What pieces or projects have you been working on lately?
I'm currently working on some photos I took on a recent trip to England and Ireland. They were two completely new places for me, but very interesting.
What did you learn (or unlearn) while working on them?
I've been experimenting with different types of film. Color is obviously a very important element, and I'm looking for ways to improve my handling of tones and saturations.
What words, ideas or emotions were going through your head?
I think the main concept was contrasts. Contrasts both in the way of representing and in the content; going from the saturation of the city to the open spaces of nature represents a great opportunity to capture diverse moments.
Were there any conversations, movies, music, or books that made their way into that work?
As for the visuals, Wim Wenders' "Paris, Texas" has compositions I can't get out of my head, in addition to a heartbreaking story. Returning to the topic of color and contrast, I think it's a major influence and something that will surely seep into any work I produce.
What's been the most difficult thing you've faced recently in your creative process?
As an architect, my biggest challenge when taking photos is avoiding the habits I'm used to seeing in my profession. That's why, without meaning to, I seek out empty but perfect spaces and magazine-worthy compositions that are etched in my mind. Although I sometimes fall into the very trap I want to avoid, I'm surprised by the results when I manage to steer clear of it.
What is your favorite restaurant and what do you recommend we order?
I recently tried the chocolate dessert at Vacaciones en la San Rafael with some friends, and it was delicious. Before that, we also had suadero tacos at El Paisa, just a block away; I don't know if this combination works for everyone, but we were all very satisfied.
If your life were a movie this month, what would it be called and who would write the soundtrack?
There's a quote by David Lynch that I love, something like, "Sometimes I see things that seem beautiful to me and I don't even know why." I think it sums up well how I'm trying to see things, not necessarily understand them. And as for a soundtrack, I don't know, maybe something by Sigur Rós that's really dramatic.
Recommend one or more artists you follow who inspire you, and tell us what you like most about their work or their way of working.
I'm a big film buff, so if it's visuals you're after, anything by Terrence Malick or Paul Thomas Anderson is a great source of inspiration. When it comes to photographers, it's easy to always mention Ansel Adams for his use of black and white and landscapes, but I was recently recommended Hannah Starkey, and she has some pretty colorful and interesting work.
Colombian architect and amateur photographer based in Mexico City for 4 years.