PHOTO TOURS IN ROMANIA

I began to organize photo tours in Romania some years ago. I wanted these experiences to be very personal, therefore groups were always small. Most of the tours were, of course, around Brasov, the city I live in, in the areas that I know well. We visited places and people dear to me together with the participants. In the evening, after sunset, we spent some quality time at my home, drinking a glass of wine, eating dinner cooked together with my wife.

If you are interested in visiting Romania, to spend some time together, to visit the places that are very dear to me, please leave me a message.

If you’re curious to learn more about my story, you can read this interview on Romanian Friend.

Testimonials

Solli Kanani

“4-day Photography Tour
I participated in a private customized Photography Tour arranged and led by Vlad in the company of his wife. Based on my wishes he organized visits to locals and artisans for us to meet and photograph. The visits were combined with hiking tours with amazing landscape sceneries. It was a true pleasure to spend these days together with Vlad and his wife.
Food and accommodation was included in this Photography Tour. His wife is a star in the kitchen and all meals she prepared were very tasty and delicious. Staying in their home during the entire tour also gave me the opportunity for an authentic travel experience and cultural exchange. I arrived as a guest and left as a friend.
I can truly recommend a tour with Vlad as for me it gave me an opportunity to visit people and places I wouldn’t have been able to alone and also make new friends and leave with great memories.
Solli Kanani – July 2016”

Mitchell Kanashkevich

“My interest in Romania sprung up partly from seeing Vlad’s photos online. It’s clear how much he loves his country and the people he photographs. After seeing his images it’s hard not feel something too.
I was fortunate enough to travel a little with Vlad through Transylvania and Maramures. I had a wonderful time. Vlad helped me gain a deeper insight into his world and I’ll always be thankful for that.”

Michelle Dugan

“After spending 6 months in Southern Romania, I contacted Vlad and set up a 2 day photography tour through Holbav and the surrounding hills. This was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. The relationships Vlad has established with the local residents allowed me to interact and photograph some of the kindest, warmest people I have ever met. The landscape and views were absolutely breath taking and made for the trip of a lifetime. Vlad’s expertise as a photographer was very helpful for me during challenging light situations. At the end of the tour, his wife Gerogiana prepared a delicious meal for us. I look forward to doing another tour when i return to Romania, and will be forever grateful for the experience I had.”

Nidhal Alsalmi

“I decided to travel to this country after seeing pictures of Romania made by Vlad, whose pursuit in documenting the lives of people is done in an amazing artistic way.
I spent two weeks together with my wife and my little daughter. We felt wonderful visiting many places in Brasov and Maramures counties.
I gathered a lot of information and ideas from Vlad’s experience. He is a gifted and intelligent photographer having a special and unique vision.
Thank you both my good friend and Georgiana, your wife. She cooked our meals, the one with potatoes being my favourite one. :)”

Galyna Ovsiannikova

“This spring I visited Romania. I participated into the Easter workshop which Vlad Dumitrescu established. I followed his page during 2 years and I had a dream to take pictures of those Romanian people. The true and sincere. The real documentary. This generation is passing, I wanted to be in time to catch these stories. To stop the time. My dream came true 🙂. The organization was fascinating, in the most beautiful place you can imagine. I had the room with the view to the mountains and every morning I saw this amazing landscape. The сuisine was so tasty! I shooted all the Easter preparations, Easter mess at night. People were so friendly, invited us to their houses, allowed to shoot and film… Vlad is writing a history of Romanian people with his pictures. He is so excellent in Portraits and Documentary! I recommend to choose him as a Master and visit his workshops. It is something different&authentic. You are involved into this simple life, you escape from your megapolis and have a peaceful rest. Rest for your heart, for your soul, for your artistic eyes. Moreover, I met new Indian friends Lopa and Saby (superphotographers!!) and Georgiana, and Lucia, and Madame Floare (92 years old!!). Everybody was so friendly and nice!! I want to come back for sure!!! I miss Romania much. These days were so great I will never forget. So many words but I cannot describe my admiration. Multumesc!!!!!!!!!!!”

