Every year, the Annual Awards of the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association (BHRA) bring together the elite of the tourism business and government. For me, as the official photographer of the event for 10 years now, it is an honor and responsibility to document the presence of the highest level in the country – the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev.
State protocol and high style
The presence of a head of state always adds extra weight to the ceremony. As a photographer, this requires not only technical mastery, but also impeccable knowledge of state protocol. Photographing the President requires precision, quick reaction and a sense of the moment to capture both the official solemnity and the human attitude to business.
Support for Bulgarian tourism
In his address, President Radev emphasized the key role of tourism for the Bulgarian economy. The footage I captured shows moments of active dialogue between institutions and business - proof that the Bulgarian Tourism Association is the unifying center of the industry.
Leader Profile: General, Pilot, President
For me as a photographer, it is important to know the history of the person behind the institution in order to capture his character in a frame. Rumen Radev is not just the fifth democratically elected president of the Republic of Bulgaria, but a person with an impressive biography built on discipline and strategic thinking.
Leadership training: Born in Dimitrovgrad and a gold medalist from the Mathematical High School in Haskovo, he brought his analytical mind to his military career. He graduated as the top of his class from the Military Academy in Dolna Mitropolia, and later from the G. S. Rakovski Military Academy.
International recognition: The president's name is inscribed on the "Walk of Fame" of the prestigious Maxwell Air Force College in the United States, where he graduated with honors with a master's degree in "Strategic Studies."
High in the sky and in politics: With over 1,400 flight hours as a fighter pilot and Air Force commander (2014–2016), he has demonstrated the same determination in government. Elected with nearly 60% of the vote in 2016 and re-elected for a second term in 2021, Rumen Radev continues to be a unifying figure for the nation.
This respect for the epaulette and the institution is felt in every minute of his presence at the BHRA ceremony – from entering the hall to the personal attitude towards each awardee.
Why choose a professional photographer for formal events?
The work of a professional photographer is not just about pressing a button. It requires the same precision, discretion and sense of the moment that I apply in my work as a wedding photographer . When an event is attended by figures such as the President, the Vice President and ministers, the quality of the image is a matter of prestige and trust.
Check out the full gallery from the event to feel the atmosphere of one of the most stylish evenings in Sofia.
