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Be inspired by the photographers on the 2020 List. 2020 PHOTOGRAPHERS © Abbie Briggs ABBIE BRIGGS Madison UNITED STATES ABHAY PATEL Delhi INDIA ABHISHEK SINGH New Delhi INDIA ADAM SINCLAIR Melbourne AUSTRALIA ADESH GAUR Uttar Pradesh INDIA ADRIAN TAN SINGAPORE ADRIAN WHEAR Melbourne AUSTRALIA AHMET HOJAMYRADOV Minsk BELARUS ALEX FRAYNE Adelaide AUSTRALIA ALEXANDRA AVLONITIS Manhattan UNITED STATES ALEXEY STRECHEN Moscow RUSSIA ALICIA HABER Montevideo URAGUAY ANEEKA MANKU Birmingham UNITED KINGDOM ANGEL CARNICER Zaragoza SPAIN ANNA MARCHIOLI Clamart FRANCE ANNETTE LANG Nice FRANCE ANTONIS GIAKOUMAKIS Athens GREECE ANWAR SADAT Nairobi KENYA ARTURO CAÑEDO Lima PERU ASHISH PATEL Delhi INDIA ASSIA STARKE Vienna AUSTRIA ASTRID NEUNDLINGER Vienna AUSTRIA B JANE LEVINE New York City UNITED STATES BELINDA CORNEY London UNITED KINGDOM BENNY VAN DEN BULKE Adegem BELGIUM

Be inspired by the photographers on the 2024 List. 2024 PHOTOGRAPHERS © Anna Tut ALEXANDROS ZILOS Athens GREECE AMY HOROWITZ New York UNITED STATES ANA-MARIA ALB Bukovina ROMANIA ANN PETRUCKEVITCH UNITED KINGDOM ANNA TUT Krasnogorsk City RUSSIA CARMEN SOLANA CIRES Madrid SPAIN CATIA MONTAGNA SCOTLAND/ITALY DASHA DARVAJ UMRIGAR Karachi PAKISTAN DEDIPYA BASAK Kolkata INDIA EDWIN CARUNGAY San Francisco UNITED STATES FRANCE LECLERC Chicago UNITED STATES ISABELLE COORDES Münster GERMANY JOHN KAYACAN Los Angeles UNITED STATES JUSTINE GEORGET Lyon FRANCE MARIETTE PATHY ALLEN New York UNITED STATES MATTHIAS GÖDDE Beckum GERMANY MEI SEVA New York UNITED STATES MIA DEPAOLA Washington D.C UNITED STATES NAZANIN DAVARI Tehran IRAN PAUL COOKLIN UNITED KINGDOM PEDRO VIDAL Barcelona SPAIN RAFA ROJAS São Paulo BRAZIL ROMAIN COUDRIER Marseille FRANCE ROWELL B. TIMOTEO La Union PHILIPPINES SASHA IVANOV St. Petersburg RUSSIA

Be inspired by the photographers on the 2022 List. 2022 PHOTOGRAPHERS © Adrian Pelegrin ADRIAN PELEGRIN Playa del Carmen MEXICO AHSANUL HAQUE FAHIM Dhaka, BANGLADESH AJ BERNSTEIN New York UNITED STATES ANWAR EHTESHAM Dhaka BANGLADESH ASEN GEORGIEV Sofia BULGARIA ASLI GONEN Eskisehir TURKEY BRIAN DOUGLAS Ontario CANADA CAHLEEN HUDSON New Taipei City TAIWAN CHETAN VERMA Gurgaon INDIA DEAN GOLDBERG New York UNITED STATES ELIZABETH PAOLETTI UNITED STATES EMIR SEVIM Istanbul TURKEY EMY MAIKE Baden Württemberg GERMANY FRANCESCA TIBONI Cagliari ITALY GABRIEL MIELES GUZMÁN Guayaquil ECUADOR GABRIELE GENTILE Parma ITALY GIANLUCA MORTAROTTI London UNITED KINGDOM GIORGIO GERARDI Venice ITALY JAN ENKELMANN London UNITED KINGDOM JEAN ROSS New York UNITED STATES JELISA PETERSON Texas UNITED STATES JENS F. KRUSE Mallorca SPAIN JONAS WELTEN Salzburg AUSTRIA LAINE MULLALLY Stockholm SWEDEN LELE BISSOLI Vercelli ITALY

Be inspired by the photographers on the 2023 List. 2023 PHOTOGRAPHERS © Ypatia Kornarou AARON RUBINO San Francisco UNITED STATES ALESSANDRO GIUGNI Milan ITALY ALEX GOTTFRIED BONDER Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA AMY NEWTON McCONNEL Arizona UNITED STATES ANASTASIYA PENTYUKHINA Moscow RUSSIA ANDREE THORPE Ontario CANADA BARBARA PEACOCK Portland UNITED STATES BRANDEN MAY Atlanta, UNITED STATES DARREN SACKS London UNITED KINGDOM DOUG WINTER California UNITED STATES ELSA ARRAIS Leiria PORTUGAL FABIO CATANZARO Venice ITALY GILES ISBELL Chiang Mai, THAILAND IDA DI PASQUALE Rome ITALY JAN PONNET Antwerp BELGIUM JAYESH KUMAR SHARMA Varanasi INDIA JEFF ROTHSTEIN New York UNITED STATES JUAN BARTE Madrid SPAIN JUAN SOSTRE California UNITED STATES KONRAD HELLFEUER Görlitz GERMANY LEANNE STAPLES New York UNITED STATES MENA SAMBIASI Madrid SPAIN MONIKA JURGA POLAND NAIMA HALL New York UNITED STATES NSIRIES Bologna ITALY

Be inspired by the photographers on the 2025 List. 2025 PHOTOGRAPHERS © Stephanie Duprie Routh ABDULLA SHINOSE CK Malabar INDIA ALEJANDRO DAVILA Pachuca MEXICO ANTON BOU Montreal CANADA AYANAVA SIL Kolkata INDIA BETTY GOH SINGAPORE BUKU SARKAR Paris FRANCE CYNTHIA KARALLA New York UNITED STATES DAVID GRAY New York UNITED STATES EVA MALLIS New York UNITED STATES FANJA HUBERS Utrecht THE NETHERLANDS FUTURE HACKNEY London UNITED KINGDOM GIORDANO SIMONCINI Rome ITALY GUILLERMO FRANCO Córdoba ARGENTINA HIROYUKI ITO New York UNITED STATES JAY HSU Yilan City TAIWAN KAT PUCHOWSKA Barcelona SPAIN LAETITIA HEISLER Berlin GERMANY LUISA MONTAGNA Parma ITALY MASSIMO LUPIDI ITALY MATTEO BERGAMI Bologna ITALY MEERA NERURKAR Düsseldorf GERMANY NASOS KARABELAS Greece ATHENS NICOLA CAPPELLARI Vicenza ITALY PARISA AZADI IRAN & DUBAI PARVATHI KUMAR New Jersey UNITED STATES