Didier VANDERPERRE

“I was always curious about discovering Romania and when I stumbled upon Vlad’s website and I knew immediately I had to go and go with Vlad.
I was definitely right to follow my instinct and I ended up having one of my best travel experience ever. Not only Romania is a really beautiful country and its people are extremely nice, but Vlad made the whole trip unforgettable. Vlad’s passion for his country and its people is simply contagious. I have rarely met somebody so genuinely in love and attached to the land he lives in.
When traveling with Vlad, you will discover places you would never dream of seeing alone or with any organized tours. The days are long and you will hike for hours but at every turn of the road you are rewarded with incredible encounters of unique people and breathtaking scenery. I was able for a little less than a week to discover and briefly live the last hours of this vanishing way of Transylvania life, that is very hard but at the same time so beautiful and simple.
Vlad was also able to arrange for my local accommodation in Brasov and for my airport transfer which was a very nice touch. You are welcome as a friend, if not like a family member. Georgiana his lovely wife was packing us delicious mushroom schnitzels for lunch and was sometime coming on our hikes with us.
As a photographer I was able to capture great images that I would not have been able to get without Vlad, who needless to say is also a very talented photographer himself in addition of being a great guide.”

Katalina Simon

“I cannot thank Vlad enough for the wonderful 3 day trip he lined up for me around his hometown of Brasov. I knew from seeing Vlad’s work online that he is a gifted photographer but I came to find out that he is also an incredibly professional, considerate and kind person. He helped me with all the logistics of my visit, introduced me to so many wonderful people and made sure that I came home with a memory card full of images. I cannot wait to get back to Romania to explore this beautiful and fascinating country further and to spent time with Vlad and his lovely wife Georgiana again.”

Ada and Russ Allen

“We are a retired couple who take up photography as our hobby. While visiting Brasov, we wanted to see something other than the usual tourist attractions and fortunately came across Vlad’s website. We contacted him at the last minute, Vlad communicated with us promptly and we were able to go with him for a morning walk through a village. Out of our visits in Romania, this morning stands out to be most memorable, seeing the beautiful unspoiled scenery and the warm people in the village.

Vlad is not only a great photographer, he is very kind and easy to talk to. Thank you so much for sharing this piece of paradise with us.

Whether you are a photographer or not, it is a wonderful experience to walk through the village, enjoy the beautiful serene scenery and see Romania through Vlad’s love of his country.

Ada and Russ Allen”

Reka Marginean

“In September 2018 I spent an unforgettable four days in the beautiful countryside near Brasov. I am grateful to Vlad for this special experience which is so much more than an ordinary tourist-visit. Vlad planned the itineraries, and each day we explored new breathtaking scenery and a few remote villages. Meeting and having a dialogue with the locals was a surprise each time. Although I was a stranger to them, their friendliness and openness touched my heart. There are many moments I will treasure. One day, on the top of the hill, far from the village, an older couple lived and tended to their farm. A young girl, their granddaughter, came to help her grandparents. I was watching her as she walked their two cows to the well, her little figure confidently handling those two large animals with so much ease! The cow bells’ sound, the smell of the grass and the earth, the colors of the surrounding meadows touches all senses. It was another precious moment when sitting on a bench with the oldest lady from one of the villages, in front of her house under the apple tree, and she telling me about how old age is… There were many memorable moments captured not only in photos and short videos, but mostly in my heart. The beauty of the geographical landscape will take your breath away! Be prepared for some serious walking; some of these beautiful places are not accessible with car. Although not an athlete myself, the splendid pastures, the view of the distant forests, the open horizon and the story-book-like little homes in hidden valleys … so worth the effort! Vlad is the most pleasant companion and a very observant guide. He would notice an eagle in the distance, eggs hidden in a bush by the trail (apparently laid by some adventurous chickens who wandered away from their home), farmers working on the field many miles away. Vlad was greeted by the locals as an “old friend”. His serene disposition and kindness made the tours so much more enjoyable. Vlad’s wife surprised me with delicious homemade meals. And what a difference when the ingredients are all local! (such as the delicious mushrooms we personally picked) Brasov is a jewel of a town! An evening stroll in the historical old town with cobblestones is a pleasant way to end the day, if you still have the energy. Every day brought some new delight, an enjoyment above and beyond the camera lens. Vlad’s tours bring a combination of enchantments: intelligent dialogue if you wish to talk during the longer walks, peaceful silence if you just want to take in what nature offers, fresh air, unforgettable views of the valleys, and a glimpse into the life of locals. Thank you Vlad and Georgiana for making these four days memorable!”

