex situations.
3. What do you like to photograph?
A: I love nature, and the mountains hold a special place in my heart. That’s why landscape photography is the genre that attracts me the most. There’s nothing quite like the serenity of a mountain morning or the spectacle of a sunset captured in detail through the lens of a camera.
4. If you could choose, which world personality would you like to photograph?
A: I don’t have a specific personality I’d like to photograph. For me, true beauty and expressiveness are found in everyday people and their authentic stories. People who aren’t posing for fame or image but who naturally show their emotions and feelings inspire me the most.
I believe that in the eyes and gestures of these individuals lie stories worth discovering and sharing. Capturing authenticity is, for me, a far more valuable experience than photographing a perfect image of a famous personality.
5. And if you had the chance to photograph in a specific location, which one would it be?
A: As a landscape photographer, I prefer to seek beauty in everyday places that many overlook. While many photographers focus on popular destinations, I believe magic can be found anywhere if you look closely.
However, if I were to choose a location, I would love to explore Transylvania and Maramureș more. These regions are rich in tradition, spectacular landscapes, and an authentic atmosphere that I haven’t had the chance to fully discover yet. I believe that there I could capture not only the beauty of nature but also the stories of the places and the people who live in harmony with it.
6. What do you think, is the success of a photograph ensured by quality equipment or by the artistic sense and talent of the photographer?
A: For me, photography is not just about the final result but especially about the process itself. Sometimes I come home without spectacular images, but the joy of being in nature, exploring, and searching for the perfect angles is what makes every outing worthwhile.
As for the success of a photograph, I believe it’s a combination of artistic sense, the photographer’s talent, and the equipment used. Equipment can make a difference in technical quality, but without artistic vision, a story, or emotion behind the frame, the photograph can feel empty. On the other hand, even with modest gear, a photographer with a trained eye can create stunning images. I believe the balance between these elements is essential.
7. Still, a percentage of a photograph's success is ensured by the equipment used. What’s in your photography backpack? What else would you like to add to it?
A: My photography backpack isn’t filled with sophisticated equipment, but each piece has a well-defined role. Until recently, I used a Canon 77D DSLR, and now I shoot with a Canon R7 mirrorless camera, which has given me more flexibility and performance in capturing details.
In my kit, I currently have:
Canon 50 mm f/1.8
Canon 55-250 mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Sigma 17-70 mm f/2.8-4
Sigma 105 mm f/2.8
On my wishlist, there are two lenses that would further expand my creative possibilities:
Sigma 10-18 mm f/2.8
Sigma 18-50 mm f/2.8
8. How much do you think a photograph should be processed?
A: It depends greatly on the purpose of the photograph. Personally, I try to capture images as well as possible directly in-camera, so the processing can remain minimal. I’m not a fan of overly edited photos that lose their naturalness and authenticity. For me, a photograph doesn’t need to be technically perfect but should convey an emotion or tell a story.
Editing can help highlight certain details or correct minor imperfections, but I believe it should be used sparingly so the image stays true to the moment captured. That being said, I do have a few images that stray from reality, but that was entirely intentional on my part.
9. If you were to win a cash prize for photography, what would you invest the money in? Equipment, photography training courses, or a trip from which you’d return with memory cards full of new photos?
A: I think I would split the money in two directions. I would invest part of it in self-improvement through courses or workshops to learn more about the art of photography. The other part I would use for a day trip to capture new images and draw inspiration from a different place.
10. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself as a beginner photographer?
A: I would tell myself to be more careful with the choices related to the first camera, lenses, and training courses. A better thought-out investment from the start would have helped me evolve faster.
11. What is your greatest achievement in the field of photography?
A: My greatest achievement was that, through photography, I found myself. Beyond that, I am proud of participating in the photography exhibitions organized by the "La Conacul Fotografilor" group. I am grateful for this opportunity, which gave me the chance to share my passion with others.
12. Strict from the perspective of our great passion, photography, where do you see yourself in 5 years? In other words, future plans?
A: I don't make long-term plans; I prefer to enjoy each outing and the process itself. However, this year I am working on a few projects that I will share at the right time.
13. Have you had any unpleasant experiences during a photoshoot/photo trip?
A: The only thing that bothered me was the unreliability of some people. Fortunately, such situations are rare, and I try to focus on the positive side of each experience.
14. What about a funny one?
A: I went out into nature for a photoshoot on a mountain trail, but the adventure took an unexpected turn. At first, a small puppy from a shepherd’s hut crossed my path. It seemed harmless, so I kept going. After a few dozen meters, I found myself being followed by about five dogs, some small, some large, and quite aggressive. I gave up on the trail and took another route, but they followed me almost all the way home. It was funny, especially since, in the end, nothing bad happened.
15. Do you have any other hobbies?
A: I enjoy traveling and discovering new places. Traveling inspires me both as a photographer and as a person. I hope that in the future I will have the opportunity to travel more often and combine this passion with photography, capturing stories from every corner I visit.
16. A thought for your fellow photographers?
A: I greet you warmly and appreciate everything you do! I hope to see you soon, either at a reunion or at an exhibition organized by Conac.
