Public Republic

Teodora Atanasova Talks to Photographer Manel Gómez

Hello, please tell us a few words about you.

I am 34 years old, I live in Barcelona and I am a primary school teacher. I’ve always loved the arts, but it was not until I turned 30 that I developed a passion for photography. I’m a quiet person and I like healthy food, music and sport.

Is photography a hobby or a profession of yours?

Photography is a hobby for me. Although I am slowly flirting with the idea about it as a professional occupation, for now I enjoy photography in my spare time.

Can you tell us about an interesting moment in you photography experience?

Through the camera interesting times are always revealed and the results never cease to surprise you, but if I had to highlight an interesting moment, it was meeting my girlfriend in a photography class. She always has good ideas and is a motivation for me to improve a little every day.

But we have also had failures and ridiculous anecdotes, we electrocuted the ass to make a better picture in a private place.

What is your favourite place for taking pictures?

I don’t have a favorite place to take pictures. Whenever possible I go out with my camera and I love to get carried away and not know what I’ll come back with.

Is it hard to represent something brand new and original?

I don’t think so, photography has many possibilities. From shooting to editing, the roads can be so different that you can always bring something new. We must investigate, look at other photographers and learn continuously. We are always in evolution.

Do you think an artist should go to school to study photography?

If you have talent you can take good pictures without going to school. If you go to photography school and have no talent, you can take good pictures. If you have talent and you go to school, your chances of success and knowledge increase. Anyone who wants to live like this should study photography. That’s not to say there are no other ways to become successful, but why limit yourself?

How would you describe your style?

I really don’t know if I have a style or not. I like to try new things, but I always try to make my photos transmit emotions. I like to get creamy, slightly disaturated colors. I notice much in the lines and the main subject of the photo to get the best composition. I like to photograph from the same height as the main subject and try to respect the rules of composition. After that I edit the photos without making big alterations.

How important is Photoshop in you final images?

The pictures that come directly from the camera always need editing. I always edit my photos, it’s in photoshop where they will come out with the final look. Photoshop helps us make our label and gives importance to places of interest, as well as fixing some imperfections.

Is there anything or anybody you love to photograph?

I like to photograph people, streets, animals … If something catches my attention, I want to photograph it.

The golden hour is fantastic to photograph anything and always gives a special touch. As I said before, I’m open to anything.

If I had to choose something, I’d go with portraits anytime.

Do you want to say something to our readers? 

The important thing is to never stand still. If you are involved in a project, it will always give results. The great thing about photography is that it always allows us to express our ways and the limit is our imagination. We all have a say in this and our view is unique.

It is fortunate to have a magazine like Public Republic which inspires us all with the work of other photographers and I am very happy to be an artist of the week.

I invite you to visit my flickr gallery, it will be a pleasure to answer your questions and read your comments.