Alex Gabor is a dedicated photographer from Deva, Romania. What started as curiosity soon grew into a deep passion for capturing the beauty of nature, from sweeping landscapes to the tiniest details revealed through macro photography. Entirely self-taught, he refined his skills through tutorials, practice, and perseverance.
In this interview, he shares how photography became a way to tell stories through light and detail, the patience required for macro work, and the inspiration he finds in uncovering nature’s hidden worlds.
Alex, tell us a bit about yourself. How did your journey into photography begin?
My name is Alex, I’m 30, and I’m a photographer from Romania. I’m a mining engineer by profession, and I live in a small town named Deva. My photography has been entirely self-taught. Through endless tutorials and practical experience, I’ve learned with perseverance and passion. Inspiration is everywhere for those who seek it. In 2023, I refined my skills by completing a photography course at F64.
My journey into photography began in 2018 when I got my first camera, a Nikon D5300. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for capturing the beauty of nature. While hiking through breathtaking landscapes and exploring the tiniest details of the world around me, I discovered that photography wasn’t just about taking pictures, it was about telling stories through light, texture, and perspective.
What does macro photography let you express that other genres don’t?
Macro photography allows me to uncover the hidden beauty in the smallest details of nature. Whether it’s a delicate flower, an intricate insect, or a rare mushroom, I love capturing moments that often go unnoticed. Through my lens, I can show the world how stunning and complex nature truly is, even in its tiniest forms.
You share tutorials and tips on Patreon. What has your experience been like, and what are your hopes for building community there?
Patreon has been a way for me to go beyond simply posting photos and to build a real community around the passion for nature and macro photography. I love sharing tutorials and editing tips because I know how valuable it is, especially at the beginning, to have clear and honest information. On Patreon, I can explain my process in detail from shooting to editing and answer people’s questions directly.
My aspiration is to create a friendly space where people not only learn but also share their own experiences, ideas, and inspiration. I want Patreon to become a kind of hub where photography enthusiasts feel like part of a creative family, not just spectators.
Do you enter competitions often, and how do you choose which photos to submit?
I don’t enter competitions very often, but when I do, I try to select images that not only have strong technical quality (composition, sharpness, light) but also tell a story or convey an emotion. I usually look through my portfolio and choose photographs that stand out both artistically and emotionally, and that best reflect my style.
What do you want viewers to feel, and how do you add storytelling to your images?
I hope people feel the beauty and peace of nature, those hidden details we often pass by in a hurry. I try to convey an emotion, whether it’s in the delicate details of an insect or in a simple flower that most people overlook.
Storytelling comes through composition and light, but also through patience. I like to capture the subject as it reveals itself, in its natural context, without forcing anything. That way, every photo becomes a small visual story.
