Rising Stars: Meet Andrei Duman of LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrei Duman

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I never had any intention to be a photographer. It wasn’t on my list at all however I always have a love and appreciation for it as a medium. When I was traveling the world trying to be a professional tennis plater, I always had a camera with me as I wanted to document the locations and people. The images were for me through, and never showed them to anyone. With time and new technology, I started improving, always learning from my mistakes. I started specializing in landscape, travel and aerial work and a few years ago I opened my own gallery in Woodland Hills, LA. Neve liking the concept of standing still with my work, I quickly became fascinated with the studio side of photography. I became fascinated with controlling light and how that alone can affect how your subject looks and feels. This was a natural transition for me as I applied what I learned from the landscape work to the commercial side of things and this is what I have been working on perfecting. Always experimenting and shooting new concepts in my custom build studio.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Putting aside the fact that one is always learning and trying new things, understanding the new environment of commercial product photography was a challenge. Dealing with a different type of client, different mindset when trying to get new work was something that I had to adjust to. There was also a pretty steep learning curve to the studio life. New techniques, new understanding of lighting, equipment, how to talk and interact with your crew was essential to grasp early on to make sure you get the shots you want. Dealing with the clients themselves also was new however my previous Investment Banking experience was helpful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Los Angeles based photographer/director specializing in commercial product, automotive and conceptual work. I am a Phase One ambassador shooting on the industry leading 151 mega pixel camera which allows me to capture industry leading resolution. I am most proud of the fact that I did not listen to the voices in the industry early on telling me to only shoot one type of subject such as landscape. I detested that concept and pushed back on that pretty aggressively. I love the fact that I shoot a variety of subjects but will always try to have a common thread and feel throughout my work. As far as I am concerned, it is your approach, your mental state and your keep eye that helps to differentiate you from others. If one can shoot multiple things but it still looks and feels like it is part of your body of work then you have achieved something special. I am also proud of the recent 1st place I was awarded at the 2024 International Photography Awards for my LEGO® Organogenesis: Building Blocks of Life Project – https://photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-1717115823-24

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love LA even though I initially did not. Coming from the banking industry in NYC, I was used the very fast moving mindset and LA feels very different to that. It is certainly not a city that one can quickly get used to. I think LA needs some time to get under your skin but once it does it does not let go. It will take hold of you and any time you travel anywhere else it will remind you why it is such an amazing place to live. With this weather, I can continue to play tennis pretty much whenever I want which is a huge plus for me. Also I love that there are so many creative people here and for my industry it is beneficial to be that close to them. I am not too sure what I dislike about the city. I would say that I wish the city would do a better job helping the homeless and I do wish they would do a better job of revitalizing downtown.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.andreiduman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreidumanphotography/