While my photographic work captures different aspects of life, I’ve been trying to focus on photographing the landscapes that inspire me to just stare at them for hours. Lately, my images reflect my love for everyday contemplation.

What did you learn (or unlearn) while working on them?

I don’t have to take photos just for the sake of taking them. We live in a world full of digital files that we never look at again, buried deep in algorithms or on our devices. I’ve learned to photograph with intention and mindfulness, not simply to create more content. 

What words, ideas or emotions were going through your head?

Patience and contemplation will always be central to how I approach photography. But in the challenging process of actually achieving them, I often feel a lot of frustration and uncertainty, wondering if my work will ever be “good enough.”

Were there any conversations, movies, music, or books that made their way into that work?

Perfect Days by Wim Wenders will always be the film that connects me to why I make and love photography. It reminds me of patience and the goal of taking just one photograph. It also reminds me that photography—especially printed—is often the only tangible way to truly remember something.

What's been the most difficult thing you've faced recently in your creative process?

Finding motivation. I deeply believe that in order to give meaning to your photographic work, you need to let yourself feel, be surprised, observe, and even feel discomfort in the world around you. Sometimes I struggle to give myself that time, but I know that when I do, I feel the most motivated to take photos, and that’s when I like the results the most.

What is your favorite restaurant and what do you recommend we order?

It changes over time, but right now I’d say my favorite is Nejayote Molino. I’d recommend going on a Saturday and ordering a taco surtido de carnitas :)

If your life were a movie this month, what would it be called and who would write the soundtrack?

It would be called Living Your 20s in the 21st Century, and I’d love for the soundtrack to be by Hermanos Gutiérrez. Their music brings me peace in uncertain moments and reminds me that I can appreciate life, even when it feels heavy.

Recommend us an artist you follow who inspires you, and tell us what you like most about their work or their way of working.

Marina Mónaco, Graciela Iturbide and Vivian Maier.

It’s very important for me to have female role models who spark inspiration. To me, these three artists capture the contemplative, everyday aspects of life. Their photographs reflect the vibrancy of their surroundings, yet at the same time, they evoke a deep sense of nostalgia.

Mariana Martínez Manzano

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Passionately devoted to creating tangible memories.

www.instagram.com/marianamartinezmz/

La entrada Contemplación cotidiana se publicó primero en ERRR MAGAZINE.

What did you learn (or unlearn) while working on them?
No tengo que tomar las fotos por tomarlas simplemente. Estamos en un mundo repleto de archivos digitales que no volvemos a ver nunca, y que se acumulan en lo profundo de los algoritmos o de nuestros dispositivos. He aprendido a tomar fotos con intención y contemplación, no solo para crear más contenido.

What words, ideas or emotions were going through your head?
Paciencia y contemplación siempre serán palabras fundamentales para mí a la hora de tomar fotos. Pero en el arduo proceso de poder conseguir estas dos, habita en mí mucha desesperación e incertidumbre de si mi trabajo fotográfico va a ser lo suficientemente “bueno”.

Were there any conversations, movies, music, or books that made their way into that work?
Perfect Days from Wim Wenders por siempre será la película que me hace conectar con el porqué hago, y me gusta, la fotografía. Me recuerda la paciencia y el objetivo de tomar una sola fotografía. También me recuerda que la fotografía, impresa sobre todo, es lo único que queda para recordar tangiblemente algo.

What's been the most difficult thing you've faced recently in your creative process?
Finding motivation. I deeply believe that in order to give meaning to your photographic work, you need to let yourself feel, be surprised, observe, and even feel discomfort in the world around you. Sometimes I struggle to give myself that time, but I know that when I do, I feel the most motivated to take photos, and that’s when I like the results the most.

What is your favorite restaurant and what do you recommend we order?
It changes over time, but right now I’d say my favorite is Nejayote Molino. Te recomiendo ir los sábados y pedir un taco surtido de carnitas.

If your life were a movie this month, what would it be called and who would write the soundtrack?
It would be called “Habitar los 20’s en el siglo XXI”, and I’d love for the soundtrack to be by Hermanos Gutiérrez. Creo que su música me da paz en momentos de incertidumbre, y me recuerda que puedo apreciar los momentos por más pesados que se sientan o se vivan.

Recommend us an artist you follow who inspires you, and tell us what you like most about their work or their way of working.
Marina Mónaco, Graciela Iturbide and Vivian Maier. Para mí es muy importante tener mujeres referentes que me evoquen inspiración. A mi parecer, estas tres artistas retratan lo cotidiano y contemplativo de la vida. Sus fotografías reflejan la vivacidad de los ambientes, pero al mismo tiempo me hacen sentir la nostalgia de lo retratado.

Mariana Martínez Manzano

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Passionately devoted to creating tangible memories.

www.instagram.com/marianamartinezmz/

La entrada Lo único que queda para recordar tangiblemente se publicó primero en ERRR MAGAZINE.