A Virgin Forest in Romania

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Romania | Tuesday, November 1, 2011 | 5 photos

Europe has destroyed it’s virgin forests. Romania still has a few.
When we think of virgin forests we probably think of Amazonian rain forest, or Siberian forest, but recently I come across such an ancient forest in the center of Romania, which was left almost untouched by man. Although very rare, most of this forests are endangered nowadays since only 2% are entirely protected, the rest being set for exploitation.
After traveling for the first time to the virgin forest of Sinca I came back there for a few more times and gradually fell in love with it. It seems to have casted a spell over me, as if it selected me to be a messenger for it’s cry for help.
I’ve seen trees up to 700 years old, rare animals and plants and it breaks my heart to know that it may soon vanish. So I’ve decided to do all my best by getting the public’s attention and try a brainstorming for it’s salvation.
With a degree in environmental geography and a part time job as a climbing instructor I try to find more and more space and energy for photography as it turn up to be my last great life passion. I invested everything in photo gear and still need much more since I wish to become a documentary photographer. But chances to become one here are scarce since things are tough for many people, with the recession and no work.
If I were to be chosen I think that it would make a huge difference in my life. My gains would be (apart from getting there and being coached by a top photographer) of a huge value in terms of self confidence, practical skills and such. Armed with that, I should be able to climb this huge step for me and use this as a launching platform for my dream career.
Yet becoming a successful documentary photographer seems as hard to attain as saving a virgin forest.