Katalina Simon

“This autumn I had another opportunity to visit Romania. I did not hesitate to contact Vlad to organize my trip. Vlad and I coordinated via email about what I was interested in seeing and photographing and he came up with an excellent schedule that included revisiting some of my favorite spots from my first trip with some new locations as well. Throughout the trip Vlad was unfailingly accommodating. He made sure we travelled at a pace that suited my style of photography and at each location we spent the perfect amount of time. As on my first trip Vlad helped me arrange my accommodation in Brasov and transport to and from Bucharest. On the evenings we did not spend together he gave me great recommendations for restaurants close to my accommodation. This visit deepened my appreciation for Romania and I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with Vlad and his gracious wife.”

Paul Hassell

“With a desire to travel and a passion to meet people Photograghy is a perfect compliment. To each other.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited a number of countries including now Romania, what an amazing place, in parts stuck in time with the most humble people, I really mean that!
Vlad gave me an experience of humility, humanity and worth along with now a friendship.
My trip was flawless from arriving in Bucharest to my hotel and for the next 4 days.
Having a chaperone, translator and even a driver for that period was a blessing.
It was clear that Vlad has a special relationship with his fellow countryman and is generous and patient with everybody we met!
I was invited into Vlad’s home and met his lovely wife Georgina who after a day’s work found time to me us a meal of which was Wonderfull.
I am very much looking forward to my return trip this autumn and in seeing little Maria for the first time.
I would highly recommend a visit to Romania under the guidance of Vlad”

Karen Schaeffer

“I first saw the photos of Vlad Dumitrescu on Facebook and knew that if I went back to Romania, I would see if he had the time for a tour. I spent 3 days with him in April and I was not disappointed. The landscape is amazing and the people we visited, welcomed us in to their homes as if we were family. I learned a lot with Vlad – about photography and also about the people of Romania – it was a memorable 3 days.”

Ron Cooper

“I’m a travel, documentary and portrait photographer and recently spent two weeks traveling with Vlad throughout Romania. It was a terrific experience. Romania is a beautiful country with breathtaking landscapes and lovely, authentic and timeless villages. Vlad is an excellent photographer and a wonderful host and guide. He’s well-prepared, energetic and speaks perfect English. He loves Romania and the Romanian people. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life opened doors for me that would have been impossible on my own. As a result, I met many Romanians and was able to make portraits that simply would not have been possible without Vlad’s involvement. If you’re considering a photography journey in Romania, you could not find a better host or guide than Vlad D — highly recommended. — Ron Cooper Denver, Colorado USA / Instagram: roncooperphotography / Web: ron-cooper.com”

Jeremy Flint

“As a travel photographer I have always wanted to visit Romania and decided to spend a week there with Vlad earlier this year. I had an enjoyable adventure with Vlad who is an excellent guide that speaks very good English. He is a natural at engaging with the Romanian people and this presented me with wonderful opportunities to photograph the local residents and experience their warm hospitality. Without his help this simply wouldn’t have been achievable. The Romanian landscapes are equally as stunning and whilst exploring the local countryside Vlad’s knowledge of the areas we visited was superb. We visited some interesting places and met some great people. Don’t hesitate to book Vlad if you are looking for a reliable photography guide to Romania – Jeremy Flint, Oxford, England/ Instagram: jeremyflintphotography / Web: jeremyflintphotography.com”

Faigenbaum Ilan

“Last year I visited Romania with my wife as tourists. Discover the beauty of the country and especially the kindness of the people.
As a photographer I decided to come again to document Maramures, meet the people and learn about their way of life.
I found Vlad on the web, impressed with his stories and pictures and without hesitation I decided to go on a journey with him.
Me and two friends (Ester and Ruti) ordered a private tour of 6 days in Maramures. It was a great week. Vlad is charming guide, took us between the villages and we were invited into the people homes allowed us to shoot them.
Vlad’s professionally combined with his ability to approach people, results extraordinary pictures.
I am sure that I will visit again Romania with Vlad. I truly recommend a photography workshop/ tour with him.”