Be inspired by the photographers on the 2021 List. 2021 PHOTOGRAPHERS © Meryl Meisler AGATA LO MONACO Gela ITALY ALAN THEXTON Melbourne AUSTRALIA ALEX RUTHERFORD Surrey UNITED KINGDOM ANDRES GONZALEZ Porto PORTUGAL ANDREW ROVENKO Melbourne AUSTRALIA ANDRÉ LOBÃO London UNITED KINGDOM AURÉLIEN BOMY Nantes FRANCE BARRY BOTTOMLEY London UNITED KINGDOM BASTIAN PETER Basel SWITZERLAND BEN ALLAN London UNITED KINGDOM BETTY MANOUSOS Athens GREECE CAMILLE WHEELER Austin UNITED STATES CARLA HENOUD Beirut LEBANON CAROL DRONSFIELD Brooklyn UNITED STATES CHICHEK BAYRAMLY Baku AZERBAIJAN CHRISTINA SIMONS Melbourne AUSTRALIA DAMIEN GORET Brest FRANCE DANIEL GOLDENBERG Buenos Aires ARGENTINA DANIELA PEREIRA Montevideo URUGUAY DANNY JACKSON Essex UNITED KINGDOM DAVID KUGELMAS New Jersey UNITED STATES DAVID LAWLESS Winnipeg CANADA DAVID SHORTLAND London UNITED KINGDOM DREW KELLEY California UNITED STATES EDUARDO ORTIZ Valparaiso CHILE

THROUGH MY FIRST LENS Discover the vibrant world of Madrid’s El Rastro through Carmen Solana Cires' lens. Her project captures the market's rich history, cultural diversity, and the essence of human connection. THROUGH MY FIRST LENS: The Rastro and My Photography Beginnings September 13, 2024 INTERVIEW PHOTOGRAPHY Carmen Solana Cires INTERVIEW Karen Ghostlaw Pomarico Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link SHARE Welcome to an exploration of Madrid’s iconic open-air market through the eyes of Carmen Solana Cires, a 23-year-old photographer whose passion for capturing life’s subtleties is reflected in her latest project, “El Rastro.” Carmen’s journey into photography is strongly influenced by her early experiences and family connections, all of which have shaped her artistic vision. El Rastro is Madrid’s most famous and historic flea market, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, eclectic mix of goods, and deep cultural significance. Held every Sunday and public holiday, El Rastro is more than just a market; it’s a living testament to Madrid’s rich history and diverse urban life. El Rastro’s origins date back to the Middle Ages, when merchants would gather to exchange goods along trade routes near the Rastro neighborhood of Madrid. The Name El Rastro translates to “The Trail.” This trail is thought to come from the blood trail left by livestock being transported to and from nearby slaughterhouses and tanneries. In the 16th century ‘rastro’ was used as a synonym for butcher’s shop or abattoir. In the 1730s, the neighborhood began to take shape into the market it is today. With the arrival of ‘ropavejeros’, the people who sold used clothing and goods from makeshift stalls on the streets, it became a place for the community to gather. The buying and selling of merchandise connected the surrounding communities through trade and commerce. It operates today as a growing population and extended community, embracing its long history of traditions, where something old can become new again. El Rastro is situated in the La Latina neighborhood, one of Madrid’s most spirited and historic areas. The market stretches from the Plaza de Cascorro to the Ronda de Toledo, weaving through a maze of narrow streets and alleys. Over the years the El Rastro market has become a contemporary hotspot, with over 1,000 vendors selling a variety of items, including secondhand clothing, antiques, craftwork, books, old photographs, rare coins, jewelry, vinyl, and more. The market also has themed streets, such as Calle San Cayetano, known as "Painters' street", where permanent stalls sell paintings, drawings, and art supplies. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy live music, improvised theater, and magic shows. This sprawling layout creates a unique shopping experience, where vendors set up their stalls in every available space, from the street corners to the doorways of local shops. El Rastro is not just a market; it is a cultural and social hub. It embodies the essence of Madrid’s dynamic life, serving as a gathering place where locals and visitors mingle. The market is a reflection of the city’s diverse character, showcasing a wide range of goods and the stories of the people who sell them. As we delve into this interview, Carmen will share her personal story, her inspirations, and the profound impact of her project on both her and her community. Join us as we discover how Carmen’s work not only highlights the rich history of Madrid’s iconic market but also brings to light the broader narratives of human connection and artistic expression. “El Rastro is an open-air market held every Sunday in the Lavapiés neighborhood, where second-hand objects are sold. The stalls are spread around Plaza de Cascorro, Ribera de Curtidores street and its surroundings. What strikes me most about the Rastro is the great variety of objects that can be found, from different past decades, and the diversity