Photography to me has always been more than a craft. The camera matters, the light makes a difference, the editing refines the end result – but at its essence, photography means capturing a moment in time, freezing an emotion, and making sure people get to relive it again and again exactly as it felt. That is what I am always chasing, whatever I am shooting. Not the perfect frame! The authentic expression, the powerful emotion and the real human experience. The perfectionism comes in the way the end result is delivered!”
Alex Mateiu, Destination Wedding Photographer
Alex Mateiu is a professional photographer from Timisoara, Romania, who grew up in a family of photographers and began working professionally at the age of 14. Starting his career using film cameras taught him to spot the shot before pressing the shutter – a discipline that give his images an edge and depth anchored in those early lessons. He now runs his own company, Mateiu Visuals SRL, working across weddings, architecture, and product photography. Recently Alex collaborated with leading floral designer Tomas de Bruyne on his book ‘The Art Of Design’ and participated in the launch event at Rosewood The Chancery hotel in Mayfair, London. Here we discuss the book, the importance of networking within the events industry, and photography in the luxury wedding sector…
C&B: “Alex, congratulations on your wonderful photography. In what ways were you involved in the production of Tomas’s new book, The Art of Design?”
AM: “I contributed around half of the photography in the book, but honestly my role went further than just shooting. I also took care of the visual editing for the entire project, and that means every image in the book, including the ones taken by other photographers, had to pass the test of my vision before going to print. Getting everything to hold together visually, to feel consistent and right for the page, that was as important to me as anything I shot myself. I’m proud of how it came together…”
There’s something extraordinary about working in settings that are exceptional on their own. The light, the architecture, the whole atmosphere of a place, it all becomes part of the story I tell through images. Blending my passion for wedding, product and architectural photography allows me to capture both the emotion of people and that of a space in a unique way…”
Alex Mateiu, Photographer
C&B: “In what way were you involved in the book launch event itself in London?”
AM: “I attended the RSVP Awards Gala in London as a guest of Tomas, and at the same time I was there with my camera, I was documenting the whole setup of his installation. For me that felt completely natural – being both in the room as a guest and doing what I do best at the same time…”
C&B: “The event and book launch was a huge success – what did you think of its impact?”
AM: “Yes – it was a fantastic occasion! As for the book itself, I keep coming back to the fact that this book is valuable through the message it carries and the depth of the content. Working with Tomas and a publisher of this level was a real pleasure. A project like this does not come around very often, that’s for sure!”
Weddings have always been at the heart of what I do, and now I am focused on moving further into the concept of destination weddings. My portfolio has focused on a specific clientele and travelling more and more in different cultures over the past years has opened interesting new professional avenues…”
Alex Mateiu, Photographer
C&B: “How important do you think socialising and networking events are to the success of your own business?”
AM: “The RSVP Gala shifted something in how I see this. Being in the same room with the right people from the world of luxury events, people you connect with, was so important. I have always believed that the best things happen when the right people find each other, and I got to experience that firsthand in London. I will definitely expand the time I invest in such events!”
This opportunity to be featured in City & Beach Lifestyle magazine is a part of the ongoing adventure I call my career!”
Alex Mateiu, Photographer
C&B: “The book launch appears to have been a pivotal event for you and your business; what are you now working on over the rest of the year?”
AM: “I have a few exciting high-end architectural and wedding projects coming up that I’m really looking forward to. There’s a feeling lately that things are aligning, and I want to make the most of that!”
CONTACT: mateiualexander@gmail.com
