Interview: Photographer Fidel Comas (Spain)

Tell us something about yourself I’m not a person who likes to talk about himself, also sometimes it bothers me to be the center of attention in the conversations. I’m a person who prefers that his work talk about himself and I prefer to be hidden behind the camera and to be the most unnoticed as possible. I can say that I’m a photographer by nature and artist, although I think it is an adjective that is too much for me, by vocation. I was always interested in plastic arts, a fact that motivated me to study art. Since I’m linked to photography since I was young, finally it is the way by which I express myself artistically, and to practice and study it are the things that I enjoy the most in my little free time.

How and when did you get into photography? Really it could say that I was always linked to it. Being the son of a photographer was a way of life. First, from a child, helping in family business by learning and accompanying my parents, in photography studio and in social events. Later, I did from the photography my profession and passion.

What does photography mean to you?

As I mentioned before, is a way of life. From the artistic point of view it is a way to transmit, to prompt, to create a dialogue with the person who watches your work and, why not, a way to transgress and remove consciousness.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

Artistic nude. I try to find the harmony of the naked body in movement versus the static of the complements that are incorporated in the picture. Other times, I only try to catch the model’s beauty, the simplicity of her nakedness and the harmony of her body.

Where do you get inspiration from? Mainly from music. Always that I have the opportunity I’m listening music. There are times that music inspires me places that I take a little bit to let it in my pictures. Also, are things from my day a day. I see objects, urban landscapes or anything that makes a "click" on my head and ideas comes up.

Studio, on location or both?

Prefer the privacy of the studio, but I'm beginning to feel quite attracted by the possibilities that nature offers me.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

What it could be called the concept, yes. At the moment that I think about a composition I express it into a paper, as a sketch mode and later, in the studio I start with the main idea. But the really nice thing is when the model offers variants of that first idea at the same time that you are guiding her towards what you are looking for. It is a moment of dialogue without words between the model and photographer, which is really special.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

A professional.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Maybe it not be the most memorable, but it is the one that I remember most fondly: the first time that I did an artistic nude. Undoubtedly for being the first time that I faced a

completely new discipline for me, not only in the technical part, also in the personal treat with the model, how to handle her… it was all so new for me that it let me a mark in a special way and, although the result was not of a great quality, it was the session that hooked me to this style of photography.

What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

Classics, the great masters of photography in all styles, from Cartier-Bresson, Cappa, Mapplethope, Helmut Newton, to Nobuyuki Kobayashi among others.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I don’t enter this discussion of brands. I don’t believe that the camera only for being of one brand or another takes better photographs. Nowadays all brands offer a great technical quality, I would speak more about formats and forms of taking pictures. My favorite lens ... none especially. Lately I enjoy working with the 150mm Hasselblad, perhaps for being my last acquisition. For that I recognize that I’m like a child with a new toy.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Patience, perseverance, humility, are some of the attitudes I believe that are important, not only in this profession, in everything you want to do in life. Currently, where the immediacy is becoming more important that quality, it is important to have patience and not to expect that your pictures are seen by everybody and as soon as possible. It is necessary let the work and ideas rest, think through them, see them many times, even compare them with the work of other photographers. And only bring to light those that you really consider worthy of being shown to the public. Perseverance, never give up what you are started, although most of the time it causes you more problems than joy, go on although not everyone supports your way, and always, always, get the positive of the failures. Humility because you must never forget who you are and how you started, no one is better than anyone, just different. The arrogance adds nothing to your work or your person, does not enrich you of others, only isolates you and destroys you.

What do you think of our new magazine?

It seems to me a serious and quality publication, with a very important work contributing to the dissemination of artists who don’t easily find where to be seen. I think it is an initiative worthy of admiration because it means a great deal of selfless work. Personally I feel very fortunate and grateful that you have counted on me for this publication. I hope that Modellend Land Magazine continues to grow up even more among photography and fashion publications.

https://www.facebook.com/fidel.vico

www.fidelcomas.com