Jorge Kánovas
TIFA 2024 Interview with Jorge Kánovas
Bronze winner in Fine Art, Professional, “Serenidad”
Q: What drew you to the specific genre of photography you specialize in? Was it a personal experience, a mentor, or something else that sparked your interest?
What attracted me to “Fine Art” photography is the ability to create stories through photography. It is being a self-taught personal experience since through it I can create stories that come from within me.
Q: How do you approach a new photography project? Can you walk us through your creative process, from concept to execution?
Well, I always comment that the first time I see an image it is in my mind, then I take a notebook and transform it into an idea, what may look good, what doesn’t… I usually rely a lot on a circle of friends to be able to carry it out. the photography. I transform my idea into photography, I carry out several tests until I find the image that most closely resembles the one in my mind.
Q: Your winning project stood out to the jury for its unique perspective. How do you ensure your work maintains originality and authenticity in a competitive field?
I don’t stop to think if my work can be original for the jury in such a competitive space, what I do think about and try to do is that my image tells a real story or reflects a feeling without the photography being very artificial and I think that that’s where success is. Treat the photograph as what it is, a photograph.
Q: As a photographer, how do you balance technical expertise with artistic vision? Do you lean more heavily on one, or do they work hand in hand for you?
Jorge Kánovas is not just a name; it’s a creative process in itself. I am the sole person behind every project I undertake, meaning that from the very first spark of inspiration to the final result, every step is carried out by me. It all begins with an idea that takes shape in my mind—a vision that gradually comes to life through my lens. Every frame, every adjustment of light, every detail is imbued with my essence.
My photographs are not just images; they are an extension of my soul. Each one carries fragments of my sensitivity, my way of seeing and understanding the world. No one else is involved in this creative journey, ensuring that the final result is authentically mine, true to my vision and style.
In this sense, my work is not merely a visual representation but a deeply personal form of communication. It’s my way of speaking to the world, of sharing my emotions, thoughts, and perception of the beauty that surrounds us. So, when you look at one of my photographs, you’re not just seeing an image; you’re connecting with my spirit and my way of living creativity.
Q: What role does post-processing play in your work? Do you consider it an extension of your creativity, or do you aim to keep your images as natural as possible?
While I always strive to keep the essence of the photograph as natural as possible, there’s no denying that post-processing plays a crucial role in the final result. It is during this stage that small imperfections can be polished, and special touches can be added, all without compromising the authenticity or the spirit of the image as it was originally captured.
For me, post-processing isn’t about transforming a photograph but rather about enhancing what is already there. It’s as if the image is a raw gem that, through editing, achieves its full brilliance. It’s an opportunity to balance colors, adjust light and shadow, and bring greater depth to the elements I consider essential, all while respecting the story the photograph seeks to tell.
This phase of the process is no less artistic than the moment of pressing the shutter. It is an extension of creativity, a way to ensure that the image communicates exactly what I intend to convey. Every decision made in post-processing is carefully considered to enrich the photograph, not to alter its essence.
In the end, post-processing is not just an addition but an integral part of creating a photograph. It’s that final step that ensures the image is true not only to what I saw with my eyes but also to what I felt in that moment.
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated in an ever-evolving industry? Are there any specific sources—books, films, or other art forms—that fuel your creativity?
Music and dance are fundamental pillars in my creative process, elements that shape and inspire every photograph I create. These are not merely fleeting influences but essential forces that ignite my imagination and drive me to tell stories through my images. Similarly, any compelling narrative I encounter in a novel, a short story, or even a conversation can become the starting point for crafting something truly unique.
For me, all forms of art are deeply interconnected, forming a network that fuels my creativity. The melody of a song, the movement of a dancer, or the words of an author become pieces that I shape through my lens. Without these pillars to lean on, I believe Jorge Kánovas, as a creator, simply wouldn’t exist. They provide me with purpose, direction, and, most importantly, the ability to convey emotions and narrate stories through photography.
Q: Winning this award is a significant accomplishment. How do you plan to leverage this recognition to further your career or make a greater impact in the photography world?
These types of awards are always good to obtain recognition and notoriety in your city, country… To continue making way in this artistic world. In my case I have several photographs for sale on my website (wwww.kanovasfotografia.com) or in galleries such as Artmajeur (https://www.artmajeur.com/jorge-kanovas) This type of recognition helps your photography acquire a level and value within art.
Q: How do you approach connecting with your subjects, especially in projects that require a deep level of trust and intimacy, such as portraits or documentary work?
As I mentioned earlier, I always rely on a very close circle of friends when creating photographs that require a high level of trust or intimacy. Not everyone can convey the special connection that is essential for this kind of work, which is why I carefully select the people I collaborate with.
Before conducting a session that involves this degree of closeness, I take the time to discuss the concept, approach, and boundaries clearly with the model. Establishing a framework of mutual respect and ensuring that every step is based on comfort and consent is absolutely essential. This open dialogue not only helps build the trust needed for such projects but also ensures a safe and professional environment for everyone involved.
I take respect within my work very seriously and firmly believe that photography must be a space free from any form of abuse. I strongly denounce and stand against any situation that undermines the dignity or integrity of those who participate in this art. For me, trust and respect are the foundation upon which not only great photographs are built but also meaningful human connections in this creative field.
Q: In what ways do you believe photography can influence societal change? Have you worked on projects that aim to raise awareness or advocate for a cause?
Photography is a powerful weapon, capable of telling stories that go beyond words. A clear example of this is photojournalists, who risk their lives to show us, through images, the harsh reality and brutality of war, exposing truths that might otherwise remain hidden. Similarly, photography can also be a tool to denounce social injustices within our own surroundings, becoming a form of visual activism that resonates and raises awareness among those who view it.
In my case, I had the opportunity to bring Censorship (https://kanovasfotografia.com/censorship-reflexiones-visuales-sobre-la-censura-y-el-cuerpo-humano/) to life, an exhibition that tackles a deeply sensitive and relevant issue in today’s world: the fear of public exposure. This work focuses on the anxiety of presenting oneself openly on social media, driven by the possibility of being judged, criticized, or even becoming the target of harassment and attacks—simply because of how your body looks or how you choose to express yourself.
Through Censorship, I sought to explore and shed light on these realities that affect so many individuals, highlighting how censorship doesn’t always come from platforms or institutions but can also be self-imposed due to fear and societal pressure. The photographs in this exhibition aim to generate empathy and create a space for reflection on how we confront judgment, protect our authenticity, and strive for a more respectful and prejudice-free environment.
I firmly believe that photography, beyond being an art form, is a powerful tool for change that can inspire conversations and drive profound societal transformation. By capturing and exposing these stories, I aim to be part of that change, using my camera as a voice to amplify issues that need to be heard.
Q: What advice would you give to photographers about finding their unique voice in a crowded industry? How can they stay true to their vision while appealing to a broader audience?
My advice for those looking to get involved in this field is to research, try, fail, and not get discouraged by any setbacks or because they aren’t conveying what they intend. It’s important to remember that we all face challenges, but each mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Over time, results will come, and they will find a comfortable place to which they can remain true. Slowly, as they experiment and follow their passion, they will begin to discover their unique style and voice. I remember an anecdote where a person showed frustration because their photograph wasn’t selected in a contest in my city. As a photographer, I quickly gave them some advice: not to get discouraged by this, to keep trying, as in the end, everything is very subjective, and sooner or later that bell will ring.
