He is not a professional photographer but truly enjoys touring familiar and little-known corners of Bulgaria and capturing what he sees in his photographs. Initially fascinated by landscape photography, he gradually shifted his interest to folklore. Today he is known as the photographer who captures the magic of Bulgarian traditions and customs.

Asen Velikov's photographs help us rediscover the riches of Bulgaria and provoke the desire of foreigners to get to know this country.

How is a different image of Bulgaria born at the backdrop of unifying world?

"My biggest weakness is the portrait; the unexpected, hidden shot. But I also like to shoot traditions - such as rose picking, customs on Epiphany, folk rituals, and I do my best to take photos of them," the photographer said some time ago in an interview with Radio Bulgaria and called on people to awaken sleeping patriotism. 

After taking photos of the spring holiday on Lazarus' Day in the village of Bistritsa, Asen Velikov's long-term professional relationship with folklore began. Many more fairs, concerts, gatherings followed, as well as many beautiful portraits of Bulgarian women, children and families in traditional folk costumes, capturing the Bulgarian spirit.

The photographer describes his meeting with Bessarabian Bulgarians at their festivals in Moldova and Ukraine as a dream come true. As a result the exhibition "Bessarabia - Source of Beauty and Patriotism" was born two years ago.

"Bessarabian Bulgarians know Bulgaria from legends and live with nostalgia for their ancestral homeland," Asen Velikov told Radio Bulgaria. You can see the photos from his adventure HERE.

Author: E. Karkalanova

English: Alexander Markov