Interview

What was your first photo opportunity?
Santiago Perez: I think it was a Nikon point and shoot and I was probably 12 years old. I took pictures of my friends on a school trip we did to see whales in Peninsula Valdes, Argentina.

 

 

 

 

Why did you become a photographer?
Santiago Perez: Since I was a teenager I have been really into music, movies and skateboarding. I always knew I wanted to do something related to that, so I went to Film School. After all that input and crossed references from watching magazines and video clips, I wanted to photograph by myself and show how I would do it. With photography I found a way to put my own vision out there.

 

 

 

 

Which photographic genres do you admire?
Santiago Perez: Portrait and fashion photography are the two genres I like the most but I particularly enjoy when one cannot define between both. I like images that are clean and graphic but still have a raw and edgy element in them. It is always good to leave some room to serendipity.

 

 

 

 

What was the biggest success in your career?
Santiago Perez: I was really proud of the campaign I shot for Unilever's Impulse deodorant. My photo was up on several billboards in Buenos Aires and other south american cities. Seeing my photo printed that big made me smile. Personally it was also a really cool job because some dear friends from Argentina and from Germany were on the team. We had a lot of fun.

 

 

 

 

What inspires you in terms of you own work?
Santiago Perez: I draw inspiration from many different places but I think music is a big part in my creative process: not only the songs but also the visual aesthetics and fashion movements related to it. Conceptually, inspiration can come from anything and everything: something I saw randomly, something I read, etc.. I appreciate artists that manage to stay on top of their game, constantly evolving yet always with their own aesthetic.

 

 

 

 

Which person you have shot remained memorable?
Santiago Perez: That is the good thing with photography: every person you shoot remains somehow memorable. I was quite happy to take a snapshot of Tim Barber while working with him once.