of people who visit it.” IN CONVERSATION WITH CARMEN SOLANA CIRES THE PICTORIAL LIST: Hello Carmen, it is a pleasure for us to present your project, “El Rastro”, let's get to know you a bit better, and introduce you to our community. Please tell us a little more about yourself. Where you are from, your connections to your community, and influences your community or family have given to you? CARMEN SOLANA: Since I was a child, I’ve always been passionate about photography, although I couldn’t say exactly why. When I realized that I wanted to dedicate myself to this, I decided to study Audiovisual Communication and Digital Photography at the Francisco de Vitoria University. This career has allowed me to develop my skills and knowledge in the field of image and sound, thanks in large part to two professors who have marked me deeply: Pablo García Sacristán (@pablo_garcia_sacristan) and Baldesca Samper Díaz (@baldescasamper), both photographers. My connection with photography also has family roots. On both maternal and paternal sides, I have relatives who are into photography as a hobby. One of them was my paternal grandfather, whom I never got to meet. Interestingly, my family always said that I was like a reincarnation of him. Over the years, I developed tastes and hobbies very similar to his, including photography, without my knowing that it was also one of his passions. After I finished my degree, my father showed me all the awards my grandfather had won in competitions and all the cameras and albums he had kept as heirlooms. Growing up surrounded by cameras and photo albums has been a great inspiration for me, teaching me to appreciate the power of images to tell stories and capture meaningful moments. Madrid, with its rich cultural diversity and vibrant urban scenes, has been the perfect setting for my development as a photographer. The city offers endless opportunities to capture unique moments and has a very active artistic community that has allowed me to grow and learn from other professionals in the industry. I am excited to introduce “El Rastro” to our community. This project is not only an extension of my passion for photography, but also an opportunity to connect with others and share my view of the world through my lens. I appreciate the opportunity to introduce myself and look forward to meeting and learning from all of you. TPL: When was the first time you picked up a camera and held it to your eye? What was that experience like, what inspired you to become a photographer? CARMEN: I don’t remember exactly the first time I picked up a camera, but I do remember the moment I realized I wanted to pursue photography. That’s when I realized it was something I was intrigued and passionate about. Whenever we would drive home from my grandmother’s house, my mother, my brother and I, I would always ask to ride in the passenger seat, because there was a stretch of road where we would come out of a tunnel and into a long, wide street. We almost always came back at sunset time so there was a spectacular sunset from that street. Every Saturday, I would take a picture of the sky with my cell phone, through the front window of the car. Every day, the sky was different. One day, my mother asked me why I photographed the same sky every week from the same street. I explained that I was fascinated to see the different sunsets, how the colors changed and reflected different lights on the surrounding buildings, the different types of clouds each day, etc. all in one place. How curious it seemed to me all the different shapes the same place could have. It was at that moment when I realized that I was deeply attracted to the idea of observing the things I liked and capturing them with my eyes, trying to transmit the beauty with which I saw them. TPL: What inspired this project? What is the importance of the connections to the surrounding streets, to the community? Who are the people that run the booths, sell the goods? Is this primarily for tourists? Or is this a place that supports the local economy, and people from surrounding communities shop here? CARMEN: The project of photographing “El Rastro” in Madrid was born out of my fascination for the daily life and rich history that is breathed in this emblematic market. “El Rastro” is not just a place to buy and sell; it is a microcosm of Madrid's cultural diversity, a space where stories, traditions and people from all walks of life converge. I wanted to capture the essence of this place, its vitality and unique character, through my lens. Connections to the surrounding streets and community are central to “El Rastro”. The narrow streets and alleys surrounding the market are part of its identity, creating