Hans-Peter Seiter

“I did two half day trips together with Vlad in the remote hills of a scattered village 45 minutes away from the city center.
What an experience! Vlad managed to open a new world to me and I’ve enjoyed every minute of our trip. The landscape was breathtaking and the people very unique and special.
Vlad’s passion for his fellow countrymen was contagious. He was welcomed at every house we’ve stopped and asked to come in. In a relaxed atmosphere the people allowed me to take portraits of them without showing the slightest shyness.
I think I’ve almost seen the last minutes of a dying culture.
Vlad is not only a professional photographer who helped me to improve my photography skills, but even more a great guide. Multumesc!

Ich habe 2 Halbtagesausflüge zusammen mit Vlad in den abgelegenen Hügeln einer Streusiedlung 45 Minuten vom Stadtzentrum entfernt gemacht.
Was für ein Erlebnis! Vlad hat es geschafft, mir eine neue Welt zu eröffnen und ich habe jede Minute unserer Reise genossen. Die Landschaft war atemberaubend und die Menschen sehr einzigartig und besonders.
Vlad’s Leidenschaft für seine Landsleute war ansteckend. Er wurde in jedem Haus, in dem wir angehalten haben, willkommen geheißen und gebeten, hereinzukommen. In einer entspannten Atmosphäre erlaubten mir die Leute, Portraits von ihnen zu machen, ohne auch nur die geringste Schüchternheit zu zeigen.
Ich glaube fast die letzten Minuten einer aussterbenden Kultur gesehen zu haben.
Vlad ist nicht nur ein professioneller Fotograf, der mir geholfen hat, meine fotografischen Fähigkeiten zu verbessern, sondern noch mehr ein großartiger Reiseführer. Multumesc!”

Michele Zousmer

“This was my first time in Romania and I fell in love with it because of my time with Vlad. He is not only a talented photographer, he is a beautiful person. He loves Romania and all if offers and spending time with him in his country is a very memorable experience. I cannot wait to return.”

Angelo Gabriele Mazzolla & Alessandra Monetta

“The photographic tour with Vlad in Brasov was truly amazing. We liked trekking with him as much as visiting nice and lovely people he knows. Vlad is also a good interpreter, he speaks English very well so we hadn’t no problem in understanding him. People we met are so real, beautiful and powerfull! We respected them in everythings. We highly recommend a trip with Vlad and also we hope to see Romania again with him.”

Jennie Blythe

“I hugely enjoyed my days with Vlad in the Romanian countryside. Before meeting him I had a few apprehensions (as a solo female traveller), but as soon as we said hello these disappeared. Vlad is calm, kind and empathetic to visitors and – more importantly – to the villagers we met. His listening and skills in interpretation meant that visits never felt forced or rushed: it was a case of listening to the stories that people chose to tell and, at the right moment, taking a few shots. I wouldn’t hesitate to book another trip with Vlad and, indeed, might do so very soon.”

Alice Jankovic

“I decided to undertake this journey after seeing the magnificent photographs taken by Vlad.
I spent four days among fairytale fairytale hills and breathtaking woods, but I was particularly impressed by the locals who were so warm and welcoming, and I managed to understand their lifestyle through the stories they told me!
It was a unique experience that I definitely want to repeat in the future, Vlad was a guide but also a friend, an extraordinary person, advice to anyone who wants to see and experience the real Romania to choose this tour. :)”

