Marius Masalar
Working at 1Password. Frequent photographer, occasional game composer. | Lumix S1Rii & S9, Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Home sweet home.
I’m fortunate enough to have done a lot of flying, but even after tens of flights I never get tired of seeing the world from the air. I will never understand folks who spend the entire flight on their phone, with the shades closed.
Quebec City is a lovely place to take photos.
East coast fog rolling in over Peggy's Cove.
Alright, I’m back. 😄 I thought I could put up with Instagram, but I don’t think I can. Feels much nicer here.
Farewell, autumn! 🍃
Ascent.
This macro lens is too fun.
Sometimes it pays to look up.
When you travel, it's tempting to try and see as much of a country as possible, but sometimes slowing down and spending more time in one area is better. That's how you find all those quiet, beautiful places.
Shot in the public gardens of the lovely Hotel New Otani Tokyo. I miss being able to take photos like this handheld without much effort or trial and error; that Olympus IBIS is really something.
This little fellow wasn’t too happy with me being in his territory, but I managed to get a quick shot in before we moved on with our hike.
One of my favourite B&W edits. Shot in Niagara Falls a few years ago.
The unexpected beauty of a frozen lake seen from above. I was initially trying to get nice views of the horizon, but once I saw these gorgeous patterns below I ended up just hovering and capturing as many cool textures as I could find.
On my third day in Japan, I found myself alone at the top of a mountain, climbing the final few steps toward a Shinto shrine overlooking Mount Fuji.
Mount Komagatake, a neighbouring peak whose modest heights I was navigating, was engulfed in cloud that afternoon. A guide had off-handedly mentioned a shrine at the summit, and my ears perked up.
After finding and following the right path, I ended up with a few precious minutes alone in one of the most surreal and beautiful places I’ve ever been.
As one of the largest castles in Europe, Corvin Castle in Hunedoara wears its tumultuous history openly, with several architectural styles competing for attention among its towers.
In the Knight’s Hall, these alcoves offer a view to the outside.
This angry-looking danger noodle is a Common European Viper, (vipera berus—a female, I believe), found near my family’s cottage in Romania last week.
While threatening when seen up close like this (the red eyes aren’t boosted in post, they just look that way), this snake is actually < 30cm long and about as thick as a pinky finger. You’re very unlikely to see one unless you’re looking for it since they’re quite shy and agile enough to disappear into the undergrowth long before our clomping feet get anywhere close to it.
I’ve spent years looking for them and have learned their habits well enough to be able to find one or two, and I always enjoy being able to take photos of them from a safe distance so that neither snake nor human have reason to be worried.
The Northern Water Snake (nerodia sipedon) has a lot in common with the Northern Ontario cottagers it shares a territory with: both enjoy sunning themselves by the lake, both are grumpy if disturbed, and neither are venomous.
Its varied colours and patterns make it a handsome snake, particularly in the water where the colours are more vivid. But getting a close look can be tricky because they’re quick to bolt at the first sign of trouble, and if they feel trapped they will defend themselves in spectacular fashion with plenty of biting, pooping, and spraying of musk.
Appreciate them from a distance is what I’m saying.
Reflections, geometry, and snow…a good combination!
The Pacific Sea Nettle is a common and beautiful jellyfish, known for its decorative red-tinted bell and frilly arms.
In the wild, you can find them off the west coast of the United States and throughout the Pacific, but they’re most often encountered in aquariums—like this one was—because they’re relatively easy to keep in captivity. Aquariums often use vibrant lighting to highlight the interesting colours of these weird aliens, making them all the more fun to observe and photograph.
This wreck is even cooler from underwater! Looking forward to going diving again when we can.
This is one of my favourite spots to hang out and watch a sunset…and it seems I’m not the only one! 🐸
Winter’s last gasp. ❄️🌱
Siberian squill flowers + bokeh = 🥰
Met a patient pal beside one of Toronto’s decorative rainbow tunnels.
Wanted to grab a shot of these while the sun was hitting them just so, but my camera lens was fogging up in the early morning chill—iPhone to the rescue!
