We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mihai Pop a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mihai, appreciate you joining us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

Growing up my goal was to be a photographer, to work for a company like National Geographic. I wanted to travel the world and share my photography with the readers of NG.

As I entered high school I fell in love with soccer and that became my new dream. Once my dream of becoming a professional athlete wasn’t realized I was lost for years taking over the family janitorial business.

About 5 years ago I came upon a YouTube channel called Peter McKinnon. Peter was an amazing photographer and made great videos about photography and film. His Journey, drive rekindled the passion I once had for photography.

Peter McKinnon’s style of photography, the way he edits his photos and his love of photography pushed me to take this once lost dream back into Reality. Everything I’m feeling that need for a little inspiration I watch his YouTube channel.

I don’t want to be him, I understand I have my own style, my own way of doing things. However I hope to one day reach his leave of photography.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Hi readers, I’m Mihai Pop (Michael/Mike) I was born in Romania in the early 80s. I Immigrated to the US and live in Atlanta, GA. I fell in love with photography when my father gave me my first camera. I love landscape, street and product photography. I think I love the freedom photography gives you. The freedom to express yourself. Growing up in Romania under the boot of communism self express was frowned upon to say the least.

Like most of us I’ve had my setbacks, some out of my control and some of my own doing. A few years ago I started a side brand 188eight. I choose this name because the camera was invented in 1888. It was my way to Pay homage to the history of photography.

My website 188eight offers prints for your home, office or anywhere you may want to hang a photo that maybe speaks to you. I also offer product photography for example like a knife, shoe, watch company big or small.

I believe photography can be art but it can also tell a story. Photography can help a business show it’s product through these means. I say don’t follow everyone else, make your own path and think outside the box.

I’m most proud of not giving up, moving forward and hustling to accomplish my dream of becoming a professional photographer. I’m not doing this to become famous or rich. I’m doing it because I love photography and want to share my passion with others.

Yes this journey I’ve chosen has been difficult and many times I wanted to give up. I keep going because even if no one else believes in you, you must never give up on yourself. As long as you stay driven and humble I believe each one of us can do anything.

I want my photography to stand apart, I want it to inspire others as I’ve been inspired by photographers like Peter McKinnon. If one of my landscape and or street photos can move someone to say wow, I should visit this place. Well that would be enough.

If I can tell a simple story with one of my product or every day carry type of photos to just one person I’d be happy. I hope I haven’t been to cliché, I just wanted to share my authentic self with you. Problems come and go but photography lasts a lifetime. If you think photography can help your business solve a problem, let’s work together and devise a solution.

Maybe it’s a small problem like what to hang over the fireplace or in the living room, I can help with that too. Depending on your own taste I’m sure we can come up with the perfect photo to showcase.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs seem to be big and very popular. I’ll just speak about my field, photography. For me just having a digital copy of a photo on your computer or smartphone just doesn’t hit the same way, it feels off.

Now of course I’m not saying never offer NFTs if your a photographer. At the end of the day if you wish to have continuous income and make photography as a your career you need to do what’s best for you and your photography business.

I believe the key is to be open to new business opportunities. Remember your art/photography doesn’t have to suffer and it doesn’t make it any less important.

Maybe it’s because I’m older now that I prefer to see my photography in print hanging in my home and or someone else’s. There is nothing wrong with both print and NFTs. Personally I haven’t gotten into the NFT market because it feels a bit chaotic at this time. I may one day, maybe one day soon.

If you feel strongly about it, I’d say go for it! It’s always better to go your own way and follow your gut.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Well I would have to say the most rewarding part is seeing people being moved by my photography weather it’s a client, a friend, a family member or a stranger. To know that one of my photos made someone feel happy, sad or any other emotions a person may have tells me I’ve done my job.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.188eight.com/
• Instagram: @188eight_
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCxekqapa9LQalfodK782MkQ
• Other: https://vero.co/mihaipop

Image Credits
All photos have been taken by me. Mihai Pop