Aleks Harlow - I'm The Founder Of 2 Important Communities: 'Master Gallery' & 'IG México', In Both I Share The Work Of Different Photographers (Photographer, Mexico)

I have been taking photographs since I was young, but what started as a hobby, quickly became one of the most important things in my life.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

My work has been exhibited in some galleries and magazines in México such as Vogue, Dinners, Donde IR, etc. and internationally in Pictas Magazine in USA, as well as in the Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá, Colombia and also in some national newscasts like ADR Networks and international like NTD News, The Epoch Times, News Now, etc.

I have collaborated with some companies such as Huawei, Moshi, Mundo Joven and the Comité Mexicano de Fotografía. With Huawei my work was presented at the launch of the P30 Series devices in Paris, France; also in the Huawei Share OneHop commercial and that my work be displayed on the official website of the brand as well as on all its social networks.

I have also participated in several national and international contests, for example the nature contests by Fotomecánica and cenotes contest by the Government of the State of Yucatán, Mexico; obtaining 1st place; One of the last contests was that of the Vero social network, in which I also obtained first place, becoming the Photographer of the Year 2019 of the app.

Also some of my photographs are available to download in 4K format as Wallpapers (Wallpapertree App) for IOS devices in which there are several important photographers from different parts of the world.

I am an active user on social networks, specifically on Instagram, and I am the founder of two important communities: Master Gallery and IG México, in both I share the work of different photographers and in IG México I have organized photographic contests and workshops for photographers in some cities from my country.

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

My earliest memories are of using film camera as a kid fascinated to take photographs of everything I saw around me. There came a point when my parents scolded me and wouldn’t let me use it. Later when I was pursuing Architecture studies in University, I received a Cybershot camera as a gift. I loved photographing the world around us and also used it for architecture class assignments.

I focused on capturing perspectives, play of light, shadows and textures including landscapes. At times, teachers scolded me or praised my work as being beautiful but falling short of their expectations aligned with my architecture studies.

As technology advanced, I experimented with different camera makes as well as mobile phones. This was a good learning process and with the emergence of social media, I began to share my photographs captured during trips and parties with friends & family.

Gradually I became more interested in the world of photography and made serious effort to learn by attending face-to-face and online courses, conferences and workshops. With my first SLR, I began focusing on nature and landscapes, including the beach and coastline.

I can walk for hours until I find or see something I imagined and feel very happy when I capture the moments. I still have a lot to learn and I shall continue to strive and excel.

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

I think the best tips for amateur photographers is to take a lot of pictures in the camera's manual mode and experiment with many editing styles to find their own style. In the same way, to learn from both experienced photographers and new photographers by attending conferences, courses, workshops, reading about their work or watching tutorials on video platforms to learn everything they can.

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

The skills that I consider most important are the passion, perseverance and mainly inspiration and creativity to create new photographs.

5. How can one identify and appreciate good architecture?

Architecture is an art and like all arts it is very subjective, it depends on the observer's point of view, and in the particular case of Architecture there are 2 very large aspects, which the great architects have always discussed: if the form should follow function or function must follow form.

I think that the most important thing is to live the space and appreciate it at different times of the day and observe it from different points, to try to decipher what the Architect conceptualized and wanted to make people feel with his work.

6. Do you have a dream project or a favourite project?

I would love to be associated as photographer with an organization where I can work to showcase the beauty of our planet by exploring its amazing nature, landscapes and the incredible cities or towns. I would love to also capture the rich cultures, flora and wildlife. I got the opportunity to work for Huawei and it has been a fulfilling experience. I hope to take up similar projects in the near future.

7. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

I think the photography contests are a good opportunity and can help aspiring photographers to show their work to more audience, as well the use of social networks to have a greater reach and interact with people who are interested in the same way the photography.

8.When did you first decide that you would pursue photography and where did you get the inspiration from?

I have been taking photographs since I was young, but what started as a hobby, quickly became one of the most important things in my life.

I see the world through my camera, and photography is my language. I am fascinated by the amazing planet we live in, and with the help of my camera I experience it and understand it.

9. Which is your favourite book and why?

My favorite book is The Photographer's Eye by Michael Freeman because it was one of the first books I read when I entering to the world of photography and it helped me a lot to understand many situations that I did'nt know, I highly recommend it to those who are starting in the field of photography.

- Aleks Harlow

Aleks Harlow is an architect by profession pursuing his passion for photography. Born in Mexico city, Aleks completed his Masters in Design, focusing on sustainability and the natural, cultural and architectural beauty of México. Aleks likes landscape photography, especially capturing sunsets along the coast and using blend of vibrant colors and high contrast to create images. Photography for him is like painting with a camera and lens.