Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by! It’s time for another “30 Questions With Photographer…” blog post. If you remember, for this project, I ask photographers to answer 30 questions about themselves and their photography. I also ask them to share some of their work. The goal of this project is to spread the word on photographers who have impacted my photographic journey; photographers I think you need to know about. The next installment of my “30 Questions With Photographer…” project is a very special one, as he’s one of my all time favorite photographers.
I came across this next photographer on Instagram a few years ago when I decided I wanted to devote some serious time to photography and was looking for inspiration. The photo he had recently posted stopped my scroll in its tracks. I immediately went to his page. I had to see more. I was really hoping his Instagram feed was filled with more quality photos. I would not be disappointed. Photo after photo was exactly the type of work I hoped to produce. All of the photos were black and white, beautifully composed, and full of feeling and emotion.
I’ve never met this photographer person, but I hope to someday. I’ve reached out to him on multiple occasions via Instagram and email for advice on how to get a certain shot, or for some information on how he gets the fantastic shots he gets. He’s always been extremely eager to answer any of my questions and has been ever so humble and kind; just a great human being, and the kind of photographer the photo community needs more of.
The next photographer I want to introduce you to is Adrian Vila.
Q: What is your name and where do you live?
A: My name is Adrian. A third of the year in Galicia, in NW Spain; another third in Northern Indiana, USA; traveling the rest of the time.
Q: How can people contact you?
A: https://aows.co. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/aowsphotos.
Q: If we’ve met, how do we know each other?
A: We haven’t.
Q: What is your earliest memory of taking a photography?
A: Even though I’m sure my dad let me use his Konica at some point when I was a little kid, my earliest memory is from when I was 18. One of the first things I did when I moved out of my parents’ house and went to college was to buy a 2-megapixel HP camera. I do remember that first day trying it out.
Q: Of the cameras you currently own, what is your favorite (you may choose one of each format if applicable?
A: Without a doubt, my Bronica SQ-Ai. I really enjoy shooting with that camera, and it’d be my only one if it weren’t for the size and the cost. I also like my little Sony RX100s because I can bring them with me anywhere.
Q: Is there a camera you’ve always lusted after and hope to acquire someday? What makes you desire this camera?
A: I always wanted a Hasselblad, but not anymore. The Bronica has filled that void.
Q: Is there a camera you no longer have that you miss?
A: No.
Q: What type of photographs do you most enjoy taking (portraits, landscapes, street, etc) and why?
A: I can get joy from photographing almost anything. But when I enjoy photography the most is when I put myself in situations and places that push me beyond my comfort zone: ideally a remote spot in nature with a bit of bad weather, away from everyone else.
Q: While most of us shoot both digital and film, I believe we all have a tendency to prefer one over the other. What do you prefer and why?
A: It depends on where I am. If I’m photographing the night sky from my backyard, the big, heavy Bronica will be my choice. If I’m hiking in the mountains, a digital compact camera. Whatever camera lets you create what you want without getting in the way.
Q: How often/much do you shoot photographs (rolls per week, month, etc)?
A: I take photos every day. When I was shooting medium format film exclusively, that amounted to some 250 rolls a year. Now, I shoot hundreds of pictures a week (I delete most of them).
Q: Do you prefer to photograph with other people, or would you rather shoot alone? Please explain.
A: Alone. I need to fully experience the place and the moment to capture it. I can take a few photos here and there if I’m in a group, but I rarely press the shutter if I’m engaged in a conversation, even while hiking.
Q: What is your favorite black and white film right now and why?
A: I got started in film photography with HP5+ because it was supposed to be more “forgiving”, better suited to a beginner. Even though I’ve tried many others, I always come back to Ilford’s. I’m comfortable with it, I know what to expect, and I also like the look when I push it (I always push it 1-3 stops).
Q: What is your favorite color film right now and why?
A: Color? What’s that?
Q: Complete the following sentence: “I am a photographer because…”. What do YOU get from photography?
A: …because photography makes me feel alive.
Q: Best experience while taking photographs?
