Ana Luiza Sa Explores Photography Through a Designer's Perspective

The image “Against the Light” symbolises the journey toward light that we share with our families and loved ones throughout life. 

I took this photo during a family holiday while walking in a park. It was a moment of relaxation, not one where I was intentionally focused on my professional photography work.

Winning these awards — three awards with the same photograph — made me realise how relevant and universal this theme truly is. I believe the image represents many families and people in their natural walk through life, captured in a single blink of photography.

The original photograph was taken in colour, but I saw strong black and white potential in it. I felt that the image carried not only a deeper message about life itself, but also a powerful metaphorical meaning. I believe photography is not only an image that represents a way of thinking — it is also a kind of poetry.

That’s a good question. As far as I can remember, my grandfather was the first person to introduce me to photography. He showed me his camera, and I borrowed it for a school trip. It was a different experience because it was an analogue camera, and since then, I have been fascinated by the process of capturing moments.

During those school walks and moments with friends, I used to photograph my classmates and landscapes. I practised constantly, always trying my best to express my vision and share the way I saw the world with my family.

The type of photography that instantly caught my attention was nature photography, as well as architecture, minimalism, and fine art photography. I am especially inspired by images that create emotion, atmosphere, and meaning through simplicity and composition.

I usually work with a mobile setup, which allows me to stay flexible with my work.

I would like them to feel involved in the atmosphere of intention, connection, and emotion that my work conveys. From my point of view, a good photograph can create a silent conversation with the person who is analysing, admiring, and observing the image.

The most challenging part was identifying the right moment when the family was leaving the tunnel and turning it into a photographic scene. I also noticed that the light was truly inspiring in a metaphorical sense.

What inspires me most is the idea that every place has something unique to offer. I am inspired by the constant sense of discovery that comes from exploring different environments and realising that each place has its own way of expressing something new through my perspective as a photographer.

Every person has a unique perspective, and I am inspired by observing how others see the world. I like to incorporate my interpretation of these perspectives into my work, as my photography is shaped not by one main influence, but by many small ones that together become something greater.

What is truly valuable is the chance of sharing your own vision, motivating others, and being inspired in return, as well as being recognised by experts in the field.

Keep looking for an endless source of learning. Create your own opportunities, connect, and inspire those around you. Don’t hesitate to share your work and show it to others, because it can change perspectives, especially when you notice that you often see things in an unusual or unexpected way.

It adds a more personal touch and brings the image closer to reality through my own perspective.

I see it as a valuable tool, not the foundation of my work, but something that can support it.

I would love to explore places filled with endless possibilities to capture water reflections, where light naturally creates unique optical effects.