an almost magical atmosphere that attracts locals and visitors alike. The relationships between the merchants and the neighbors are the soul of “El Rastro”. Many of the vendors have had stalls there for generations, passing the trade from father to son, creating a deep sense of community and belonging. The people manning the stalls are as diverse as the products they sell. We found everything from antique dealers and collectors to artisans and clothing and food vendors. Each has a unique story and a personal connection to the market, which further enriches the “El Rastro” experience. Although “El Rastro” attracts many tourists, it remains an important pillar of the local economy. Madrileños and residents of nearby neighborhoods frequent the market, not only to shop, but also to socialize and enjoy the atmosphere. “El Rastro” supports the local economy by providing a space for small merchants and artisans to sell their products and keep their traditions alive. In short, this project is inspired by the cultural richness and vibrant community life of “El Rastro”. Through my photographs, I hope to capture and share the importance of this market for both locals and visitors, showing its essential role in the economy and culture of Madrid. TPL: What have you learned from your work on this project, how will this inspire work in the future? CARMEN: Working on the project of photographing “El Rastro” in Madrid has been an incredibly enriching experience. I have learned so much about the cultural diversity and daily life of my city, and about the importance of the human connections that are woven in places like this market. Each photograph tells a unique story, and each person I've met has taught me something valuable about resilience, tradition, and community. One of the most significant learnings has been understanding how a place can be a meeting point for different generations, cultures and lifestyles. “El Rastro” is not just a market, it is a reflection of the history and soul of Madrid. This project has taught me to take a closer look and appreciate the details that we often overlook in our daily routine. In addition, interacting with vendors and visitors has shown me the importance of keeping our traditions alive and supporting the local economy. I have seen firsthand how the market is not only a place of commerce, but also a space for socializing and community connection. In the future, this project will inspire my work in several ways. First, it has reaffirmed for me the importance of capturing the essence of places and people with authenticity and empathy. It has also motivated me to continue exploring and documenting other aspects of urban life and local communities, always seeking to tell stories that highlight the beauty and beauty of the place. Finally, this project has strengthened my desire to use photography as a tool for connection and understanding between people. I hope to continue to create images that are not only visually appealing, but also convey a deep sense of place and humanity. TPL: When you photograph, what is your intention for the viewer? What do you want them to take away from your work? What is your take away? CARMEN: When I photograph, my intention is for the viewer to become immersed in the scene and feel a deep connection to the captured moment. I want my photographs to convey emotions and aesthetically offer a sense of peace and harmony. I like there to be a visual order that invites reflection and enjoyment of the details. Playing with light, shapes and framing is fundamental in my work. I use light to create unique atmospheres and highlight aspects that might go unnoticed. Shapes and framing allow me to guide the viewer's gaze, highlighting elements that I consider essential to understand the story behind the image. I hope that those who see my photographs will take away an enriching visual experience, allowing them to see the beauty in the everyday and appreciate the simplicity of the moments captured. I want them to feel the calm and order that I try to capture, and for each image to invite them to stop and take a closer look. In short, I want my photographs to be a window to moments of serenity and beauty, and to inspire viewers to appreciate the small details and the light that surrounds us in our daily lives. TPL: Who are some photographers that have influenced your visual storytelling? Do you have a favorite quote you would like to share? CARMEN: In my photography, my influences go beyond other photographers; they extend to three main areas: photography, graphic design and music. These three disciplines are the sources of inspiration that nourish my work every day. In the field of photography, the first reference