INTERVIEW
April 26, 2021
FRAGMENTS OF A TIME
Photography by Daniela Pereira
Interview by Melanie Meggs
Daniela Pereira is passionate about photography as a hobby and artistic expression. She is interested in several genres and likes to experiment with photographic techniques. Daniela has shared this series of photographs of her exploration of long exposure photography. These blurred, unfocused images, of different colours and shapes, connote the mixture of emotions and uncertainties she perceives as time passes during the pandemic.
“The purpose of this project is to explore long exposure photography. It is a technique that helps me to portray the passage of time. The blurred, out-of-focus images of different colors and shapes connote the mixture of emotions and uncertainties derived from this year of the health emergency due to Covid-19. They can also be related to the different ways of perceiving the passage of time at that stage. The dynamism conveyed by the photographs is associated with the speed of change, with the intensity of the experience. The dilated figures, without precise limits that seem to be moving but never end up passing, suggest the slow course of a time that does not coincide with the usual.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH DANIELA PEREIRA
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Daniela please tell us about yourself. How did you become interested in photography?
DANIELA PEREIRA: I was born in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, South America where I’m living now. I work in international cooperation for development, in the area of education and culture. I traveled to many countries around the world. I studied abroad in Spanish universities. My interest in photography began during my trips.
Photography is my great passion. Whenever I have the opportunity or the time I take my camera with me. Four years ago, I began studying specialising in amateur photography at Foto Club Uruguayo, a well known photography institution.
TPL: Where do you find your inspiration?
DP: My main source of inspiration are Montevideo city streets. As I live there, most of my photographs are taken in the city. I love walking through the city looking for amazing places and people. I also like nature and landscapes.
TPL: What do you want to express through your photography? What are some of the elements you always try to include in your photographs?
DP: I always try to include a personal look in my work through the different aspects of my photographs: technique, lights and shadows, use of light, topics, movement, double exposures. The elements I pay most attention to are the ones that make a balanced composition.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance?
DP: There are many artists and photographers that inspire me...Aleksandr Rodchenko to name just one.
TPL: Where is your most favourite place to go photograph?
DP: The city, the street during the day and at night.
TPL: What happens when you go out with your camera? Do people respond positively to you, or do you sometimes get negative reactions? If yes, how do you handle it?
DP: I used to enjoy the interaction with people in the street when I’m photographing their places or making some kind of portrait or scenes. According to the Ethic and Human Rights Act, I do try to be respectful for their images and identity so I always ask them for agreement. I also express my gratitude for the opportunity. If some disagreement appears I make an explanation and apologise.
TPL: When you take pictures, do you usually have a concept in mind of what you want to shoot, or do you let the images just 'come to you', or is it both?
DP: Both. Sometimes I have a definite idea or concept and I go out and look for it, and other times, the images just find me.
TPL: Does the equipment you use help you in achieving your vision in your photography? What camera do you use? Do you have a preferred lens/focal length?
DP: Equipment offers goods possibilities. I use a Canon EOS 77D. I don't have any preferred lenses.
TPL: What are some of your goals as an artist or photographer? Where do you hope to see yourself in five years?
DP: I think I will continue to improve and experiment. I also see myself participating in photography groups, calls and photographic exhibitions.
TPL: When I am not out photographing, I (like to)…
DP: I work or I am with my family. I also like to exercise, play field hockey or go to the movies.
