Interview with Rafael Alcácer

After digging into photography late last year I came across Rafael’s photos on Flickr and they strongly resonated with me.   I found myself immediately stopped in my tracks and inspired to focus even more on understanding composition and color theory.  He along with a handful of other photographers that I hope to showcase here have been an incredible inspiration to me.  Causing me to go beyond just looking at and studying photography but realizing the need and desire to study “art” which I have never done.   Rafael has a large number of photographs on Flickr and a number also showcased on La Pura Vida.  I’d recommend you take a look.

Tell me about yourself. Where you are from, background, work, etc… Are you a full time photographer?

I’m from Madrid, Spain, Married, a kid. I’m a university professor, teaching criminal law. I’ve done some “professional” work in photography (If you mean by that that you get paid for it), but I have a kid to feed, and in my case photography wouldn’t pay the bills. Photography is just a hobby.

How did photography begin for you? How long have you been shooting?

My father gave me a camera when I was 17 years old. I used for two years and forgot all about it. In 2006 I started shooting again.

What thing or things have inspired or influenced you the most in your photography?

Chronologically since 2006: my child, some photographers I found in Flickr and photographers like Epstein, Eggleston, Shore, Soth…and also Alex Webb, Meyerowitz, Parke…and Arbus or Avedon. The list is endless.

Do you have any formal photography or art training?

No.

The composition in your photos have always amazed me. What are you looking for when you are hunting?

I’m looking for an image in which everything (geometrical structure, light, and subject) falls into place. I’m not there yet, and I don’t think I’ll ever take that picture. But I don’t really care: I really enjoy trying to get it, although it can be frustrating sometimes. But when frustration comes (due to obsession), I just have to tell myself that I’m into this for the fun of it.

Is there a type of environment you look for? How does it affect your photographs?

I don’t look for it consciously. But I know what I like when I see it. It basically has to do with light.

How often do you shoot?

As often as I can, so not often as I would like.

How would you describe the photos you tend to personally appreciate? Does that differ from the photos you create? If so how?

They’re “open”, they don’t give you a defined narrative but let you think.  Mystery (and poetry) in everyday life. If I could creat photos like the ones I like, my photos would be hanging on the walls of some museum.

How would you describe the photos you dislike?

Opposite to the previous answer.  Boring photos.  Pretentious photos. Macros, kittens, HDR.

Is there any type of project that you are currently working on or contemplating?

No. I do have some in mind, but I don’t have time for the ones I have in mind. I guess I could dedicate entirely to it, leaving everything else, but in a couple of months I would be jobless and divorced. Besides, I have to face it: I don’t have the commitment it takes. I just take pictures, sometimes.

Do you ever run into a lull or time where you feel challenged or less motivated than usual? How do you get past this?

Yes. I read, write, live. There’s more to life than photography.

Do you mainly shoot areas close to where you live or do you frequently explore other areas?

I love the sense of being lost in a new environment, so I try to get lost. Looking at the world through a viewfinder is a way of getting lost from what’s surrounding you. I couldn’t explain that feeling in English, but you know what I mean.

I thank Rafael for participating as well as introducing me to 2 new photographers that are amazing and that I’ve yet to spend time studying (Epstein and Shore)

All Photographs are Copyright Rafael Alcácer.   Take a look at more of his photos HERE.