Biography

When I'm not working on other projects, I like to write and take photographs. There is something wonderful about taking a photo. It's therapeutic. You can license my photos here: https://photos.raoulpop.com.

Wherever I am, I have a camera with me. My aim is to capture beautiful scenes, details, colors, shapes and sometimes portraits, too. I don't consider myself a certain kind of photographer, although I will say that I love capturing natural scenes. I love working in the studio and I also love being outside. Each kind of work has its particular appeal to me.

I found my passion for photography while I was in college, sometime in 1995. Back then, I shot on APS film with a little camera called the Elph from Canon. In the early 2000s, I switched to digital cameras and my first proper camera was an Olympus Camedia C-3000 Zoom, which produced clear and high quality images that hold up to scrutiny even now. I then had a Camedia C-770 UZ, which I still own and is still functional. I upgraded to a DSLR in 2007 when I bought the Canon 5D and nowadays I mostly work with mirrorless Olympus cameras.

My newest camera is an Olympus PEN-F, which I adore. I've been collecting PEN cameras and I have the E-P1, E-P2, E-P3 and E-P5 in addition to the PEN-F. I also have and work with the E-1, E-3, E-5 and E-330 DSLRs. I plan to get the E-M1 Mark II or III and the E-M1X. I also love and collect Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds lenses. If you'd like to sell your old Four Thirds lenses, I'll give them a good home, just get in touch with me. 

When it comes to photography and filmmaking I am entirely self-taught, but I welcome any worthwhile chance to learn and improve. I read articles, watch videos and take online courses on these subjects. Most of all, I use my cameras a whole lot and learn through trial and error. I also make it a point to read through the user manuals for my cameras and lenses, repeatedly when necessary.

My work has appeared in ten printed books and three digital books, as well as numerous media publications and on various TV news segments. Framed prints of my photographs are hanging on quite a few walls. I am grateful that my work is enjoyed by so many people and I love that they appreciate the beauty I capture in my photographs.

As a filmmaker, I am responsible for the following web shows: "Ligia's Kitchen" (winner of the YouTube Next Chef Award in 2011), "De Vorba cu Ligia" and "Romania Through Their Eyes". I also publish a variety of other videos on my YouTube channel.

I studied literature, writing, art and architecture in college. I then earned a master's of healthcare administration (it's like an MBA but for healthcare) and I focused my career on IT, working as a director. At one time I was also an officer in the US Army and served in Washington, DC.

Nowadays my wife and I run our own lifestyle company through which we promote healthy foods and healthy living. My wife is a prolific, published author. Her name is Ligia. We have been blessed with a wonderful girl named Sophie.

I've been online since 1995 and have had a personal website since 2000, where I publish photos and various articles. I'm also on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and MeWe. 

Thank you for taking the time to read through this. You're welcome to get in touch with me by email or through my website. You can license my photos here: https://photos.raoulpop.com.

Regards,
Raoul