I first picked up a camera in 1997, at 23, while still a student. What began as a way to document the beauty of my travels soon evolved into a lifelong visual journey. For years, I explored photography alongside my work as a math teacher — using it in playful, creative ways with pupils and, later, developing a souvenir business with my wife based on my images.
In recent years, I’ve shifted my focus more intentionally toward photography. What was once passion is now purpose. I’ve expanded from landscapes to portraiture, rural life, events, and street scenes — seeking to tell honest stories through natural light and unposed moments.
I don’t chase perfection. I wait for presence. I believe photography is a visual language — one that speaks through emotion, light, and the quiet power of a captured moment. Each frame is not just what I see, but what I feel, and how I remember the world in that brief breath of time.
In 2016 I started to "test" my photos in international and national photo contests. Until now I have counted more than 650 prizes in about 60 countries, 5 trophies, and 11 times “Best Author”.
I have been a member of juries at 9 International Photo Contests.
Since last year, I have added: Honorable mention Siena International Photo Awards 2024, Gold medal International Photography Awards 2024, finalist 22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest, shortlist Regional Awards the Sony World Photography Awards 2025, and my photos have been published in Photo Magazine France, Geo Germany, and National Geographic Traveller UK, Digital Photo Germany , The Times England
EFIAP Gold, C***Mol, M.AAFR, GPU 3 CROWN, https://www.facebook.com/plaino.marian