Romanian Photographer Takes Official Portraits of British PM Andy Burnham

Alecsandra Raluca Drăgoi, a photographer from Iași, Romania, now holds the prestigious role of official photographer for British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Drăgoi, who relocated to the United Kingdom in 2011 to pursue her studies, has risen to capture official portraits of one of Britain's most prominent political figures.

Currently, Drăgoi is employed by the British government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Her responsibilities encompass portrait, lifestyle, event, and documentary photography. A recent notable work includes the official portrait of Andy Burnham, taken shortly after his investiture as Prime Minister on July 20.

Her career in the UK has seen her collaborate with The Guardian as a freelancer and photograph former Prime Minister Keir Starmer during an appearance at Downing Street with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Drăgoi's talent was recognized early on; in 2013, she became the first Romanian photographer to win a trophy at the Sony World Photography Awards in the 'Youth' category for photographers under 19.

Reflecting on her move in a 2015 interview, Drăgoi stated her belief that Britain offered greater professional opportunities. "I left Romania with the thought that England would offer me more opportunities. Great Britain has given me the chance to become better known, and this is extremely important in the field of photography," she said. Today, her work culminates in capturing the official images of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, including his inaugural portrait at Downing Street.

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I left Romania with the thought that England would offer me more opportunities. Great Britain has given me the chance to become better known, and this is extremely important in the field of photography.