Interview: Photographer Manu González (Spain)

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born 44 years ago in the south of Spain (Linares). From a very young age I got close to photography through a good friend who was a photographer and from whom I learned a lot. Later I was trained as a photographer, editor and digital retoucher and I have been working professionally for more than 10 years. I love sports, animals and enjoy friends and family.

How and when did you get started in photography?

I had several beginnings with photography, a very young start through a great photographer friend where I was able to learn a lot. After several years of inactivity and shooting only in analogue, I bought my first digital camera at the age of 25, discovering the infinite possibilities offered by this type of format, I fell in love and became so obsessed that I trained as a photographer and digital editor. I haven’t stopped since then and I don’t think I ever will, I found in photography the way to express my own story.

What does photography mean to you?

I am passionate about photography, I use it as a means to give life to something that only lives in my mind trying to find that ideal moment, that’s why I feel privileged, I am enthusiastic about my profession.

Another of my passions is teaching and I have been dedicating myself body and soul for more than 8 years, teaching editing and photography courses, as well as numerous workshops.

Briefly describe your photographic style for our readers.

Intense, lively and emotional.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Everything that worries me or seduces me I want to capture in some way through images, trying to represent the feeling I’m looking for. My way of understanding photography is simply that, it is to look for those feelings that revolve around a world of circumstances.

Studio, on location or both?

Despite the limitations, I prefer the studio because it allows me to always be in control of the light. In a studio, I use lighting and other elements to create the atmosphere in my photographs. Another of my options is to use flash lighting with natural light, I love it.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

Always. You have to think about what photo you want to transmit in order to give a clear meaning, but it is also important to improvise with the model and leave space to who you have in front of you, observing him/her, looking for the expressions that will lead you to find the photogenic and at the same time what you want to express.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I have been working as a professional for more than 10 years.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

In every session you always find something that makes it unique.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I’ve always worked with Nikon and I’m very happy, currently I work with a Nikon full frame and a Sony full frame evil.

Without a doubt the lens I use the most is the 85mm, it fascinates me.

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

To start in photography any camera will do, try to read and have a good education, create a good personal portfolio, manage social media well, create a unique style and lastly know how to say no.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I think it is very interesting, good contents and high level, I think this initiative to give visibility to photographers is wonderful. Thank you very much for the space you have dedicated to me.

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www.manugonzalezphotographer.com

https://www.instagram.com/manuvisualart/