PHOTO CONFESSIONAL: Lucia Lamata
Lucia lamata ©
IF YOU WEREN’T A PHOTOGRAPHER, WHAT OTHER PROFESSION WOULD YOU PICK?
Interior designer, without a doubt. I love creating magical spaces and making them feel alive. Or film director, but that’s actually one of my next goals!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CRUCIAL DECISION YOU HAVE MADE IN YOUR CAREER’s DEVELOPMENT?
The most important decision was to fully commit to photography, leaving behind traditional jobs. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it allowed me to take control of my work and build my own artistic identity. Trusting my instincts and not conforming to conventional expectations has been rewarding. It’s been a journey, and I’ve learned so much along the way.
HOW IMPORTANT IS RESEARCH IN YOUR WORK?
It’s really important. I love improvising and going with the flow, but when I step into a world that’s not my own, I feel the need to understand it better. It helps me approach everything with respect.
IS THERE A PHOTOGRAPHER/ARTIST WHO IS A CONSTANT REFERENCE FOR YOU?
Yes, definitely. Diane Arbus, William Klein, Vivian Maier, and Esteban Oriol are huge influences for me. Their ability to capture raw human emotion and portray reality in its many facets deeply resonates with me.
WHAT WOULD YOU NOT WANT TO PHOTOGRAPH?
I truly believe there’s magic in everything, even in the mundane. But I’ll always prefer capturing people. their emotions, their stories. That’s where the real magic lies for me.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE, AND WHAT IMPORTANCE DO YOU GIVE TO TECHNIQUE?
I use the Canon 5D Mark IV. But honestly, I’ve never been very technical. I’ve always relied more on intuition. I used the same camera (Canon 40D) for 10 years until I decided to upgrade recently to be able to shoot video too. Knowing technique is important, but I consider other aspects more crucial.
WHAT IS THE STARTING POINT OF YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
It starts with intuition, with a feeling, an idea that pops into my head and won’t leave me. I get inspired by everything around me. The key is just paying close attention and being open to what comes.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY WITH a #tag
#Blackandwhite.
at what point did you feel you were a photographer, and what made you think that way?
Honestly, I don’t really feel like a photographer in the traditional sense. I’ve always seen myself as an artist in every way, and photography is just one of the mediums through which I express myself. It’s a beautiful way for me to connect with people, and that’s why I love it.
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH REJECTION?
Rejection is never easy, but I’ve learned to see it as an opportunity for growth. If I’m rejected, it means that the timing or the project wasn’t right for me. It’s all part of the journey, and each rejection teaches me something valuable.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED SUCH SUCCESS?
By staying true to myself and my vision. I focus on building genuine connections with the people I photograph, creating a space where they feel valued and comfortable. Authenticity is the key to success, when you bring your true self to the work, the results speak for themselves.
Lucia lamata ©
HOW DO YOU APPROACH STRANGERS IN YOUR PROJECTS OR TO INCLUDE IN YOUR PROJECTS?
I approach people with respect and empathy. It’s really important to listen and understand their story before asking them to be part of mine. Everyone has a story to tell, and I always aim to make them feel comfortable and valued.
IS IT COMMON FOR YOU TO QUESTION YOURSELF OR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?
Yes, it’s a continuous process of reflection. Building a career around your passion is challenging, but it’s also rewarding. When I feel uncertain, I trust my instincts and remind myself why I chose this way. I’m also a restless person, and sometimes I feel the urge to explore other fields or projects that challenge my creativity. But I’ve learned to embrace this restlessness as part of my growth and creative evolution.
how is to approach to the art world/ photo-book world?
Being a photographer is a part of who I am, but I’ve never felt limited by it, on the contrary. I focus on what matters, my work, my story, and my vision. I love my sensitivity and my feminine side, and I work on it constantly. I believe that action speaks louder than words, and I trust in my process. Respect comes naturally when you’re true to yourself, and that gives me the freedom to go as far as I want.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A NEW PHOTOGRAPHER WHO IS JUST STARTING OUT?
Trust your intuition and don’t rush. Take the time to truly get to know yourself and understand what you want to express through your work, but in the meantime, don’t stop taking photos. Experiment. Your perspective is what makes you unique, so embrace it fully. The more you invest in yourself, the more your work will thrive and grow. Change your path as many times as you want. The right path doesn’t exist, and if it does, it can change direction whenever you feel like it. Keep going, you’ve got this!
ABOUT lucía lamata
Lucía Lamata (Madrid, Spain, 1993) is an artist specializing in author photography, portraiture, and fashion. With over 10 years in the audiovisual world, her work transforms the everyday into art through intuition and empathy. She founded The Club House Madrid, a space that combines a studio, workshops, and exhibitions, and launched her own audiovisual production company. Her work has been exhibited in Spain, the UK, Italy, Japan, and the US. Lamata sees photography as a tool for connection and healing, inviting those she photographs to reveal their truest essence.
portrait by MJ Gomariz López
