Interview: Jaime Ibarra (Photographer)

“I am a Professional Portrait/Art Photographer, but I am also known to do Editorial, Fashion, Commercial and Advertising work.

My work is widely published here on Earth, as well as…well, that’s the only planet I am aware of, so far. There’s still time yet, though.

My ‘style’ is the visual amalgamation of over 15 years in Graphic Design, 25 years of composing & performing music, many years spent traveling around the planet, a lifetime of over-romanticizing things, insomnia, an inexplicable ability to hear what colours would sound like if they could sing (Synaesthesia, anyone?), an unfaltering fascination with humans, and an obsessive need to create.

It all adds up. Somehow.”

How did you first get started in photography?

There has always been a camera of some kind in my life for as long as I can remember, although I did not buy my first professional camera until the end of 2004.

What kind of equipment do you use? Is there anything new you’re dying to get your hands on?

I am definitely not a gear-head. I keep things as simple and low-tech as possible. I have one camera (Canon 5D), and one lens (Canon 24-70L). I do not own any studio lighting, as I prefer to shoot in natural/available light. The only piece of gear I ever daydream about is a Canon 5D MK-II, and even that daydream is rare. I am quite content with what I have, now

What projects are you currently working on?

I am putting together 3 different books of my photography, and am currently in post-production for several instructional videos I’ve produced over the past few months.

What kind of things influenced your creative direction?

My entire life influences me, creatively. The music I listen to, the films I see, the loves in my life, the places I’ve lived, the friends I keep…the very things I surround myself with in my life. My life and my photography are very much one-and-the-same.

What do you feel is the overall tone to your work?

Someone once said of my photography, “It’s like you are in love with being in love”. I couldn’t have said it better, myself. My images are simply the externalization of what I feel in my heart. My work is quite personal.

Are you influenced by other photographers or artists in other mediums? If so, how do you think it shows in your work?

To be honest, I do not spend much time looking at the works of other visual artists. A real source of influence for me is music…the moods it paints, the colours it evokes, the narrative of well-written lyrics…that has more influence on me than any visual medium. In the realm of visual creativity, I prefer to keep my mind as uninfluenced by others, as much as possible.

Are you more interested in evoking an emotional or the intellectual response?

Emotional. Always. To me, photography is like painting…but with mood, instead of paint.

Do you have any advice to give new photographers?

I always implore people to stop placing so much importance on equipment. A good photograph is born in your mind. The camera only serves to externalize that vision. It would serve most photographers well to study some techniques for creative thinking. Your creativity is what separates you from the rest of the pack.

Do you have any other major goals besides your photography?

I am a professional Flamenco guitarist, and have been working on my 2nd CD project for over 5 years, now. I want to finish it, soon…although I suspect I will experience a kind of postpartum depression, once it is complete. The creative process with this CD had become a welcome part of my life, during these past several years. It often makes me wonder, “is it the journey, or the destination?”. I’m not certain how to answer that one, in this case. But I’m sure I’ll be happy once it is complete, regardless

Visit Jaime’s Website

Interview by
Christy Trapp
Kansas Editor