A: So many! Most of them in the wilderness: a sunrise in the Alabama Hills, from the top of a volcano in Oregon, a blizzard in South Dakota, a frozen beach at Lake Michigan, waking up at 8,000 feet elevation in the Picos de Europa in Spain… Not all of them resulted in great photographs, but those are experiences I get to keep forever.
Q: Most emotional experience while taking photographs?
A: Hard to choose just one, but I’d say doing the Camino last December. For me, it was a photography pilgrimage, as I wanted to document a part of my homeland I hadn’t experienced before. The images weren’t good, but walking 130 miles in 6 days, fighting snowstorms, strongs winds and tons of rain, all of this while carrying 25 pounds of gear and clothes... definitely made the experience something unforgettable.
Q: Worst experience while taking photographs.
A: The times I got yelled at while doing some street photography. The funny thing is, I wasn’t even photographing those people, but something else. This is probably why I love photographing trees and mountains, I can stare at them for as long as I want and they don’t mind.
Q: Tell me about something related to photography you want to learn.
A: Digital negatives. I’ve played a bit with them but I still have a lot to learn. I feel like it’s a great way to create unique prints from digital photos.
Q: Tell me about something NOT related to photography you want to learn.
A: A new language. Not sure which one, though.
Q: What does your family/loved ones think/feel about your photography?
A: My wife has been my biggest fan and supporter. I wouldn’t be here calling myself a photographer if it wasn’t for her. My family and friends were (some still are) more skeptical.
Q: What is the last photography related book you’ve acquired?
A: Genesis, by Sebastião Salgado. Loved it.
Q: Name one of your favorite accounts on Instagram and explain what draws you to this photographer.
A: I don’t use Instagram as much these days. I schedule my posts, and only open the app to reply to messages. Back in the day, I loved the work of many photographers, there’s so much talent out there. But if I had to choose one, and just one, I think it’d be @itsreuben (Reuben Wu). His work is so unique and beautiful that I’m always in awe.
Q: Have you ever sold or have thought about selling any of your photographs? Would you do it again? Any advice for others thinking of selling their photographs?
A: I do sell some prints on my website. For those who want to do the same, my advice is simple: don’t expect anything, and just do it.
Q: Are there any photography related projects you’re working on that you’d like to tell us about?
A: Photography books. I just finished one (called “Becoming an American”), and I’m working on another one to be released soon (not sure about the title yet). I had been putting them off for too long.
Q: Are there any non-photographic related projects you’re working on that you’d like to tell us about?
A: Myself. I’ve been reading a lot to educate myself in a wide variety of topics, and I’ve been working out and eating better to be a healthier and more active person.
Q: Where is your favorite location to shoot (specific place or type of place)?
A: Anywhere on a foggy day.
Q: Is there a specific object you’ve found yourself photographing over and over again? If so, why?
A: Mountains. I lose track of time when I photograph mountains, they make me love this world.
Q: Favorite thing about the photographic community?
A: The work. There are so many amazing photographers out there, it’s hard not to get inspired by them.
Q: What do you think the photographic community is missing?
A: Probably a better platform than Instagram to share work, ideas and whatnot
Q: Biggest photography related pet peeve?
A: I talk about 10 of them in my latest ebook, but if I had to choose just one, it’d be “it’s already been done by X photographer”. Nonsense.
Q: What do you hope your photographic legacy will be?
A: A few prints and books here and there, but above all, a message of encouragement for anyone to pick up a camera, get out and create something amazing.
Q: Who is the one person (living or dead) that you’d like to photograph and why? Describe the type of portrait you’d shoot, and the message you’d want this portrait to communicate about this person.
A: Not a person, but a place. I’d love to photograph Mars: a desolate, incredibly beautiful, alien but also familiar, extremely remote landscape, all for myself.
As you can see from the photos Adrian has shared, he’s a very talented photographer. I’m very excited to see the photos Adrian shares in the future.
If you’ve never viewed Adrian’s other works, you really owe it to yourself to give it a look. I definitely won’t be time wasted. You can see his work at on Instagram at @AOWS, on his website at https://aows.co/, or on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/aowsphotos. I’ve inserted a link to one of my favorite videos below.