Rafa Carvajal : What first drew you to photography and how did you discover it ?
Jesús Ortega Paz : What attracted me most was the power photography has to immortalize the moment of a person or model . Sixteen years ago , while studying advertising at the university , I had to create a magazine about a specific topic , so I decided to make it about fashion – something I liked a lot . I had to make the items , find sponsors and take the photos . Since I had not started my photography classes , I asked a colleague who was one year ahead of me to take the photographs of the models . At that moment , when I saw him photograph the models , I decided I wanted to become a photographer because it was fascinating for me to capture every moment .
RC : Why did you decide to become a photographer , rather than to pursue a different profession ?
JOP : When I was in college , my mother always suggested to me that I become a dentist or physician , as they are well paid . But I felt a fascination for the artistic , so being in college and making the fashion magazine project made me decide to become a photographer , rather than pursuing another profession . In my youth , I did have a few different jobs before deciding on photography .
RC : Where does Jesús Paz Ortega the photographer go for inspiration ?
JOP : The inspiration of Jesús Ortega Paz comes from living in the moment , social media , the connection I have with the model or the place where I am at that moment – because I also love landscape photography . It is something very special and unique that gives me the inspiration for my photographs .
RC : What do you enjoy the most about photography ?
JOP : One thing I love about photography is the ability to communicate feelings and sensations through an image to each person who sees a photograph . Like music , photography is able to convey feelings to people who enjoy it .
RC : What is the most important lesson that you ’ ve learned through photographing people ?
JOP : The most important lesson I have learned is that each person is unique and different and that not everyone is able to communicate or convey feelings equally or that easily . Each person is special in his or her unique way .
RC : Describe your work in three words . JOP : Passion , inspiration and love . RC : What do you look for in a male model ?
JOP : When I photograph a model , I always try to connect with the person behind the face . I always look to connect with their feelings , so I can project them on camera . I also look for confidence , personality and lots and lots of sensuality .
RC : What does ‘ Fashion Photography ’ mean to you ?
JOP : For me , fashion is a means of communication to the masses with a general selling tool . So , for me , my fashion photography is a way to communicate precisely what the client is looking to show the public .
RC : What do you want your viewers to take away from your work ?
JOP : I want my viewers to see that my photos can capture my feelings about what I ’ m trying to project .
RC : How has social media played a role in your photography ?
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