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Photographic Paradox: Experience and Outcome
Some days, you wake up feeling like Ansel Adams. By saying this, I’m not claiming my photographs are anywhere near his level, not even remotely. I’m only referring to the feeling you get when photographing a natural setting of exceptional beauty. There’s no doubt that Adams created extraordinary images, but I’m convinced his passion for capturing those landscapes would have been exactly the same regardless of the results. Connecting with nature through the camera is such a fulfilling experience that it requires no additional reward. It is complete in itself. Results, however, are a different matter, usually detached from the…
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The Fragile Beauty of Astorga
I remember that when I was a child, my parents took me to Madrid for the first time, and we stopped in Astorga to have lunch. I’ve already forgotten what we ate, whether the food was tasty, or if it was very different from my mother’s cooking, but what remains crystal clear in my mind is the unsettling feeling its landscape gave me. Everything appeared dry and brown, devoid of plant life, completely opposite to my native Galicia. Just imagining living in such a place sent shivers down my spine. Many years later, Astorga hasn’t changed one bit. Its landscape…
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The Adventurous Hens
When someone thinks of a caravan, the word vacation probably comes to mind. Or maybe they imagine an exciting road trip, or a quiet stay in a green meadow, enjoying a pleasant read while lying on a deckchair. Caravans have the magical ability to expand our personal space beyond any imaginable limit and to bring the exotic outside world into our comfort zone. All in all, it’s an invention full of possibilities. But in Galicia, the region of Spain where I live, this small mobile and personal space can take on an entirely unexpected form. Galicians are practical people: we always find…
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Shooting Blind
Regardless of how visually appealing this photo might be, for me it represents a huge leap in my journey with analog photography. I could even say that, in a way, it feels like a leap into the unknown, but I believe it will be worth it. Since I began my analog adventure, I’ve had to face quite a few challenges. Getting a Leica M camera means getting used to using a rangefinder, which isn’t particularly complicated, but does require a bit of practice. I have to admit that the Leica M6 made things very easy for me, and its rangefinder…
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Borrowed Nature
Human society has advanced so much in controlling and dominating nature that we often suffer from a syndrome similar to the Dunning-Kruger effect, we believe we have far greater power over our environment than we actually possess. We build reservoirs, redirect rivers, dismantle mountains, alter biotopes, modify forests, and unintentionally even change the climate. It seems our ability to shape the world as if it were a ball of clay knows no limits. However, in a way, this is nothing more than a temporary illusion, a small mirage that, if we could perceive it more quickly, would reveal the fragility…
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The Art of Selling
It is undeniable that today’s shopping centers have transcended the mere act of shopping, becoming genuine leisure hubs. Most are spacious, featuring pleasant galleries for strolling as our neurons eagerly respond to the barrage of stimuli enticing us to consume, regardless of whether we truly need anything or not. There are also culinary attractions that encourage us to sample dishes from diverse origins. Furthermore, there’s even space dedicated to body care and exercising at gyms, in case guilt sets in after indulging in the hospitality area. You can even get a haircut or opt to scorch the hair follicles on…
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An Unexpected Turn
The day I took this photo, the last thing that crossed my mind as I left home was that I’d end up buried waist-deep in snow. But that’s just how these things go: you might plan to visit León in the morning, perhaps explore its surroundings a bit, yet fate, always a bit twisted, often has other plans for you. And that’s exactly what happened. As soon as I arrived in León and saw the snow-covered peaks of the Cantabrian Mountains, I simply couldn’t resist. After a quick technical stop in the city, I hopped onto the Ruta de la…
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Illuminated by the Factory of Light
The attraction I feel towards abandoned or old industrial structures is hard to explain. If reincarnation existed, I would be absolutely certain that in a past life, my years were closely tied to one of these structures. Perhaps it was a textile mill, a steelworks, or maybe I spent countless hours assembling a Ford Model T. What I do know is that any of these constructions instantly spark fascination and leave me completely mesmerized. The image I’m sharing today perfectly fits the type of structure that fascinates me the most. Nowadays, this old factory has been converted into a museum…
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Marketing at Another Level
When you decide to start a business, having commercial vision is essential. It doesn’t matter how great your product is if nobody knows about the quality of what you’re selling. Getting noticed is key, and this peculiar seller from Sanabria understands that perfectly. We’ve all come across a picturesque store that grabs our attention as we drive by. There are strategies for every taste: a flashy sign, a striking sculpture, perhaps an eye-catching display showcasing everything on offer. Surely, these tactics attract glances, but convincing drivers to stop is another matter altogether. Well, this merchant from Sanabria achieved this remarkably.…
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Temporary Abandonment
This photograph perfectly illustrates what I mean, although there’s more story behind it than meets the eye. Actually, this empty stork nest is a byproduct of another photograph that I never got to take. While exploring the area, I spotted an intriguing abandoned industrial structure in the distance, so I decided to park my car in a small pine grove nearby to consider capturing a possible shot. As I entered the grove, I stumbled upon this small abandoned nest perched atop a dilapidated electricity pole. Its precarious, fragile, and somewhat intimate image instantly stole the spotlight from the industrial structure.…
