by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 1st of February 2021
 

 
Juan López Ruiz bought his first digital reflex camera in 2017.  Since than he never stopped learning and improving his skills in the art of photography.  He combines this passion with his love for nature.  Landscape photography is his favourite but he also developed a special interest for architecture and wildlife photography lately. Through this interview, he tells us more about himself and the artist behind his work.

'The mysterious fortress'

What first attracted you to photography, Juan?
Photography always was attractive to me, even when I was a child, partly because it is something that connects us with nature and that is really fascinating.  Going out to take pictures is a kind of meditation and isolation to escape from the frenetic world we live in big cities.   When I go out shooting, I enjoy everything: the journey, the walk, the environment, the discovery of small details I never paid attention to.  This fills me even more than taking the picture itself.  On the other hand, it also allows me to immortalize unique moments of environmental beauty and light conditions. Those moments are ephemere and turn out in magic to me.

'Portrait of the stars'

'The Gate of the Sea'

'The Castle'

Describe your overall photographic vision.
I live in Madrid and most of the places have already been photographed over and over by many people.  That's why I always take time to observe the environment waiting for the best light and looking of a unique composition.

I don't like to shoot what other photographers shoot.  Therefore I always try to make the difference by seeking for originality.  This said, I fully respect the work of others.

I really like panoramic photography because it opens a world of possibilities regarding composition and perspective but it may happen that it doesn't work too.
In that case, I always carry my telelens to discover small details and to make environmental abstracts and minimalism.

Why are you so attracted to landscape photography?
Out of the many photographic disciplines, landscape is undoubtedly my favourite.
As said before, nature fascinates me and I enjoy everything related to my photographic outings and not only the images themselves.  I love to observe and wait how the light changes, discovering small details becoming perceptible after a while.

'Cold night'

'Night on the little snowy hill'

What is more important to you, the mood/story behind your images or technical perfection?
Every image has a story, expresses some feeling – sometimes inclemency and suffering – but there is always the memory.  I truly believe that the stronger the emotions, the greater the result. That's why I think  images are worth more than one objective shot. Therefore, I'm often going back again and again until I find the mood and emotions I really are looking for. So, to me, yes … the story behind an image has more value than itself.

What is your general relationship to the subject, beyond being an observer?
Do you carefully prepare the places you are going to photograph?
To me, planning is something fundamental in landscape photography.  I spend a lot of time looking for locations and taking into account the weather, depending on what I'm looking for in an image.  The weather is sometimes unpredictable but we have to deal with it in spite of all preparations.

'Electric Storm'

'In the dark'

What equipment do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?
Currently my equipment consists of a Nikon D750 and as a second body a Nikon D3300.  The lens I'm using the most is my wide angle Irix 15mm 2.4.  But depending on the situation, I always carry my other lenses to cover different needs : Nikkor 24-120, Nikkor 50mm 1.8, Sigma 70-300, Sigma 150-600 and  Tamrom 90mm Macro.

What software do you use to process your images?
Lightroom and Photoshop

What is your most important advice for a beginner in landscape photography and how to get started?
My most important advice for landscape photography is to learn to be patient and never get frustrated.  Nature is capricious and we can't do anything about it, it is almost impossible to find the conditions  you want when you go on a trip.

Don't ever stop trying, return again and again to the locations if you can.

On the other hand, don't get too obsessed about gear and equipment.  You don't need to have the best camera or lens.  It's the eye who counts the most.  Incredible photographs can be taken based on conditions and technique.

Who are your favourite photographers and, more importantly, how has your appreciation of their work affected your own photography?
There are many photographers that I admire.  Someone who has influenced me a lot is Ryan Dyar.
I also would like to mention some Spanish photographers that inspire me a lot like : Iván Ferrero , Juan Pablo de Miguel , David Martin Castan and many more.  But the photographer who fascinates me the most nowadays, stands out not only on a national level: Pablo Ruiz Garcia .  His work is so inspiring and covers all techniques in landscape photography and I truly think he is a great master in panoramic shots.

Describe your favourite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you.
I really cannot chose a favourite shot.  I like some better than others.  There are even some shots that I don't like that much but telling great anecdotes and stories.

If I have to choose one, I would go for 'The electric storm on lavender'.  It gave me a lot of joy and was awarded with a Golden Medal as 'Best Amateur Photographer of the Epson Pano Awards 2020'.

'Electric storm on lavender'

Is there anything else you want to add and what do you think of 1X as a basis for your work?
To me, 1x is a very inspiring place where photographers can enjoy a large variety of incredible works. 
It's a place where one can learn a lot in terms of composition, techniques and editing.
Sometimes the curation process seems frustrating to me, given the high demand but at the same time is very motivating to go on and increase the quality of my images.

'Stormy evening over the lighthouse'

'Electric City'

'Night Palace'

'Under the tower'

'Light and dark on the towers'

'The Niemeyer's work'

'The Tigers'

'Wrath of the Titans'