“I’m totally obsessed with natural light and where it comes from.”
Andrea Torres Balaguer (born 1990 in Barcelona) is a contemporary photographer from Spain.
She’s graduated in Fine Arts at University of Barcelona.
Artist statement
“My work is made about dreams, surrealism, mystery and the idea of break-up story. I’m interested in every image that tells something, that lets you the possibility of imagine, that generates stories and opinions.
Thinking about the scene-action concept, I take pictures with a oneiric aesthetic that require the spectator’s interpretation, searching to experiment with the boundaries between reality and fiction.”
Interview with Andrea Torres Balaguer
Andrea, why did you become a photographer? And what does photography mean to you?
Since I can remind I have had always a kind of obsession for collecting pictures: from magazines, books, drawings, postcards, stickers… When I was a child I used to keep all those pictures on folders. I suppose that in a natural way the idea of produce my own images appeared.
A large part of my life goes around photography. I can define it as a passion, something that you love to do. It is my hobby and my job at the same time but most of all is a necessity.
How would you describe your photographic language and creative process? How do you plan and execute a project? Both technically and conceptually?
I’m very interested in conscious and subconscious so in the beginning I started with de dream-transcription technique. Then I tried to explore the creation of imaginary situations based on my personal experiences and references. I imagine a situation and I make a fast-skecth. Then I add notes and details, improving the idea and thinking about the story around the scene until I’m satisfied. Finally it’s the time to generate the situation and put everything on it to take the picture.
I don’t think so much in technically aspects except the light: I’m totally obsessed with natural light and where it comes from.
Which photographer has inspired you most?
My biggest inspiration is Duane Michals. When I discovered his work I thought that I would love to meet him. He mixes everything that I like to see in a picture: black and white, story, conceptual messages, symbolism, surrealism and a powerful way of thinking.
In addition I love Annie Leibovitz’s first works, her snapshots. I think that she has a special eye to shoot. She can turn the ordinary things on something super interesting to see. In my opinion she is a master of beauty.
What’s your favorite inspirational quote about photography?
“Photography deals exquisitely with appearances, but nothing is what it appears to be.”
Duane Michals
What kind of camera and equipment do you use?
When I shoot on 35mm film I use a Pentax K1000 with a 50mm lens. For digital pictures I have a Canon 7D and 18-135mm lens.
What’s your favorite website about photography?
I don’t have a specific favorite website, I think Flickr or Pinterest are so useful. Anyway I have recently discovered Phlearn.com and it is very interesting.
What book about photography would you recommend?
“On Photography” by Susan Sontag was the first book about photography that I read and it is one of my favorites as a classic.
In addition I really have enjoyed with At Work by Annie Leibovitz. You can find a lot of beautiful pictures at the same time that you learn a little more about Annie’s life as a photographer. It is so interesting to see how she works and discover anecdotes about her iconic pictures.
Which advice would you give someone who wants to get started with photography?
Be honest, do what you really love to do. It doesn’t matter if it is not the most commercial or “liked” thing; the best point is to be glad about what you do and keep working a lot.
