In “Random Thoughts”, Romanian photographer Stefan Panaitescu reflects on ambition, sacrifice and the cost of pursuing excellence. From missed moments to long nights in stadiums, this honest piece explores how photography reshapes identity, priorities and the quiet distance that can grow from the places we once called home.
When I first got out of the country, in 1996, I didn’t realize how lucky I was. It was my first trip outside the country, I was 14 years old, and I had a chip on my shoulder. In all honesty, I don’t think there is a 14–15-year-old who is happy to spend time with […]
I Wrote this article in September 2023 while I was on holiday in Puglia. I guessed right, and I didn’t finish it then, but it was ready when I got home and only my eye problems kept me from sending it to Hugo and Mauricio, instead writing about other things, things that seemed more important […]
Darkness. As I lay in bed, eyes closed I can hear a million things. The humming from the water heater, the noise from the TV sockets, cars passing by my window, birds chirping on trees. I keep my eyes closed, rubbing my eyelids as I think about the last months. My last article for Fuji […]
I am old. As I sit on the barber’s chair, looking at my hair falling under the machine, I cannot help but think that I am old. I look in the mirror, and I don’t really recognize myself anymore. Up until this barber session, all my trips to the hair stylist have been a joy. […]
The author upgrades from an ageing Fuji X-T20 to the Fujifilm X-S10 primarily for travel convenience, grip and IBIS. He finds the X-S10 enjoyable to use with good image quality and handling, despite initial autofocus worries and personal preference differences. Overall, it proves a worthwhile, versatile travel camera for him.
2022 has been a strange year. Not strange like the last two, where the pandemic took a toll on our lives, but strange for me. It is the first year when travelling has been possible again, and yet, up until the 26th of October, due to work, I had only two free days this year. […]
Last year, when I was between jobs, I decided to try photography more. I started a small business and began looking for opportunities. I bought some gear for flash photography, I studied some courses, I looked for contacts and… I took plenty of photos. I photographed products, food, business offices, local businesses, portraits, sports, and […]