is Chema Madoz, a conceptual artist who presents everyday objects transformed in a surrealistic way, creating optical illusions that alter their original use. The results can convey messages ranging from humor and irony to drama, without losing their intrinsic beauty. The second photographer who inspires me is Pablo Gil, a Spanish photographer known for his excellent use of analog photography. Most of his images capture everyday moments with his friends, hobbies and the places he visits. Finally, Megan Clark, an American photographer, combines concert photography with graphic design, creating final images with innovative and surprising colors, shapes, lights and framing. Her ability to merge these elements deeply inspires me. In the field of graphic design, Alan Fletcher, known as the father of British graphic design, is a seminal figure for me. His ability to play with expressive typography and bold colors, along with a clear visual language, demonstrates that graphic design is more than a decorative element; it has great utility, especially in advertising. Another reference in graphic design is Paula Scher, whose impressive works mix shapes, sizes, typographies and colors, creating unique and visually stunning collages. Finally, music is an essential part of my daily creative process. It accompanies me in every photographic project and inspires me deeply in every creative process behind them, not only when I listen to it, but also when I see video clips or album covers. Music drives me to create and explore new forms and styles of photography, influenced by the genre, the beat and the artist. Photography, graphic design and music - intertwine in my work, providing a rich source of inspiration that is reflected in each of my images. TPL: What drives you to be a documentary photographer? What inspires your product photography? Do you enjoy the studio work as much as events and reportage? CARMEN: What drives me to become a documentary photographer is the fascination for naturalness, spontaneity and the rawness of reality. Documentary photography allows me to capture moments as they are, without artifice, showing a truth that may vary depending on the eye that observes it, but that remains intact in its essence. I am attracted to the idea of documenting life as it presents itself to me, capturing the beauty and rawness of the everyday. To photograph products, I am inspired by the possibility of transforming and redesigning reality. Unlike documentary photography, here I have the freedom to play with the object, to disrupt its form and presentation to offer completely new and unique perspectives. This contrast allows me to explore my creativity in a different way, reinventing and experimenting with each shot. I love studio work as much as event and reportage work. Studio work gives me complete control over all the elements, allowing me to manipulate light, shadows and framing with precision to get the desired result. It is a space where I can experiment and perfect every detail. On the other hand, events and reportage offer me the adrenaline of unpredictability and the opportunity to capture unrepeatable moments with authenticity and spontaneity. In my mind, documentary photography and product photography are two completely different, but equally exciting worlds. I couldn’t live without either, as each offers me a unique way to express myself and connect with my environment and my audience. TPL: Tell us about one of the standout moments you have had documenting and reporting, photographing a product, and a special event back story. CARMEN: One of the highlights of my time documenting and reporting was a family trip to Covadonga in Asturias. This trip was especially meaningful to me, as Covadonga is my grandmother’s birthplace, which added a personal and emotional layer to the experience. During the trip, I focused on capturing not only the landscapes and landmarks of the region, but also the intimate and authentic moments we shared as a family. Rather than photographing strangers or environments with no personal connection, my images starred my family members and the places that hold great meaning for them. The process of documenting this journey was like creating a totally natural and personal “documentary”. I focused on capturing the essence of our interactions and the beauty of the places from an intimate and familiar perspective. Each photo told a part of our story, showing the emotions, landscapes and everyday moments that made the trip memorable. This approach allowed me to create a lasting and authentic memory for my family and gave me deep satisfaction as a photographer in seeing how photography can capture not only reality, but also emotions