…Madalina Mandrila
Hi! How are you?
Hello! I am fine, thank you.
Can you introduce yourself to TICW readers?
Of course. My name is Mădălina Mîndrilă (or simply, Madeleine) , I am from Brasov, Romania, but currently I am living in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, where I study medicine.
Do you think your hometown is a suitable place for creatives like you?
Yes, definitely. My hometown lies between mountains, therefore nature is beautiful there, especially if you know where to go. Its architecture is also beautiful, mostly medieval buildings. I can find inspiration only by walking down the streets, in fact many of my pictures were taken in public places because I want to show other people how I see those places in my imagination.
Bucharest has beautiful places too, but they’re harder to find.
Did you study in any art school?
No, like I’ve said, I’m studying medicine. I’m in my 5th year; here in Romania medical school lasts 6 years. When it comes to photography, I’m 100% self taught, which is why I consider I still have a lot of things to learn.
When and how did you get passionate with photography?
I remember the exact moment: I was 11, in a road trip with my school to a lake called St. Anna.. It was the first time that my parents left the family camera in my hands. When I saw the waves the wind made in the lake, I became obsessed with capturing those and show them to my parents. Ever since that moment, I am on a never-ending journey to capture the perfect moment.
What are your main visual influences?
Fantasy, especially “The Lord of the Rings”. I am totally in love with Tolkien’s world, ever since I was in junior high. I didn’t do many photoshoots inspired by it because I was shooting with a bridge camera and I bought my first DSLR only this year. The ideas were always in my head, but I wanted to wait until I got the right equipment.
I feel inspired mostly by forests, mountains, vintage locations, natural beauty, my dreams, romantic, melancholic and elegant looks, basically anything that helps me tell a special story of my own.
Can you tell us someting about your typical working method?
I usually talk to my models on the Internet and I explain to them what clothes, make-up and hairstyle they should wear, I tell them the location and explain the concept behind the photoshoot. I usually bring extra stuff, like some clothes, flowers, accessories (depeding on the photoshoot). If the model has extra ideas and I agree with them, I blend that in. Usually, the girls I pick have the same tastes as I do, so it’s easy to connect.
What role has the Internet in your daily life?
A major one. Not only it’s the way I keep in touch with my models, but it’s where I share my photos with other people.
What are you working on these days?
Improving my Photoshop skills, shoot as much as possible, study for my exams, learning German and working on my diploma. Not necessarily in that order.
What about your plans for the future?
I hope I’ll become a great doctor, but I also hope I will always find time to tell stories through my photography.
Thank you! Is there anything else would you like to say to our readers?
You’re welcome, it’s been a real pleasure. Keep following your dreams, that’s all I’m saying.
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