Ernesto, can you tell us more about yourself and how did you get involved in the photography business?
I’m a 22-year-old photographer based in Mexico City. I was born and raised in the city of Cancun, Mexico, I don’t come from a family of artists but my parents were always supportive when it came to being creative, I truly am who I am today because of them. I have always been a creative person, as a kid, I would spend days just drawing and sketching, so when smartphones became a thing I would always snap photos of things that caught my attention, I really got into photography thanks to my ex-girlfriend l, she’s a model and one day I went with her to a photo shoot and it was amazing, just seeing the photographer direct the model and what he was able to create with the camera truly got me, a couple of days later I bought a camera and never looked back. I think the main reason that I have improved so much in my technique so rapidly is because of my ex-girlfriend, I mean I started my photography career with a professional model at hand, I owe her a lot in a professional sense and to this day I keep her close to my heart.
How did you mode specifically towards fashion and fashion photography? What does beauty mean to you?
I don’t think I ever made the choice of focusing on fashion work, I just started gravitating more and more into it, Looking back at it just makes sense, when I started I was more focused on portrait work, and to this day a lot of what makes my work unique is the intimacy of it, so in a sense, my photography is a mix between fashion and classic portrait photography.
To me beauty is a concept of basic human nature, we all see beauty in nature, architecture, and art, it’s human instinct. We’re all capable of recognizing beauty in our surroundings is part of what makes us human, and we’re all beautiful in our own unique way.
Ernesto, how would you describe your photographic vision? What kind of look do you try and create in your photos?
I describe my vision as a constant search for emotion, is not only about how good a photo looks, it’s about how it makes you feel and what emotions can you convey in a still frame, that’s why I love photography as an artistic medium, we’re capturing a little piece of time with a si gel push of a button. The look I go for with my work is like an old painting, like a painting by Rembrandt or one by Vermeer, just shooting my models with natural light and trying to show intimacy on a personal level.
What inspires you and what gives you ideas to create your beautiful images? Can your ideas change depending on the model you are working with?
I think I get inspired by the media I consume, that could be music, movies, and other photographers' work, it’s just an amalgamation of my interests.
I have changed ideas to fit more with my models, the model is the face of a project and sometimes you have to adjust things on the fly and adapt to your model.
Could you take us through the typical planning process for your images?
The first thing is coming up with an idea that could be realistically done, I’ve so many projects that I just can’t feasibly bring to life right now. So after settling on an idea it’s time to plan out the project and start recruiting the team, first a model that fits the project, then a Hair and Makeup artist that can bring to life my ideas, and a Fashion stylist that understands the project. After planning everything I like meeting the team before the day of the photoshoot to exchange ideas and continue to push the project forward I love listening to my team because each one of the brings something unique to the table.
Would you have any tips for non-models on how to look good in front of the camera?
Confidence goes a long way! it’s important to feel comfortable in front of the camera and always show yourself as you are!
Your projects are a collaborative process. Tell us what is like to always be working with new stylists, models, and makeup artists.
One of the reasons I love being a photographer is meeting new people every day! That could be models, makeup artists, or stylists, I get to meet so many talented people and exchange ideas and different perspectives, i enjoy it so much!
In your opinion, what makes the good picture stand out from the average? How do you choose which images you provide to your clients?
I think a good photo stands out right away because of a mix of composition and feel, it’s a combination of technique and artistry.
I normally choose the photos I deliver based on my client's needs and the vision I had of the project.
What projects are you working on next, and what are your goals for the future?
I have a project I’d love to talk about but, I have to keep it a secret for now!
My main goal for the foreseeable future is to keep publishing my work to reach an international audience and continue to grow as an artist.
Where can we see more of your works and get connected with you?
I mainly show my work on my Instagram @photoernie. I like to keep my followers updated on upcoming projects and behind the scenes so everyone can see a little bit of my creative process.
Much Love. Ernesto.
Photographer: Ernesto Ayala
IG: @photoernie
Model: Fernando Campaz @Queta Rojas
IG: @fernandostufff
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