Hi, I’m Raz, an adventurer who loves to travel and document the world through photography. My range of subjects is fairly wide, but my passion lies in capturing the human element and using photography as a visual and emotional anchor.
I didn’t set out to be a photographer; it sort of just happened. A while back, a very simple camera became my tool for experimentation. Having no manual settings whatsoever, it forced me to play with composition. Fast forward 7 years, 6 camera models and 18 countries later, and things start to get serious: my work received recognition through public exhibitions and printed albums. I also got engaged in photography projects for commercial purposes.
I’m a sucker for travelling though, as well as for keeping photography as a passion and artistic expression (not necessarily a source of income). So, I plan to continue to push myself outside my comfort zone and pursue these interests around the world.
*Media & Publications:
- Exhibitions: http://razvanciuca.com/?mtheme_featured=exhibitions-projects
In 2012, my artwork was displayed in two exhibitions in Sichuan, China (on Kuan Zhai Xiang Zi – Chengdu, and in Pingle town). Also, in 2013 some of my photos were chosen to participate in an international exhibition circuit. - Photography projects:
In 2011 and 2012 I’ve been invited to participate in two projects that were the result of a collaboration between Sichuan Tourism Department and Chengdu International Photography Center.
This year I took part in a project intended to promote the giant panda and the new website dedicated to the Panda Breeding Center. Related artwork is available here. - Albums:
I’ve contributed to “The Image of Tianfu Ancient Towns” album published by Chengdu Municipal Tourism Administration and Chengdu Culture & Tourism. Another similar album is in the works, this one targeting to capture the beauty of Pengzhou city and its surroundings. Also, a travel article and related photos were published in Travel Means Freedom book.
Online Presence: - The Guardian – finalist (competition): http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/gallery/2011/dec/21/
- On a Junket – travel stories:
- http://onajunket.com/pandora-is-real-in-donsol-philippines/
- http://onajunket.com/searching-for-trouble/
- FWAPhoto – Photo of the Day: http://www.fwaphoto.com/#/2013-09-21/
- China Daily: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn / PDF article
- Panda Home:
- http://panda.pandahome.com/a/news/2012/0830/468.html
- http://panda.pandahome.com/English/wsyz/index41.php
- Sina Blog: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_52ee52450100zd8w.html
- Chengdu International Photography Center:
- http://photo.chengdu.cn/diary.php?action=detail&id=94083
- http://photo.chengdu.cn/diary.php?action=detail&id=94415
- http://photo.chengdu.cn/diary.php?action=detail&id=94145
*Equipment:
Nikon D7000; Tokina 11-16mm; Nikon 35mm; Nikon 55-300mm; Raynox DCR-250 Macro Lens; Nissin Speedlight Di622; Filters (ND, Graduated, Polarizing); Canon S100+Underwater Housing (the latter is technically my wife’s toy, but I tend to monopolize on it when underwater 🙂 Thank you, honey!).
Software: Adobe Lightroom. Occasionally, photos go through Photoshop, DxO Optics Pro or Topaz Adjust. On a side-note: I prefer to keep my photos real and avoid retouching or digitally altering them. Most of them see only minor tweaking (brightness, contrast, sharpness and saturation adjustments). However, I do have a soft spot for HDR images, so those are probably the exception from the rule.
