Interview with photographer & artist Daniel Gallegos

Today I’m gonna be interviewing the inspirational and aspiring 38 year-old photographer and artist, born and lives in Mexico City, Daniel Gallegos. Better Known on flickr as Delta BW. And we’re let you in on some of his amazing artwork.

Starting off as a photographer, how did it all come about?

I´ve always liked photography, but my real passion for it started when I realized that I can capture the way I look at things, the details of daily life. Things that you can see every day, but from a different angle, and converted to black and white, completely changes their perspective and lets you take your imagination to another environment, place or time.

Who or What was your muse? And what helped keep you going down this road?

I guess my muse is just my own IMAGINATION, and the admiration I feel for so many people in different art fields.

What helped me going on in this road is the feeling of freedom to express what I have in my head. To have the power to transform a daily simple thing into something really special, using all the range of possibilities that photography can give me.

And also one of the greatest satisfactions I can get from my work, it’s knowing that I can converge my thoughts with someone else’s and maybe, some of them, be inspire by it.

Tell us a bit about the kind of gear you use in your work

I shoot with an SLR CANON because of the programs, lenses, image quality, and flexibility you can get from it.

You would see me most of the time using a 28-200 mm lens. It gives you great quality on the depth of field focus, as well as using in Macro can get you great image details. I also carry my 18 – 55mm which is indispensable for a wider vision, scenery and landscaping pictures. And finally a 75 -300 mm lens is always necessary.

What do you do to stay inspired?

Keeping my mind wide open to all the possibilities this art can give me. Just thinking of all the projects  I can carry on. Also knowing and watching how a picture can get so many different readings. We can all agree or not on the emotions, that’s not the point, but just knowing that you have the "power" to say so, to bring that out, to provoke so many and diverse feelings, it’s just great!

Looking at your photos, one can clearly see simplicity, sincerity, and utter beauty. How do you tend to make that happen in every shot that you take?

The process for me comes really natural. I really don’t even think about it too much, I guess is because I’m always watching people, buildings or situations I would like to capture. I’m always thinking how I would shoot it so it would be interesting. Its kinda like a journal to me. Instead of a notebook, I have my camera.

What do you enjoy shooting the most?

I like to take photos of people and all kinds of scenarios, but what fascinates me most is the combination of both. The environment where the action takes place, and the uniqueness of the characters. Seeing it all from a good angle, light and focus, resulting into a big picture.

What exhibitions have you held? And what are some of their themes?

To this day, I have only submitted my work to different web pages. I have not had the opportunity to exhibit in a gallery, but that would be something that pleases me greatly.

What have you learnt being an artist?

Developing imagination and creativity, to express in some way what I think. It also allowed me to know more about myself, and have more self-confidence.

What do you aspire for in the long run? What are your dreams as a photographer and an artist?

I would like to be a full time photographer, have my own studio and gallery, and eventually be part of a big project where I can contribute with my work, and be able to transcend somehow. I would like people to recognize my work all over the world and get inspire by it.

What advice would you give to photographers and artists who look at you as their role model?

Not to be afraid of showing their work and hearing the critics. To keep their minds wide open. To imagine and create all the time. And never… never stop dreaming.

To view more of Gallegos’ work, you can check out his flickr photopstream right here!