interview

héctor alamilla

How would you define your work? 

In my work I’m trying to represent people in a pure and natural way, and to show how they are a part of the environment around them. I try to capture the naturalness and delicacy of each moment, with a mix of beautiful light and the perception of the inner-strength that each person has within when they appear in front of me and my camera.

What drives  you to create photography? What do you love about this medium?

Part of what drives me to do all of this is in capturing the naturalness of every moment, like I said, and in reading situations to get a nice shot. I improvise almost all the time, which gets my mind to work. I love to see the final image and see that it was me who created that image just like I imagined, sometimes better! Also, all the people I get to know along the way, artists in general and new people with different ways to think, and always being in touch with cool people.

How did you get started?

Since I was young, I was interested in being part of something artistic, like cinematography, acting, music, and one day I realized that I would like to become a photographer and create a life of taking photos, so I got a camera and started to shoot all the time, everywhere. I went with the flow, I left my school cause I started to get a lot of work and I barely had time for school anymore. At a certain point  I realized that I was already doing what I wanted to do so I just kept shooting all the time, and here we are. 

Are there other artistic mediums you are interested to explore?

For sure! When I was young I was a bassist in a band, I spent time taking some instruments and just playing for fun, and now I’m thinking about maybe making a music project if there is enough time for it, just for fun and to dance. Also I would like to try some painting and ceramics too.

Do you have specific influences in your work?

I have some specific artists that I like and respect and who inspire me to keep creating but inspiration can come from everywhere for me, whether it be photographers, directors, musicians, and painters, or even from friends and nature. Basically, my influences come from everywhere. 

If you could choose any era to work in which would it be? Why?

Oh I would like to shoot in the 70’s and 80’s! I love those eras, the styles, the music and vibes so I think working in those eras would be amazing. 

What do you find fascinating?

Well for me I think connecting with people is fascinating, people who share thoughts with you and have long talks and living moments full of euphoria that you will always remember. And special mention, music! I cannot live without music and music for me is fascinating!

What would your younger self not believe about your life today?

My younger me maybe might not have thought that I could make a living from photography, when I decided to go into photography, in the beginning it wasn’t easy but I never gave up, even in the bad moments. But I’m glad that I made it, and maybe I couldn’t believe all the places that photography has taken me. 

Where do you live now and what’s that like?

I live in a city called Guadalajara in México, which is the second or third most important city in the country. The scene is growing, we’re starting to have great productions, it’s gonna take time but it’s going very well, but I’v been thinking of moving to another place here in México or maybe out of the country, we’ll see.

What gets you off - literally and figuratively?

It gets me off having adventures and enjoying moments, being in nature, laughing and dancing a lot!

How are you feeling, creatively, in 2021?

I’m always creative, all the time. I’m thinking about what I could do or where, or how, imagining photos and how to make it real, always thinking, all the time, sadly the past year was kinda tough and a bit limited to create due the situation in the world, but I’m always working out in my mind what could come next.  

What is the most important to you in what you do?

For me is important to keep in touch with art and be constantly creative and give it all at the moment of the shoot. Also to be respectful with all the people in my way and all the ones who trust and respect my work.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Now I could say influence.