and personal connection to the environment. This type of work reminds me of the power of photography to tell meaningful and personal stories, making each image a genuine reflection of the lived experience. TPL: Tell us how graphic design influences your photography? CARMEN: Graphic design influences my photography in a significant way, especially in the field of product photography. As I mentioned earlier, in this type of photography, I like to play with transforming and redesigning reality. This is where graphic design comes into play, as it allows me to explore creativity by manipulating visual elements and offering unique perspectives. The graphic design approach inspires me to experiment with compositions, colors and shapes, elevating product presentation to a whole new level. This freedom to redesign and disrupt reality aligns with the principles of graphic design, where visual balance and effective communication are crucial. In addition, the studio work in photography, which I mentioned previously, also benefits greatly from graphic design concepts. The ability to control lighting, shadows and framing with precision allows me to apply graphic principles to create images that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also tell a coherent and visually impactful story. In short, graphic design enriches my photography by giving me tools and perspectives that allow me to reinvent and experiment with each shot, whether in the studio or capturing spontaneous moments. This multidisciplinary approach helps me to better connect with my audience and to express my ideas more creatively and effectively. TPL: Where do you see yourself in 5 years, what would be your dream photography job? CARMEN: Five years from now, I envision myself working in an environment where I feel completely at ease, surrounded by people with whom I can interact and collaborate. As someone who enjoys dealing with both clients and colleagues, I am looking for a position that combines my passion for photography with a dynamic and social environment. My goal is to be with a company that allows me to always have a camera by my side and be involved in photography projects in the advertising and events field. My dream photography job would be to be able to make a living from product photography, where I have the freedom to explore and express my creativity. I would love to receive assignments for advertising campaigns, where I can contribute innovative and fresh images that capture the essence of each brand. The possibility of working in an environment that trusts my creative vision and allows me to develop new ideas for each project would be ideal for me. TPL: What have you learned about becoming a photographer, entering the field? What were some of the biggest challenges you have faced? How did you overcome them? What do you feel could support young photographers, how can we inspire young eyes and minds of the future? CARMEN: The profession of photography is undoubtedly a tough one and is often faced with the underestimation of the value and importance of the work we do. It is not easy to make a living from photography alone, and many times we must struggle to have our effort and talent recognized and adequately compensated. Despite these challenges, it is essential to persist and stay motivated. One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been being self-employed for the first six months after finishing college. Throwing myself into the real world with limited knowledge about how the industry works and striving to assert myself in a competitive environment was a challenging experience. I overcome this obstacle through perseverance, continuous learning and building a network of contacts that allowed me to grow professionally. For young photographers, my advice would be to stay passionate and persevere. The field of photography is constantly expanding, and its value is being recognized more and more, especially in an increasingly visual world. Taking advantage of this trend and staying on top of new technologies and approaches can be very beneficial. Inspiring the young eyes and minds of the future means showing them that photography is not just a hobby, but a valuable and evolving profession, full of opportunities for those who are willing to work hard and keep learning. TPL: When you are not out photographing, where would we find you, where is your happy place, what do you do there? CARMEN: When I’m not photographing, my happy place is always associated with being surrounded by my people. It doesn’t matter if we are traveling, enjoying our trusted bar or exploring the most remote corner of the world; the essential is the company of friends and family. My happiness