In this incredible interview with Portuguese photographer Bruno Ribeiro, we delve into his journey from a childhood passion for drawing and painting to discovering the art of photography.
Despite being an enthusiastic hobbyist, Bruno’s commitment to capturing the perfect shot during his travels showcases his dedication and artistic eye. His transition from traditional art forms to photography highlights his ability to create compelling images, offering a unique perspective on the world through his lens. Scroll down and inspire yourself.
#1. A Few words about you?
Hi there! I’m Bruno Ribeiro. I’m Portuguese, and I would consider myself an enthusiastic photographer. I like photography, and I’m always looking around and thinking about what could make a good photo. Photography is just a hobby for me, and I mainly use my camera only when I’m traveling, but I’m fully committed when I’m using my camera.
#2. How did you develop your interest in photography?
I have always liked art, and I drew and painted when I was younger until I realized I could create an image faster with a camera than with a pencil or a brush. I gave photography a try and never went back.
#3. How did you get interested in travel and nature photography?
I started solo traveling, and my destinations were mainly cities in Europe, so first, I photographed cityscapes. Although I liked filling the frame with light trails and all the colors the city lights could provide, I felt something was missing in my (still) growing and small portfolio. Finally, I had the courage to book a trip (alone) to Iceland. I still remember how it felt to photograph those majestic waterfalls and mountains. The quiet while trailing and moving from scenic to scenic spot. That’s the thrill I was missing. That was also the moment I realized how much I love to photograph another kind of nature, namely animals, thanks to the friendly Icelandic horses.
#4. What catches your eye to produce such wonderful photographs?
When I’m on the spot, if I’m not prepared with a “pre-scouting” of the place (examples from other photographers, Google Maps, etc.), I first try to look for the best composition and imagine how good light could transform the whole picture. I dare to say that’s almost everything in landscape photography, as light can and will change the entire scenario and our perspective of the world, giving the sensation that anything else exists at that moment.
#5. Could you please share your post-processing techniques?
All photographers will identify these as the basic adjustments to process a raw file. I edit the original files in Lightroom, focusing on adjusting exposure and making basic changes to highlights and shadows to maintain a natural look and avoid creating unrealistic scenes. Essentially, to make up for the limited dynamic range of the camera. Achieving proper white balance and color balance is crucial and a crop is also (and almost always) necessary for a pleasing composition since perfect results aren’t always achievable during shooting. “Spot healing” to remove dust spots is always a hard task but necessary, especially for long exposures, no matter how many times I clean the sensor and lenses.
Moving into more advanced areas, Photoshop is used to “blend time” (a concept I’ve learned from great photographers) and that consists of combining two photos of the same location without moving the camera but taken at different times, such as merging a sunset in the city with the lights that only lit at night. This allows me to create an image that would be impossible to get in another way. Using the brush to combine those factors feels like painting and creating.
#6. Your favorite photographers?
There are a few photographers whose work I never tire of enjoying and I truly aspire to be as talented as them. The first one is Elia Locardi, followed by Steve McCurry, Michael Shainblum, Joel Sartore, Albert Dros, Julian Rad, Jord Hammond, Joel Santos, Kohki Yamaguchi, Daniel Kordan, Daniel Viñé, Claudio Piccoli, Trond Westby, and many more… half of the people I follow on social media are photographers that deserve a look, but I can’t post them all here, right?
#7. One thing you have learned through photography you would want to share with our readers?
Don’t be afraid to mimic your idols. That’s a learning process and a very powerful one (everyone does it in one way or another). If you force yourself to be just “original,” you may end up frustrated and giving up. And lastly, improving in photography is all about trying and failing. You will fail. We all did and still do!
#8. What is the best compliment you received so far?
I recall two compliments that are memorable. One instance was when my friend commented that my photos resembled those of my idol and favorite photographer. Being compared to one of the greatest photographers was overwhelming for me as an amateur who only uses his camera a handful of times a year.
The second time was when my girlfriend, observing my monkey’s black-and-white photograph (which led to me being named Photographer of the Year in Black and White on Gurushots), said that she could almost discern what he was thinking, and that the image was conveying a genuine emotion. Because of that, I decided to give that title to the exhibited photo.
#9. Any favorite photography books?
I primarily read foreign magazines and photography articles as they are the most efficient way for me to stay informed on this topic. However, many years ago I received the “Digital Photography Masterclass by Tom Ang” as a gift and I read it countless times.
#10. What’s your personal motto?
Setting aside cliches (that I also use as my own) like «Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.», I do have one personal: «I’ve just realized I’m a memory collector! Aiming to be a storyteller…» I believe that is self-explanatory.
#11. Other than photography, what are your hobbies and interests?
I begin by saying that I enjoy traveling and discovering new locations and cultures, and that’s also when and where I use my camera to document my experiences. One hobby complements another. I engage in various sports activities, but swimming has always been a part of my upbringing. I also enjoy watching anime.
#12. Thanks again for providing 121 Clicks with this opportunity to interview you. Any final thoughts for our readers?
To conclude, I want to thank you and Gurushots for this opportunity and I want to tell our readers that failing is a natural part of the growth process and precedes success, so keep going!
You can find Bruno Ribeiro on the web:
Copyrights:
All the pictures in this post are copyrighted Bruno Ribeiro. Their reproduction, even in part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.
