Born in the Northwest of Spain in the idyllic Galicia, Luis Guzm was raised surrounded by the constant beauty of rolling mountains and the deep cerulean ocean. It’s therefore no surprise that one day he would grow to become a photographer.
“I’ve been always interested in anything arty, music, design, architecture, and painting,” Luis tells us, “I guess photography just found me. During my early days, I was combining photography with being a flight attendant. Traveling and taking pictures has always been my passion so what better way to combine them both? That’s how it all started.”
His love of travel has seen him explore and adventure around the globe and across 76 different countries and it’s something which has hugely inspired his work, “Everything from things that I see or ideas I think of, to movies, music, fashion, I’m constantly seeking inspiration or things that move me, and I often find these on my travels.”
Now based in Mallorca, Luis’s cinematic 35mm photography means he is one of the most in-demand photographers across the Mediterranean, capturing images of some of the most beautiful women in the world, in a series of breathtaking locations. “When it comes to my work, I guess I seek to provoke and evoke strong emotions through bold compositions, light and shadows and if all it’s with a vintage or retro twist even better!”
It’s his use of vintage and retro photography which adds that enticing element to his work. You sense the thought that goes into each image, whether it’s the variety of techniques he uses or the locations he calls upon, It is the level of work which goes into each process which puts him so much in demand.
“It’s being outdoors, or creating something out of just an idea that makes me love my job. As well as meeting new people with the same passions and interests and connecting with them.
“Growing up you always dream of being featured in magazines, but I’ve found if you just focus on doing your own thing, eventually, things will knock on your door. Hard work pays off.”
Never resting on his laurels, Luis constantly demands more from himself and his work, and would probably describe himself as a perfectionist, often relentless in search of an image he is satisfied with. “I guess sometimes it’s hard to trust the process and believe in yourself. I’m very critical of my work, and most of the time I don’t even like it because I know I can do better, but that’s what pushes me every day.”
With all that in mind, I ask Luis if there is any of his work that he is particularly proud of. He laughs for a moment and thinks. “My next piece of work…no, I don’t know. That’s difficult to say. As I said, I’m very critical of myself, but when you sell your work, and have people reaching out to you to include it in their galleries, then I do take pride in that.”
With his frenetic energy and dedication towards work, Luis will admit that he finds it hard to switch off, but when he does, he finds it is the simple things in life where he finds happiness. “You know, there is nothing which beats just going to the beach, having beers with friends, lunch by the sea, or going out hiking and being amongst nature and hanging out together. I love to cook and host at my house, where I come from we take food seriously so there is nothing better than a gathering with friends.”
With all our thanks to Luis Guzman