Lynne Feiss Necrason

“My husband, Jim, and I had the honor of being introduced to the beautiful country of Romania by one of the most outgoing, kind, knowledgeable people ever! It was through my research, intuition and a stroke of luck that we happened upon Vlad Dumitrescu of Brasov. Vlad is not just your average guide and interpreter. Vlad is an amazingly accomplished photographer of people. His images show the connection he makes with his subjects – the warmth he shares with every one of those he photographs emanates from his portraits. And the icing on the cake is that his English is phenomenal. He is at ease speaking and puts all around him at ease. The end result is that we can carry on conversations with those we meet in the small Romanian villages. I got to learn not only how best to make someone’s portrait such that their personality comes through, but I also learned about their histories and stories. I have never been comfortable photographing strangers, but I watched how Vlad approached them and how they opened up to us. He helped me learn a few Romanian words so that I too could greet these amazingly warm, real people. I finally mastered “hello”, “good morning” and “thank you!!!” And it was through Vlad’s patient tutoring me to pronounce each syllable s l o w l l l y. I even stopped on a road the day after our work together ended and approached an older man with a cart and horse and I asked if I might take his picture. I told him I was an American and he lit up and motioned, “yes! yes!” as he took my hand and kissed it! Thank you, Vlad for giving me the courage to make that happen!

It was with a tiny bit of intrepedation that I made the decision to tackle such a trip into an unfamiliar country at age 76. I only knew two Romanians before and both were wonderfully warm, welcoming people. I researched a lot and I kept reading about how the Romanians are so welcoming. The minute I talked with Vlad on the phone I knew I had made the right decision. He recommended a lovely, convenient AirBnb within minutes walking distance to the square in the old city. It was perfect! He explained what to expect as we visited the rural areas. When I expressefd my concerns about not being a young 40 year old anymore and having some physical limitations, Vlad came up with a plan that would work for us.

We can’t begin to describe the beauty of this country. It is real. We avoided the touristy areas and got into the back country meeting men and women who have seen so much in their lifetimes. Stories about the WWII era and stories about living under the Ceausescu regime. We found it fascinating how some of the elders seemed relatively unaffected by living under communist rule while others suffered losses of their mills and distilleries simply for inability to give the government part of what they produced. Being able to talk with these phenomenal people about what they have lived through was like reliving the history I had read about. How these elderly people work their fields in their 70s and 80s is mind boggling. Many of them live off what they raise without the availability of electricity nor clean safe running water. They are at peace with life. A small number had little solar panels and batteries to get some electricily. A fortunate few had electricity. Yet all we met heated their houses with wood in cast iron wood stoves. I am leaving behind a world that is vanishing. There is good that comes with modern amenities but somehow in moving into the modern world it strikes me what gets left behind. While I wish only good health to these amazing people, I can only hope that the beauty of their lives will live on trhough their children and grandchildren. The Romanian people have a lot to teach the modern world. Thank you, Vlad, for choosing to make a life dedicated to the souls of your beautiful country. Thank you for letting us into your world. Romania is spectacular in scenic beauty but even more so within its people.”

Catherine Siraud

“I discovered Vlad’s photos on his Instagram account and was moved by his images. He showed life in his simple gestures, rurality and very touching portraits of elderly people. I immediately wanted to know this Romania. I planned a photo tour of 10 days (region of Brasov and Maramures) in order to capture intimate moments different from touristic clichés and somehow I managed… But make no mistake, it’s a lot thanks to Vlad who introduces us to people he knows and with whom he continues the discussion. The people generally live in very remote villages. On november Vlad took me early in the morning to photograph still frozen landscapes with a beautiful pinkish light or hilly panoramic views rich in forests. I will keep an extraordinary memory of this trip with shared moments of laughs, it’s important too ! I hope you will live this experience too…

J’ai découvert les photos de Vlad sur son compte instagram et j’ai été émue par ses images. Il montrait la vie dans ses gestes simples, la ruralité et des portraits très touchants de personnes âgées. J’ai immédiatement voulu connaître cette Roumanie là… J’ai planifié avec lui un tour photo de 10 jours (Région de Brasov et Maramures) dans le but de capter des moments intimistes différents des clichés touristiques et d’une certaine façon j’ai réussi ! Mais ne vous y trompez pas c’est beaucoup grâce à Vlad qui nous introduit chez des gens qu’il connait et avec qui il poursuit une conversation. Ces gens vivent en général dans des villages très reculés… En novembre, il m’a emmené tôt le matin dans des endroits reculés pour photographier des paysages encores gelés avec une belle lumière rosée ou de somptueuses vues panoramiques vallonnées riches en forêts … Je garderai un souvenir extraordinaire de ce voyage avec des moments partagés de rires c’est important aussi ! J’espère que vous vivrez cette expérience aussi…”

