“I can’t change the world with my photos, but I can change realities. More than creating images I want to create conscience and break the silence of those who have been ignored for years.”

Glorianna Ximendaz. Born in 1992 in San José (Costa Rica), Glorianna Ximendaz is a contemporary documentary photographer. She studied photography at Veritas University (Photography School).

In addition to that, Glorianna Ximendaz has attended several workshops with international photographers.

Artist statement

“I always try to look for an honest and deeper connection between me and the person that I photograph. I put my soul in what I do, is my motto, my photographs are made with effort and heart in order to bring to light things that people can’t see, convert the simple into interesting-attractive.”

Disturbingly intimate image taken by Glorianna Ximendaz

Glorianna Ximendaz, what was your most memorable moment shooting pictures?

It’s hard to define a single memorable moment when you’ve got involved deeply with so many stories, realities and people.

Why did you become a photographer? And why photojournalism – documentary?

I grew up with my grandparents; they were extremely committed to people, to their rights and struggles. They helped the sick, the homeless, prostitutes, alcoholics and abused children.

Since I was immersed in this environment, my passion and need to help people grew from day-to-day, but I wanted to do more than just helping them with their basic needs (food, shelter, emotional support).

At that time, I didn’t know the existence of humanist photography, I just wanted to tell stories that spoke for those who couldn’t.

From that moment I’ve decided to turn my lens and camera into instruments that will fight for those who need to be heard and respected.

What does photography mean to you? And what do you want to transmit with your pictures?

“I can’t change the world with my photos, but I can change realities.”

My passion. Being behind the camera is an exciting and amazing feeling for me. The camera is an extraordinary instrument that can be used in so many wonderful ways.

I can’t change the world with my photos, but I can change realities.

More than creating images I want to create conscience and break the silence of those who have been ignored for years.

Jews travelling in the subway of Buenos Aires photographed by Glorianna Ximendaz

Which photographer has inspired you most?

The ones that really want to share their talent for any reason more than their egos.

What’s your favorite photography quote?

“To photograph: it is to put on the same line of sight the head, the eye and the heart.”

Henri Cartier-Bresson

How would you describe your photographic voice and way of working?

I try to let the people, places, and stories involved be the voice of my photographs.

Generally I expend time to know the people, places, and stories that I’m going to photograph.

What do you consider to be the axis of your work – technically and conceptually?

Currently I don’t think I have a pattern, modus operandi or a special way to create images, my images are constructed in a more organic way, getting inspired by the exact moment and context of the shot.

I’ve always seen life as a movie, somehow I try to do that with my pictures.

Image from documentary photographer Glorianna Ximendaz photography

What qualities and characteristics does a good photojournalist need?

Honesty and sensibility above what you are photographing, you have to put ethics before a “good” photography that will affect others.

What does a photo need to be a great photo in your eyes? Especially keeping in mind the over abundance of photographic imagery in today’s society.

It needs to be simple and honest.

For me a good photograph is not the one that is perfectly done in matter of technique. Composition or framing is what makes you think, what makes an image unforgettable.

What do you consider to be the greatest changes photojournalism has gone through in recent years and what will be the challenges in years to come?

As of today because of technology and digital media we can see a more free/global photojournalism, you don’t need big media (magazines or newspapers) editorials to publish your stories.

It’s great for us to be part of this digital era, many advantages are given but at the same time the enormous amount of information around the world create the challenge to innovate the way that stories are being telling in order to capture the attention of the audience to create the impact we want to achieve.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your photographic projects?

It varies according to the context I’m involved at the time, for example on a trip to Argentina I got inspiration from day-to-day life, people and places, trying to capture the beauty of it.

What kind of photography equipment and photographic supplies do you use?

I use a very old, outdated, Canon 20D. For some projects I prefer to use film (Canon EOS Rebel G).

Also a variety of lomographic cameras and Instax Fujifilm.

What’s your favorite website about photography?

I don’t have a special one. I like them as I found them, there’s a lot of information on the internet and you always find something new that surprises and inspires you.

What photography book would you recommend?

Same answer as with websites, I recommend to be open for everything, you never know what will inspire you in terms of concept, lighting, execution, storytelling, mood, humanism, technique, etc. I try to be as receptive as I can.

Which advice would you give someone who wants to become a (professional) photographer?

To make photos, not to shoot photos. You can achieve this if you observe (not just see) the world. Be honest with you and your process of making photos.

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