A feeling

Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in photography. What inspired you to start taking pictures?
Since I was a child I had a burning curiosity to explore different artistic representations, so I started taking oil painting classes with my grandmother and it was she who gave me a Polaroid 1000 (which I still have) and taught me to express certain details through photography.

Everyone has a unique style, can you describe how you would define your style and what visual or conceptual elements characterize it?
My photographic style could be defined as a mixture of street photography with the everyday, always generating an interesting composition and a bit minimal. I like to play with white spaces, human scales and above all with the details of the mundane.

Photography has the power to tell stories and convey emotions. Can you share an experience where one of your photographs has had a significant impact on people or yourself?
One of the experiences that I remember the most is when we were locked in pandemic and I started to photograph corners of the house, specific details of the day and very everyday things of that “new normality”, which resonated with different people who expressed a connection and in my personal confinement gave me a lot of peace.

What has been your most challenging photography project to date and why?
One of the most challenging projects was to portray New York City, as we see thousands and hundreds of “different” photographs of the city all the time. I liked the challenge of expressing more of a feeling of what this great city is like.

Technology and photo editing tools are constantly evolving, can you tell us about the techniques and equipment you consider essential to your work?
I love to photograph in both analog and digital, obviously understanding that each of these techniques connotes something different. And for editing I always use Lightroom.

There are many genres in photography, from portraits to nature photography. Do you have a favorite genre that you are most comfortable with or enjoy shooting? Why?
I love photographing people in a regular context, I love capturing that unique moment with someone who is a total stranger in the foreground.

Can you share an interesting or unusual anecdote you experienced while taking photographs?
One of the most beautiful experiences I have had taking pictures was when I was studying photojournalism and had to do a visual report on the people working in a market in Santa Fe, NM. This experience led me to meet many people with extraordinary and unique experiences.

Many photographers find inspiration in other visual artists or in everyday life. What are some of your sources of inspiration?
I think everyday life is my main inspiration, I love to go for a walk in any city aimlessly and find scenes worth portraying.

Photography is a visual medium, but it often has a conceptual background as well. Have you worked on photographic projects that address specific themes or concepts? Can you share information about one of those projects?
I believe that all photographs can acquire a conceptual background, depending on the intention of the portrait.

What inspires you when creating new images? Do you have any rituals or creative processes that you follow to find inspiration?
When I feel stuck or blocked, I love to go to nature, either to a mountain or to the park, I also love to explore museums and galleries in order to feed and nourish the right side of my brain.

For aspiring photographers who may be reading this interview, what is the most valuable piece of advice you have received in your career or would like to share with them?
One of the best pieces of advice I received when I studied photography was that photos should always tell a story, remember to make interesting compositions and practice a lot.

Recommend us the Instagram account of an artist whose work you like.
@sarahvanrij