Sabyasachi Talukdar

“I have had the opportunity and good fortune to travel around Romania in the company of extremely talented Vlad Dumitrescu and each tour has left me desirous of coming back for more. Vlad, apart from being one of Romania’s foremost photographers is a wonderful human being and is proud of his countries cultures and traditions. As a photographer, Vlad’s mastery over light is absolute. As many of his shots are shot indoors, I have seen him make the best use of minimal light available to him. Just like the kind of person he is, his photography style is never flamboyant, simply artistic with a lot of warmth and passion. As a photographic guide, he is one of the best I have come across. He leads you, but never pushes you, gives you space to make your own composition and shoot and then will quietly come up with some simple suggestions to improve your skill set. He has an easy-going manner and can strike up a conversation with a complete stranger we may come across. More often than not, he would convince the stranger to pose for us. But even on rare occasions when they do not agree, they still part with a warm handshake and a pat on the back. Once the shoot is over, Vlad is a great company as a friend. He is very well-read and travelled and has thousand of anecdotes and stories to share over the dinner table. All in all, with Vlad around, there never can be a dull moment. For any photographer travelling to Romania, Vlad will be an invaluable asset to have in his or her corner.”

Juggi Ramakrishnan

“I’m indebted to Vlad for arranging an unforgettable 3-day photography trip for me in the hills around Brasov at short notice. I decided to go to Romania on a whim, and as luck would have it, Vlad happened to be free. What a memorable trip it turned out to be. Vlad is not only a talented photographer and seasoned traveler, but also a compassionate and considerate human being. I had the time of my life trading stories with him as we trudged up the muddy Trasylvanian hills in light snow and drizzle, meeting fascinating local characters, catching snippets of their lives, being generously invited to taste their hand-made cheese, home-brewed coffee and throat-burning Țuică. It was only three days, but I’ll remember every minute.”

Veronique Vlekova

“J’avais été dans le Maramures il y a 30 ans et il n’était pas dans mes intentions d’y revenir, mais quand j’ai vu les photos de Vlad j’ai changé d’avis et j’ai pensé qu’il y avait encore quelques petits coins où les traditions (classées par l’Unesco quand même!) se sont maintenues… c’est vraiment un voyage qui restera dans ma mémoire non seulement pour les photos (une occasion de s’améliorer et de se corriger) mais surtout pour les histoires de vie que ces gens nous ont raconté et qui se lisent sur leur visages… on voit beaucoup de choses superbes sur la planète mais on n’a pas souvent l’occasion d’être ému, touché ! On ne trouve plus si souvent tant de gentillesse et de simplicité.
Et Vlad est un compagnon et guide parfait autant par ses qualités humaines que l’organisation, et ce n’est pas facile car la météo est capricieuse…
Et last but not least : pas de Covid dans le Maramures, c’est “THE place to be” en ce moment! Profitez-en quel que soit votre âge (de 7 à 77 ans comme Tintin) votre condition physique (pas de marche trop eprouvante) et votre niveau photo. Pour ma part j’y retournerai volontiers…”

Bryan Watt

“Vlad Dumitrescu just led my wife and me on a beautiful photographic journey in Romania. All the while, Vlad kept telling us how much he loved Romania. He expressed his love through his regard, respect, and appreciation of the people he introduced to us and photographed. They invited us into their homes, offered us food and drink, and enthusiastically shared their life stories with us.

We walked, and we drove between locations finding Vlad’s old friends and making new ones. The days were planned and then evolved through chance encounters, fortuitous events, and unexpected offers. Our accommodations were clean and comfortable. Every meal was exceptional, providing us with an appreciation of Romanian cuisine.

We ended our trip with many lovely photographs and memories of the Romanian people. Being invited into peoples’ homes and listening to their stories while photographing made this trip unique. Vlad’s love for his country and his kindness, empathy, and compassion toward the people of Romania created an exceptional and incomparable experience.

Bryan Watt
Humanitarian Photographer”

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Testimonials