lies in those shared moments, full of laughter and good company. Whether it’s a lively conversation, a spontaneous adventure or a simple get-together, being with the people I love is what really fills me with joy and makes me feel in my happy place. PORTFOLIO WEBSITE INSTAGRAM read more interviews >>> UNBECOMING Kalliope Amorphous reflects on self-portraiture and feminine representation, revealing a practice shaped by transformation, instinct and the possibilities that emerge when likeness begins to shift. THE ART OF ATTENTION Curiosity turns portraits, objects, and places into discoveries as Len Irish reflects on a life shaped by the camera’s attention. WHERE EMOTIONS BREATHE Simple encounters Irina Sedletskaya almost missed become photographs shaped by silence, distance, uncertainty, memory, hope, and resilience. THE VILLAGE A workers’ neighbourhood becomes a living archive as Virginia Cassano photographs the people, streets, and memories that continue to shape Villaggio Piaggio. MUTABLE MORPHOGENESIS By merging scientific methodologies with photographic experimentation, Emma Varga creates images that challenge fixed distinctions between human and non-human, visible and invisible. THE ARCHITECTURE OF CONSCIOUSNESS Chad Coombs’ Polaroids are small psychological scenes where identity, memory, culture, and belief push against each other. WHERE WE BELONG Community storytelling lies at the heart of The Pictorial List’s mission, and Marlon Ramos’ photographs reflects the spirit of the place we now call home. GUIDED BY A WHISPER Guided by reflection and the quiet presence of art history, Isolda Fabregat Sanz makes photographs that resist certainty and invite the viewer to remain inside the act of looking. WHAT REMAINS, WHAT EMERGES Laetitia Heisler transforms risk, memory, and the body into layered analogue visions — feminist rituals of seeing that reveal what endures, and what quietly emerges beyond visibility. WHAT WE ARE, WHAT WE DO Culture lives where art and community meet, and in this space Alejandro Dávila’s photographs reveal the unseen labor and devotion that sustain creation. ANALOGICAL LIMBO Nicola Cappellari reminds us that the photograph’s power lies not in what it shows, but in what it leaves unsaid. THREADS OF MOROCCAN LIFE Through gestures of work and moments of community, Kat Puchowska reveals Morocco’s overlooked beauty. IT STARTED AS LIGHT…ENDED IN SHIVERS… Between intimacy and estrangement, Anton Bou’s photographs wander — restless fragments of light and shadow, mapping the fragile terrain where self unravels into sensation. WITH EYES THAT LISTEN AND A HEART THAT SEES For decades, Rivka Shifman Katvan has documented the unseen backstage world of Broadway, capturing authenticity where performance and humanity intersect. DIPTYCH DIALOGUES Through the beautiful language of diptychs, Taiwanese photographer Jay Hsu invites us into a world where quiet images speak of memory, resilience, and hope. UNKNOWN ABYSSINIA In Ethiopia, Sebastian Piatek found a new way of seeing — where architecture endures, but women in motion carry the narrative forward. THE PULSE OF THE STREET Moments vanish, yet Suvam Saha holds them still — the pulse of India’s streets captured in fragments of life that will never repeat. WHAT DO WE WANT? More than documentation, David Gray reveals the human pulse of resistance and asks us to see beyond the surface of unrest. CRACKED RIBS 2016 Cynthia Karalla opens up about the art of survival, the power of perspective, and why she believes each of us holds a monopoly on our own narrative. STREETS OF KOLKATA Ayanava Sil’s reveals Kolkata’s soul, capturing moments with empathy, presence and humility while offering deep insight into both city and self. PERIPHERAL PLACES A project by Catia Montagna that distills fleeting encounters and spatial poetics into triptychs - visual short stories that capture the in-between, where meaning often hides. POINTE-AU-CHIEN IS NOT DEAD Through Wayan Barre’s documentary, we are invited not only to see but to feel the lived realities of a community standing at the crossroads of environmental collapse and cultural survival. QUEER HAPPENED HERE Author Marc Zinaman sheds light on the valuable contributions that LGBTQ+ individuals have made to the cultural and social fabric of New York City. TRACES OF TIME Marked by an ongoing visual dialogue with time, memory, and impermanence, Zamin Jafarov’s long-term projects highlight the quiet power of observation and the emotional depth of simplicity. THERE MY LITTLE EYES Guillermo Franco’s book is an exploration of seeing beyond the obvious. His work invites us to embrace patience, curiosity, and the unexpected in a world that often rushes past the details.

