by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 15th of May 2023

Mabel Cedrón is lucky to live in a fantastic city as Barcelona, especially as an architecture photographer.  She quotes: 'Creating a work of art by photographing another work of art is a great challenge and I find that very motivating. I am a perfectionist and I strive to control everything that is within the frame and that is why I think architecture photography suits me like a glove.' Her work is excellent and she also is a charming humble and talented person.  Someone you would love to meet ;-) 

Dear Mabel, please shortly introduce yourself and tell us more about you, your hobbies or other projects you are involved in.

Professionally my life has been linked to the financial and business world which has nothing to do with my greatest passion: PHOTOGRAPHY.
In fact, my very first salary was spent to buy a ring for my mother and an SLR camera for myself.
I'm passionate about architectural photography, whether minimalist or abstract, contemporary or classic. I live in Barcelona.
I love travelling, reading, meeting friends and family. In my day to day life, there is no shortage of music, sports and a BIG SMILE. 

'PSYCHEDELIA'

For many of us photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you define your relationship with photography?

Photography has always been present in my life, I have no photographic training, I am self-taught, I am still and always learning.  Each new discovery inspires me and makes me believe there is a constant evolution in my work.  I take care of it, I pamper it, I dedicate my time to it and my capacity to grow pushes me to continue every day with more enthusiasm.

'Symphony of Colors by Bofill'

What would be the most important experience so far that has influenced your steps in photography?

Well, as I said before, my hobby/passion comes from when I was very young. Although I have always been recognized for my work, I believe that winning my 1st International Photography Award in 2020 in the Architecture category marked my work as 'before and after'. It was not only rewarding but also confirmation for what I'm doing. It inspired me to keep moving forward, learning and challenging myself.

'DREAMCATCHER'

How do you maintain and grow your passion for photography?

To me, finding inspiration is not a big problem. I believe that a world full of beauty surrounds us, you just have to know how to appreciate it. I look at details, how buildings change according to the light of the day, or when rainy, cloudy … I especially like spiral staircases, or just stairs with a human element and nothing else. I am fascinated by colours, geometry, patterns, light and shadows. I can find inspiration just by walking around or stop and looking (usually) up. It is true that my beautiful city is the ideal place for an "Archilover" like me and I feel equally grateful and lucky for that.

'Double Helix by Frank Gehry'

Can you please describe in a few words your photographer philosophy?

I believe that creativity, attention for details, shapes, colours and light, as well as, most importantly, putting my heart into what I do, are crucial. "If there is no passion, there will never be good results" Having your own identity, not pretending to look like anyone else but simply shooting and letting out what is inside of me.

'SERENDIPITY'

Why are you so drawn by Architecture and Abstract Photography?

Creating a work of art by photographing another work of art is a great challenge and I find that very motivating. I am a perfectionist and I strive to control everything that is within the frame and that is why I think architecture photography suits me like a glove. I think the most significant feature of my work is its subjectivity which increases its authenticity.

'SILKY'

What is more important to you, the mood,/story behind your images or the technical perfection?

I think that all of them are important but often technical perfection is essential to me when photographing – for instance - a spiral staircase.  In other cases, the story behind can be primordial, especially when I create a photographic series because all the images must have a thread conductor (one of the challenges that I am most passionate about).  But the mood is also important because it allows you to transmit emotions.

'ORIGAMI'

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?
Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?

I like a lot this question because I have two very different ways of working.
If I am going to travel, I conscientiously prepare the trip, I investigate, and I always have my objectives clear in my mind. I try to be informed about the places I want to visit (schedules, access, distances... etc).  It's a lot of work to plan properly. That makes me enjoying the trip, and also what happened before and after.  On the other hand, when I'm shooting in my city, I like to visit the same location in different conditions (sunny days, gray days, at different times of the day, from one perspective, from another perspective … and sometimes fate decides for me.

'SILVER FRAME'

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?

For most of my planned sessions, I like to take my Olympus OMD camera with its different lenses and of course my wide angle is never missing. On those occasions I also carry a tripod. But I also like “immediate” photography to capture what I see right at the moment and for that I use my Samsung Mobile. I think both are complementary, and so I don't miss any opportunity.

'What are you looking at?'

What software do you use to process your images?

I don't do a lot of processing on my images since I like the authenticity of the photo as it was taken and just do some small corrections on  perspective, exposure, texture… for which I use Photoshop and Lightroom (programs I´m still learning how to use). I fully focus on taking the image, but of course, it would be great to have more editing.  But... I am on the way.

'Looking through Mirrors'

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?

I think I explained about my work flow in previous questions. Please ask me if there is something you think might be interesting and I will answer your question.

'Golden Ratio'

What is your most important advice to a beginner in Architecture and Abstract Photography and how do you get started?

This is what I would advice: “Be patient and perseverate, don't hope for great results in a short term, this is a long-distance race. Investigate, surround yourself with people who help you to grow. Learn and improve day by day. But you should always be moved by PASSION, no other interest. Be yourself, and follow your dreams, only then you will achieve what you want".  Photography requires time and dedication but it always rewards us.

'WATER DROP'

What would be your favourite photo? Please tell us the story behind it.

This is undoubtedly the most difficult question to answer. Each of my images represents me and is part of me. They are live experiences, learning, moments in good company, happy days and lesser happy days. But if I had to choose one, it would be the one titled 'ISOLATION'. This photo was taken in the middle of the Covid Pandemic and is a true reflection of what our lives were like at that time. Thankfully we're over it, but this photo is a testament to what it was. 

'ISOLATION'

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose works have influenced you and your photography?

There are many who have been and are inspiring to me for many reasons and many of them are also part of the 1X family.  1X is a place where I learn every day and which has given me the opportunity to discover very talented photographers. I also really enjoy the Critics Forum, I think it's a unique opportunity that provide us the possibility to train ourselves in an easy way.  One get always good advice and good ideas and above all, the members of the Critics team have such a great willingness to help.

'BLACK TEARS'

We almost reach the end of this interview and I would kindly ask you to share with us your future plans or photographic projects you would like to be involved in.

I do not waste the opportunities that are offered to me.  Last year, I was lucky to collaborate with 48 Open House Bcn as an Architecture photographer. It is a great and I was able to visit places that are not open to the public. At the end of April I finished my latest project, a new series that will be presented in international competitions in 2023. And right now I'm starting a new project but this time as a team. I think it will also make me continue learning and growing as a photographer.

'Sagrada Familia by Gaudí'

Is there anything else you wish to add  and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?

Joining 1X has been one of my best photography decisions. I feel good and proud to be part of this great photographic family. It has given me many things, it has made me improve and grow, not only as a photographer but also as a person.
Thank you all for your love, continuous support and great welcoming since day one. Thanks to the entire 1X Team and special thanks especially for this wonderful opportunity to you, dear Yvette.

'CHOREOGRAPHY'

'Le Choux by Gerard Granval'

'Virtuosity of shapes by Gehry'

'MagentaVerse'