Interview with GVivanco from Chile

While I'm mostly self-taught, I also hold a degree from the New York Institute of Photography (NYIP).

I really don't remember it because I started doing photography around the age of 12 but I believe it was my first time to the Andes Mountains. Even at that age, I always carried a small film camera.

I have migrated from Nikon to Sony. Currently, I use a small A6000, an A7RM2 and an A7RM4. My lenses are almost all from the GM series from the 16-35mm to the 200-600. My preferred lens is the 100-400 GM.

It's a difficult question but I hope to aspire people to do good by photographing images that arouse inspiring emotions.

In general, what inspires me the most is when my viewers tell me that one of my images has moved them and made them experience special feelings.

Nature inspires me and we humans have a lot to learn from it! I firmly believe that through it we can become better people. It is an infinite source of knowledge and inspiration and it is all around us, we just have to know how to connect with it.

Passion, connection and admiration.

It is always important to be recognised in your field of work that one passionately embraces. It is an injection of optimism, vitality and support to continue growing in my passion.

What started as a photographic trip turned into a valuable life experience for myself. The photo "The portal of dreams" was taken on the 4th day of navigation in Antarctica, when we were sailing from the Chilean base Presidente Gabriel González Videla towards Lockroy Bay.

As I already mentioned, international acknowledgments are always important because, in addition to being an injection of energy and encouragement, they give visibility and that is greatly appreciated.

There are so many photographers but I would like to highlight Ansel Adams, Gallen Rowell, Ian Plant and Guy Tal.

I think that one piece of advice that was very useful to me was that the first thing to think about when taking a photo was the composition, what I wanted to convey, the message that I want to deliver. The themes are important without a doubt but it is better for a photograph with technical deficiencies that transmits something to a technically perfect one that says nothing.

What really clicks with me is that photography is not about starting from the outside and working in, it's the opposite. As a landscape photographer, I've learned that I need to photograph my inner world before I can truly capture the beauty of the landscapes around me.

For me, the key is to be true to nature. When I started digital photography, I became obsessed with editing, I think it's a path that we all follow in one way or another but today my editing process is very simple. I aim to spend more time in the field, seeking out those essential elements that can establish a strong connection between the viewer and my work.

I am always studying and I am always open to new forms of expression. I firmly believe in the phrase that says that success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.

I am filled with deep gratitude as I extend my heartfelt thanks for the award I have received.