Meet talented photographer and ViewBug community member JuanPablo-deMiguel. Juan Pablo is an editorial, landscape and cityscape photographer based in Madrid, Spain, available to travel worldwide. "I'm using photography as a medium for inspiration and a means to understand the world. Specializing in European and American fine art landscapes, I admire the works of Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and the diversity of many I encounter, networking on the Web. My hope is, in some small way, to instill the essence of the incredible vistas I've had the opportunity to see, within others."
What inspired you to be a photographer?
I started to taking photographs and learn photography when I was 18 while I was studying engineering career. Soon I discover that it will be something more than a hobby for me. I really enjoy the photography has to present the world through the photographer's eye.
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
My first camera was the famous Canon AV1, one of the most successful Canon models with the regular 50mm f1.8 . I still have it today and I really love it. I use Nikon this days after lots of years with Canon. The Nikon D750 and several lenses but I really love my 15-30 f2.8 Tamron lens.
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it, what are you trying to communicate?
My work is about beauty. Nothing more and nothing less. The beauty of the things I see. No project, no profound explanations and no hidden interpretations. Just independent pieces or fine-art. The hope is, in some small way, to instill the essence of the incredible vistas I've had the opportunity to see, within others.
What is it that you love about photography?
The thing I love the most about taking photos is how I feel while I work. The opportunity I have to share my own feelings and experiences through my photos.
What has photography done for you?
I was tempted to be an engineer with a pretty standard life. Comfortable and predictable life with a sure payment every month. Instead of that, it pushed me out of my comfort zone and I was thrown to the outside world. Difficult sometimes but totally rewarding.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
As I said, my work is just about the beauty of the things. From a beautiful view over a city to a blue glacier or a mirror lake trying to make the viewer feel inside for just a second feeling the cold, hot or fresh water in her face.
How do you describe your style?
I guess artistic fine art nature-urban landscape? I really don’t know…
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I use all the time my Tamron 15-30mm f2.8. It allows me ti catch what I see. I’m starting to thing that not everyone see with the same “focal” naturally and I see in wide angle eye. I use the 15mm to take a lot of panoramas even.
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become photographers?
1. Learn from the people but don’t be a copycat.
2. Spend time learning photography and forget about PS from the beginning.
3. Don’t shoot for “likes”. Forget instant gratification.
Have you received negative feedback from your work? What did you do about it?
Sure! Not everyone likes my work, as if! I try to learn from everyone who has something to say about my photos.
Where did you learn to take photos?
I started to studying the basics of photography while I was studying at university in a complementary classes I took for fun. Soon I discovered the amazing world of light.
Raw vs jpg and why?
Raw, of course.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
My camera, Nikon d750, 3 lenses, Tamron 15-30, Nikon 24-150 and Samyang 8mm, 3 ND 150mm Nisi filters, nd10, nd6 and a polarizer, a carbon Rollei tripod and that’s it.
If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?
I really admire the work and determination of Henry Peach Robinson. When photography as an independent art was born, he wrote “Pictorial Effect in Photography”, standing up for all photographer who did not wanted to be attached by the limitations of the lenses and exposures.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
Think Photoshop is the tool you have to learn the most.
What is your dream location to shoot? What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?
I want to go to lots of locations but right now I’m focus in my next photo trip to Bali/Indonesia and leading a group to Lofoten Islands. I hope I will visit Patagonia and New Zealand soon…
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