Today in Expats Stories we have the pleasure to talk with Ramon Brito an American citizen with deep Dominican roots, a creative man that changed the modern New york with Sofia looking for a new chapter in his life as a family man.
Name and nationality:
Ramon Brito, American & Dominican
Tell us a bit about you and what you do
My name is Ramon Brito I am a Dominican-American, a father, a husband.
While I wouldn’t dare call myself a ‘creative individual’, I do admit to having a seemingly unquenchable thirst for creative expression.
The media did change over time – my teens and early twenties were dedicated to endless hours of dance rehearsal, performances, and choreography…probably the reason I am still obsessed with rhythm and lines to this day.
Photography is a more recent lucky encounter, from my first trip to Europe a few years ago. Enthralled by all the small nuances of local culture and my iPhone’s memory maxed out from all the shots taken, I returned to the ‘Concrete Jungle’ determined to find ways to capture the uniqueness and locality of each place and moment I experienced.
I like shooting street, landscapes, and portraits – places near and far, people and buildings, motion and stillness.
I also love to play with colors, to draw out the surreal in what surrounds us. I’d like to share with you the emotion each photo has evoked in me – because ultimately, life is better when it’s shared.
Why and when did you come to Bulgaria?
I am married to a Bulgarian citizen. My first time in the country was in the summer of 2014. I was culture shock since Bulgaria landscape is the opposite compare to the New York
What do you like about your country of origin?
What I really love about New York City is the energy it gives me. My neighborhood, in particular, is one I am most proud to be part of because is full of Dominican culture. Washington Heights is the neighborhood where you can find the origin of the Dominican Culture in New York
What are some differences between your country and Bulgaria?
There’s a lot of difference between the country. It is like comparing apples and oranges. Other than technology advancement the U.S and Bulgaria differ in Culture. The states are known for individualistic mentally and Bulgaria is more about family and sharing.
What do you like about Bulgaria?
I really love the never-ending landscape in Bulgaria as a photographer there is so much to see in the country who is rich in Culture.
What was the most difficult bureaucratic procedure you have undergone so far in Bulgaria?
I have plenty of bureaucratic experience but one that strikes most is the process of obtaining my driver’s license.
Here I have to translate my high school diploma and then it needs to be approved by ministry of education and then I had to apply for a driving school.
The entire process in my eyes was very discouraging and does not make sense but then again is a new country and there is a way of doing things here much slower than the states.
Mention one important experience you’ve had in Bulgaria :
One great experience that I have had in Bulgaria was when I visited the country the second time, I had the opportunity of hiking Rila Mountain. By far the most beautiful site one can see. The hike for me rebooted my energy in a way.
If you have the chance to change something in Bulgaria, what it will be?
Something that I would change or invest in is technology. I can’t believe that people still write down everything instead of using a computer to archive them.
I would also invest in upgrading public transportation. It kills me that to get from point A to point B is like 2 hours in public transportation and in-car is like 5 minutes. The city structure needs to be changed instead of being ignored.
What languages do you speak other than your mother tongue?
I speak Spanish
What countries have you been to?
Dominican Republic, Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, Turkey, France, Austria,
Denmark, Ireland, and Iceland.
How is your business going?
I am still looking for a job in the Digital Marking area. I am looking for an entry-level position where I can use my creativity. I want to learn more about the Marketing world.
I am doing Youtube full time, creating content related to street, editorial, cityscape, and landscape photography.
I am trying to create a community where we can all learn from each other in order to grow as creatives.
What advice would you give to other people who would like to come to live in Bulgaria?
Patience is a verge. Something that will ease your way in Bulgaria is having friends. Friends can always help each other through a difficult moment.
We want to thanks Ramon for taking the time to share his experience with us and we want to invite you to check his creative work!
*** CONTACT INFORMATION
WEB: Britoramon.com
Email: Ramon@britoramon.com
Instagram: Ramon_Britoo
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/c/RamonBrito
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ramonbritophotography
