Gustavo Minas - Don't Expect Any Kind of Motivation From the World, Try to Find It Within Yourself (Photographer from Spain)

Instagram - @gustavominas

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I studied journalism at university, that's how I learned the basics. But my obsession with photography started around 2009. I’ve been living in São Paulo for almost two years, working as a writer for a popular newspaper. I was bored with my job, so I enrolled in a year-long course under Carlos Moreira, a master who’s been photographing São Paulo since the 60’s. 

All the course was based on photographers who used photography as a medium for self expression, such as Kertész, Robert Frank, Lee Friedlander, Eggleston and Harry Gruyaert (who’s been my main influence)… guys who mostly worked on the streets. And this inspired me to go out to and photograph the streets of my city, something I was still a stranger to. It was a great way to get to know São Paulo.


2. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?

I became totally addicted to it around 2009, in the second semester of the course I took with Carlos. When he showed us the color masters, Gruyaert, Webb, Pinkhassov, I realized that I could use light to transform everyday life around me into something extraordinary. 

I began waking up very early to photograph in the first light of the day, and I became passionate not only for the photos I took, but also for the experiences I had while wandering around with an empty mind. Photography plays a big role in my life now. 

It’s a form of meditation, essential for my mental health. I get a bit moody if I can’t go out to shoot for 3 days or so. I totally forget about myself when I’m walking around with a camera, and it feels great. I really hope I can keep doing it forever.

3. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?

Don't expect any kind of motivation from the world, try to find it within yourself. Practice it everyday in your free time, and find something else to earn money with. 

Try to keep exploring your own city as a tourist, go to different places and try to see it with fresh eyes. Don't give up in the first two years of practice, it can take a long time until your work gets better and you get some recognition.


4. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?

Curiosity and some level of obsession with photography. Some empathy too.


5. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

Well, you can publish your work in websites, exhibitions, books, travel the world... street photography is not a good way of making money though.
It's very likely that you'll spend more than you earn.

6. Which is your favourite book and why?

My favourite photobook is probably Lumières Blances, by Harry Gruyaert. It was one of the first I bought, and it brings a little bit of everything he's done, and it's all great.

And one of my favourite text book about photography is The Ongoing Moment, by Geoff Dyer. It's a great way of learning the history of the medium, through a very personal point of view.

- Interviewed by - Aditi Vakani