THROUGH THE LENS OF SHADOWS: BOGDAN MERLUȘCĂ’S VISIONARY ARTISTRY FOR UMBRA
- Līga Zemture
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHER: BOGDAN MERLUȘCĂ IG: @BMERLUSCA
HAIR & MUA: RALUCA CRACIUN IG: @RALUCA_CRACIUN
STYLING: IOANA IEREMIA IG: @IOANAIEREMIA
MODEL: WINNIE IG: @winnie.kc
DIGI TECH: ANDREI CONSTANTIN IG: @andreicnstn
AGENCY: ONEMODELS IG: @ONEMODELSROMANIA
STUDIO: QPHOTOSTUDIO IG: @QPHOTOSTUDIO
In this exclusive feature for UMBRA, photographer Bogdan Merlușcă opens up about his journey from a teenage fascination with visual storytelling to becoming a master of bold, evocative imagery. Known for his ability to merge emotion, artistry, and innovation, Merlușcă’s work transcends boundaries, drawing inspiration from the interplay of light and shadow, avant-garde fashion, and the extraordinary moments found in everyday life.
The Genesis
of a Visionary Photographer
My photographic journey began at the age of 14, driven by an innate fascination with visual storytelling. After completing my Master's degree in Photography and Dynamic Image, I delved headfirst into the dynamic world of fashion photography. Early on, I was captivated by the challenge of crafting bold, evocative images that narrate powerful stories in a single frame. It’s the ability to capture raw emotion and translate it into a universal visual language that fuels my passion, inspiring me to constantly push the artistic boundaries of photography.
Sustaining Creativity
and Pushing Boundaries
Creativity thrives on diversity, and I actively draw inspiration from a myriad of sources—art, cinema, and even the subtleties of everyday life. Collaboration with like-minded creatives is vital, as it ignites fresh perspectives. Experimenting with new techniques and challenging myself to step beyond my comfort zone keeps my vision sharp and innovative. I also dedicate time to revisiting my own work, analyzing areas for growth while embracing emerging technologies in photography and editing. This continuous cycle of reflection and exploration is what propels me forward.
Admiration
for Avant-Garde Fashion
Brands like Rick Owens and Iris van Herpen deeply inspire me. Their ability to merge avant-garde artistry with meticulous craftsmanship is extraordinary. They don’t just design clothing; they create narratives. Their boldness, intricate details, and fearless defiance of conventional norms align perfectly with my approach to photography—pushing boundaries and reshaping perspectives.
A Dream Shoot
in an Otherworldly Landscape
If I could orchestrate my dream photo shoot anywhere in the world, it would undoubtedly be in the Namib Desert in Namibia. The golden dunes, with their interplay of light and shadow, create a dramatic and ever-changing landscape that speaks volumes through its simplicity. The stark contrast between the arid terrain and the vibrant sky provides a raw, timeless beauty—an ideal canvas for fashion photography. The desert’s vast stillness and haunting grandeur inspire a sense of mystery, offering an unparalleled opportunity to craft images that are both cinematic and emotionally profound.
Fueling
the Creative Vision
My creative vision is shaped by a fusion of personal experiences and the profound desire to tell compelling stories through imagery. I’m inspired by the surreal dreamscapes of Tim Walker, Caravaggio’s mastery of chiaroscuro, and Christopher Nolan’s intricate narratives. These influences sharpen my approach to composition and lighting.
However, beyond these artistic icons, it’s the vibrant energy of cities, the tranquil rhythm of nature, and the resilience of people I’ve encountered that truly fuel my creativity. Every moment I experience transforms my perspective, urging me to create images that resonate deeply with authenticity and emotion.
A Philosophy
in Focus
Photography and consciousness share a common thread—a filter through which the external world is processed and reimagined. Both are intrinsic to the subject, enduring and evolving over time. My work seeks to reinterpret meaning through the unique lens of how a moment is captured and transformed by the artist. It’s about offering a new way of seeing and feeling.
It’s about offering a new way of seeing and feeling
