George Manaj
“I find drone photos and videos captivating and refreshing. The ability to reach places and heights you couldn’t otherwise intrigues me and I always want to be able to see the ‘bigger picture.’”
Intercru: Where are you from? Where do you live and work now?
George: I was born in Gjirokaster, Albania, but when I was 3 years old, we moved with my parents to Athens, Greece, where I am living since.
When did you get started with photography?
I picked up photography quite late in my life, at the age of 28. I had always been drawn to the Arts, like painting, music, and cinema but because of the social perception that a career in these fields would be filled with uncertainty, I never chased my dreams.
That was until I was 28, when I realized I had to find a way to express myself in a way I hadn’t found before and it was then that I found photography.
How did you get started in drone photography and videography? Has it been tough to learn and become good at?
I find drone photos and videos captivating and refreshing. The ability to reach places and heights you couldn’t otherwise intrigues me and I always want to be able to see the “bigger picture.” That is why I’ve always wanted to get started with drone photography and as soon as I could afford one, I jumped at the opportunity.
I wouldn’t say that it’s tough but it needs time to master. There are two parts in it, the first one is the technical aspect of flying a drone, which is not tough at all, and the second one is the creative aspect where you need to put all your efforts into it.
For you, what makes the perfect photo?
To me, if the creation conveys the emotions of the artist to the viewer then it’s perfect. It is the feeling that you get when looking at a photo, and if the artist passed their feelings to the audience, for me that’s the whole point.
Do you like to plan out your photos and videos or are they more spontaneous?
Generally, I like to be spontaneous, go out for walks, and shoot whatever I come across that intrigues me. But I do plan some shoots from time to time when I want a certain result.
What is your favorite place in Greece? Do you prefer the nature or the towns and cities?
Well my favorite place is my hometown Athens with its beautiful architecture and its great history, which you can witness by just going out for a walk.
As for the second part, I think I enjoy both equally. On the one hand, I cherish those city walks where every corner may have its own unique story to explore, and on the other hand I love nature and I plan trips as often as possible.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
Of the countless countries I would like to visit, my number one goal is Japan. I am very fond of the local culture and I love both its urban and natural beauty, so it is in my plans to visit someday.
George Manaj is an Athens-based urban, nature, and drone photographer. To see more of his photography, follow his work on Instagram @georgeqwas.
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