Manuela Stefan – Horse Photographer Interview

Name
Manuela Stefan

Website & places you can find my work online
Website: www.manuelastefan.com
Facebook: Manuela Stefan Photography
Twitter: @manuphoto

Where I am
Toronto, Canada

Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I have a Bachelor in Engineering from Romania, my home country.

When did you take your first picture?
In Romania, I used to love going at the seaside during summer holidays.

What kind of camera do you use?
Canon 7D.

If you could pick any camera (regardless of price) what would it be?
I would not mind a Hasselblad!

Who are your main influences?
There are many photographers I admire, but my work is very instinctive. I go with the flow and allow the moment to guide me.

There is almost an organic connection I establish with the subjects I capture.

What made you first start photographing horses?
I have always had a fascination with these animals, since I first saw my grandfather’s horses back in Romania. Even though intimidated by them as a kid, getting close to these majestic animals has been electrifying.

It was only last summer that I had the chance to photograph some fantastic Gypsies at a farm around Toronto.

You aren’t just an equine photographer, you shoot all types of subjects. What is your favorite subject and why?
Travel inspires me to a high degree. I love capturing life related topics wherever I go: kids, fishermen, street scenes, landscapes. I love being by the ocean.

I once read what Art Wolfe said: “I am a professional traveler that takes pictures”. This is what I want to do in my life, as much as I can.

Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
No.

Where were you the most inspired, but without a camera?
Santorini, Greece. The energy there is mind blowing. I remember having a 5 hours long lunch staring at the sea and feeling at the top of the world.

What effect do you think the Internet will have on art and photography in the future?
It is a bit hard to say. I still love to see work in print, going through art galleries. I sometimes am amazed whenever I look at my own photographs in a large format.

I do not feel the digital era always does enough justice to creativity.

Has it had an effect on your work?
Of course. Most of my clients find me online. But it is still nice to see the admiration and surprise filled expression on their faces whenever they see some of my printed books.

Which one is your personal favorite image?
Oh, I am not sure I have one. All I can say is that, after returning from Sicily last year, the image of the old lady in the window (attached below) stayed with me. It reminded me of my grandma back home who died when I was 10 and looked very much like this lady in Syracuse, Sicily.

Do you sell copies, or is it for your eyes only?
I want to start selling my fine art images. I am working on putting together a website for that. Would also love to exhibit.

What else are you passionate about?
I love good cinema, reading inspiring books and finding ways to grow and become better every day as a human spirit.

Working on anything new?
Aside from my upcoming wedding season, I am now in the process of putting together a trip to Italy and South of France for June.

I want to photograph the horses of Camargue among other things. And of course, I will simply enjoy myself along the way.

More to Come

Thanks to Manuela for answering the interview and sharing more about her writing. Be sure to check out her photography site periodically for updates about her latest images.

Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists, photographers & authors. Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.