Life through a lens: The photographer who captures extreme sports up close

“I got a camera for Christmas when I was 15 or 16. I just took photographs of everything,” says the 23 year old who now lives in Sheffield.

“I would get a bunch of friends together, some interesting concepts and whatever clothes and props we could get out hands on. I as convinced that I was going to be a fashion photographer. I don’t think I was all that good but I as enthusiastic.”

So enthusiastic that when she was deciding what degree to do after school her father advised her to follow her heart and she left home and moved to Sheffield to embark on a photography course.

“I had planned to do a degree in Romania in film related video which wasn’t really what I wanted to do. My dad suggested trying to do a degree aboard. We found the course at Sheffield Hallam and the next thing I knew I was heading to Sheffield.

“It was pretty overwhelming. It was such a spontaneous thing that I didn’t really have much time to think about the fact I was leaving home to live in a foreign country.”

A friend of Dora’s from school was going to Sheffield University.

“I didn’t know anything about Sheffield but it was such a whirlwind that I didn’t have time to be home sick.”

Up until her final year of university Dora was still convinced she was going to pursue a career in fashion photography.”

During her Photography degree which she graduated with First Class Honours, Dora became friends with the two people who were going to have a great influence on her chosen career path. ‘

“Ed and Tom are two really talented videographers who have set up their own production companies, Salt-Street Productions and Furnival Media, respectively,” explains Dora.

“.They’ve always been passionate about extreme sports, constantly planning their next adventure.”

It was only a matter of time until their enthusiasm transferred onto Dora.

“I really enjoyed watching their videos and offering advice where needed. It wasn’t long until I wanted to give it a go myself, my way: through stills, with a more fine art approach.

“When Ed called me up a year ago to help out with a wakeboarding video set in an abandoned quarry in the Peak District I couldn’t be more excited.

“ I had a great time documenting the day, and almost killed myself climbing this steep hill to get the shots I needed.”

Dora recalls that another memorable experience was collaborating with Salt Street last year in producing a video set in the Sheffield Ski Village - Red Run, which has now gone viral.

“It was really energising, challenging, and a bit out of my comfort zone - which can only be a good thing.”

Dora incorporates elements of fine art and landscape photography in her sports imagery.

“I like to capture that moment when the athlete blends in and becomes one with their surroundings, especially within a natural environment. I am fascinated by the gracefulness reflected in their body posture and movements, which is also something I aim to get across through my images.

“It is challenging to take still of fast moving sport, but that is half of the fascination.”

Although Dora shoots most of her images on a digital camera she says she does miss using film.

“I did do a project as part of my degree using film and I think it has to be one of my favourites. You really start to learn more about yourself, but film really doesn’t lend itself to sports’ photography.”

As for fashion photography? “It still interests me, but merely as a hobby, not a career; it hardly matches the energy you get from being around people who constantly push their limits - physically and psychologically. Plus, photographing in settings you have little control over is really challenging, yet very satisfying.”

More recently Dora was in Liverpool photographing the 3rd edition of Red Bull Harbour Reach, where some of the world’s best wakeboarders compete in the UK’s biggest wakeboarding competition.

She is currently filming for the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival which takes place next month,

She also has ambitions to work with National Geographic.

“I would love to do more travelling and experience different cultures.”
After leaving University last year, Dora decided to set up her own photographic business in Sheffield.

“I never thought I had a chance but if you keep positive and are proactive then you can succeed. At first I was scared to contact people, but I realised it wasn’t just going to happen.”
Dora still loves visiting her native Romania and her family.

“Every time I go back with my camera I rediscover it. But Sheffield is where I have my business and I really feel that I fit in here.”

Dora received help from Sheffield Hallam University’s Enterprise Team to set up her business. The Enterprise Team support any student or graduate of up to five years with advice from experts, office space, workshops and funding.

For more information about Dora and her photographic business visit doradc.co.uk