Interview with Andrei Dorian Gavrila (Second prize 2024 BSPF Singles)

©Andrei Dorian Gavrila

Tell us something about yourself and how you became interested in street photography.

My name is Andrei Dorian Gavrila, I was born in Romania where I studied Philosophy and Journalism. My career started at Astra Film Studio, a documentary film studio where I worked as a film editor. Later I worked as a news cameraman fora national television station and as a freelance photographer and movie maker. Since 2005, after I left Romania, I have lived and worked in Germany, Indonesia and India. In 2015 I finished my studies with a bachelor’s in digital film at the SAE Institute Frankfurt.

In 2018 I met Vineet Vohra and Rohit Vohra at one of their workshops in Bangkok and they opened my eyes to the pleasures of street photography. Under their mentorship the street photography genre became my number one artistic outlet.

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How would you describe your style of street photography?

I know that for many artists the question of style is important. I try not to let the search for a style pressure me. When I am out with my camera I try to stay open to what the street has to offer and if I see something I try to capture it in a compelling way, a way in which the viewer would understand at least a part of my experience. Whether there is a style recognizable in my work it is for other people to tell.

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Who or what inspires you in your photography?

At the moment I find inspiration in the work of expressionist painters such as August Macke, Gabriele Munter or Edward Munch and others. I try to see as much of their work and then let myself be inspired by their compositions and love for colors. Another big source of inspiration is renaissance and baroque painting but generally I'm an avid consumer of all types of visual arts.

Do you have a favorite (street) photographer?

Traveling through India with the Vohra brothers and seeing them at work was one of the most inspiring experiences for me. I follow their work closely and return to their lessons very often. I also admire the curating work Marco Savarese is doing at Eyeshot Magazine.

Is it easy to do street photography in the place where you live, how do people react when you photograph them on the street?

I live in Frankfurt, Germany. It is not a place where it is easy to photograph. The laws are relatively strict and the people very self-conscious. They often react mildly negatively to being photographed. Nevertheless, Frankfurt is a vibrant city with a lot to offer for the keen eye and it is also home to a very active street photography community.

What does a typical day of street photography look like for you?

For long periods of time, I go out every day and try to visit certain corners where I expect interesting things to happen. I study the light and the changes which are intrinsic to street life. I also sometimes travel to other countries for the sole purpose of photography and when I’m there I shoot the whole day, from morning to the evening.

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What type of material do you use for street photography?

Since 2019 my set up is limited to a Sony Alpha 7 III on which I have mounted a Zeis Batis 25 mm f2. Lately I have been using flash to challenge myself.

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The Zeiss Batis is a beautiful but not very commonly used lens for street photography. Why do you like it so much?

I really love the Zeiss Batis 25mm. I shall always remember how inspired I felt when I first used it in Istanbul in 2019. I like to shoot with a 25 mm wide lens because it allows me to introduce foreground elements in my compositions and it forces me to get close to people, that’s where the real photographic reward is.

How did you get to know BSPF?

I first had a photo in the finals at BSPF 2023 but I probably learned about the festival earlier from Instagram. I am really impressed by the scale and the quality this festival is showing every year and I love the wonderful community that gathers in Brussels with each new edition.

What does the BSPF and winning second prize mean to you and your career?

Winning the second prize at BSPF 2024 is one of the highlights of my career until now. I will never forget how I felt receiving the prize while surrounded by the many friends I made at this wonderful event. Beyond adding an important line to my track record, this type of recognition gives me the motivation and somehow the license to keep on photographing on the streets.

Tell us something about your winning photograph.

I shot this juxtaposition in Tunis at a market. Normally I don't see juxtapositions easily but seeing that sheepshead I knew that there was an opportunity there. I tried different angles but one of the first shots was the best. Usually, I try to photograph more complex situations but every once in a while, when things align perfectly such an impactful and direct image appears. I am very thankful to the jury of the BSPF 2024 and to Martin Parr to have chosen it from such an amazing finalists list.

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Do you feel pressure to post on social media and does it affect your photography?

I used to post daily on Instagram for a few years but I’m not doing it anymore. I gave up trying to understand the ever-changing environment of Instagram algorithms. Right now I post no more than a few times per week. At the moment Instagram is mainly a means to keep in touch with my friends and fellow photographers for me. I don't really use other social media actively.

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What do you think is the main feature a good street photographer should have?

I think there are three important things for any artistic endeavor and street photography especially. Consistency may be the most important one, you cannot expect results by shooting once a month or only on vacation.

Another one is to try to always challenge yourself to be better than yesterday. Perfection is not important, making progress is.

And finally, or maybe firstly: learn the fundamentals of your craft. If you don't know your camera or know some basic rules of composition for example the results will be random and unintentional.

What advice would you give someone who is starting out in street photography?

Let the source of your inspiration be a positive feeling, be grateful for what the world places in front of you. Don't wait for exotic travels, take your camera to the streets where you live and where you know which trees are bearing the sweetest fruit.

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