URBAN ECHOES Through his project “Echo,” Rowell B. Timoteo extends an invitation to explore the vibrant streets of San Fernando, where his lens captures the nuanced interplay of light, shadow, and human emotion. URBAN ECHOES May 17, 2024 INTERVIEW PHOTOGRAPHY Rowell B. Timoteo INTERVIEW Melanie Meggs Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link SHARE In the bustling city of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines, Rowell B. Timoteo leads a dual life — one as a dedicated government employee at the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and another as a passionate street photographer. Rowell finds solace in the wisdom shared by Jhomardy Photography: “You are still an artist even if you pursue another career for financial stability.” Rowell’s journey into the realm of photography began in 2017, amidst the demands of his day job. Yet, amid the routine, he found fascination in the ordinary, capturing raw and unscripted moments that whispered tales of human experience. It wasn't long before street photography captivated his soul, offering him a means to weave stories from chance encounters and the extraordinary. Balancing an eight-hour workday with his passion for photography, Rowell discovered a symbiotic relationship between his two worlds. Street photography breathed vibrant life into his routine, enriching his perspective and influencing his decisions at work. Each click of his camera became a testament to the connections he drew between moments, revealing life in a different timeline. Through his project, “Echo,” Rowell invites us to join him on a journey through the streets, where faces and shadows converge in a dance of light and mystery. With each photograph, he draws us into a world where signs speak volumes and moments intertwine, offering glimpses of life’s intricate weave. In the midst of the urban hustle, Rowell’s lens captures the essence of human experience, echoing the stories of those who inhabit the city streets. Echo Hello there, faces and shadows, I see you stop, Eyes seeing a wonderful sight, I borrow your mysterious light. Staring silently, circling and waiting, My camera clicks, I am drawing a connection with signs. Moments intertwine, seeing life in a different timeline. IN CONVERSATION WITH ROWELL B. TIMOTEO THE PICTORIAL LIST: What initially sparked your interest in photography, and how did you find street photography...or did street photography find you? ROWELL B. TIMOTEO: In 2017, a year after I was promoted in my job as a Labor & Employment Officer II and was taking up my master’s degree in development administration - major in Public Administration. During that period, I encountered difficulties handling the pressure of working and studying at the same time. Before 2017 ended, I decided to buy my first camera with my end-of-year salary bonus. The first camera that I owned was a Fuji X-A10 camera, and from there, my journey with photography started. I was fascinated with insects, and my first interest in photography was sparked by macro photography. I enjoyed lone moments, improving my mental quickness, patience, and attention to details whenever I had time to photograph insects in our backyard. Three years later, in January of 2020, I accidentally found a street photography workshop advertisement on Facebook by a veteran photojournalist in the Philippines, Luis Liwanag. I got excited, quickly enrolled in the workshop, and took a trip to Manila, Philippines, with little knowledge about street photography. After the two-day trip, I suddenly fell in love with street photography. But the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020 challenged my motivation to engage in and learn the art of street photography. The pandemic limited my movement due to community quarantine restrictions in our area. With my strong dedication to learn, I constantly watch videos on YouTube, read various e-books about street photography, and still go outside to explore my surroundings. During that time, I discovered and joined this Facebook group, Street Walkers PH (SWPH), where I also started submitting my photos for a chance to get featured on the SWPH, but the group right now it's inactive. One of the SWPH administrators and street photographer from Davao, Philippines, Jose Miguel Lisbona, initially saw subtle details and connections in the photos I have submitted to SWPH. Miguel saw potential in me to do better and enhance my street photography knowledge, skills, and attitude. Miguel surprisingly reached out to me, and I was so happy for the gift and privilege to undergo a mentorship in street photography from him. He facilitated one-on-one learning sessions with me in three months via Zoom and work assignments helping me looking for my “Why” in making photos. Through the process, my “Why” manifested whenever I am magnetized to a particular scene. Miguel soon realized that my anchor in photography is “Moments of Meaningful Expressions Naging Totoo”, MOMENT. The #MOMENT became my visual anchor whenever I go out and shoot. The constant application of learning through the 52-week project photographic assignments conducted in separate locations (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao) I shared with Miguel and Marc Lozano, fellow street photographer from Ilo-Ilo City, Philippines in 2022, gradually taught me to be confident while shooting, feel the flow of moments and be visually connected with my surroundings. Later in 2023, I received the first fruits of my labor in street photography when I was included as one of the exhibition artists in the Fotomoto 22: Home Exhibition held in PAROLA UP Fine Arts Gallery, Quezon City, Philippines, and also included as one of the 100 finalists in the 24HourProject 2022 International Exhibitions held in Hong Kong and France. TPL: Can you discuss the significance of the title “Echo” for your photography project, and how does it relate to your experiences and observations? ROWELL: When I was consolidating my photos and looking at them multiple times, the word “Echo” popped up in my mind, and words started to flow in my thoughts. The life around me, the multiple faces I see, the stories developing with moments discovered — they are all echoes from different expressions borrowed from the gift of seeing things differently. It echoed with my inner thoughts to translate a candid documentation of everything around me — the mysteries and the unstaged reality. When carried out thoughtfully, street photography can remind us that we can be better at being human. TPL: What role does observation play in your photography, and how do you cultivate your ability to notice and capture fleeting moments? ROWELL: Observations always keep my seeing eyes active in capturing moments with the flow of time. As my curious eyes see, the wandering movements of everything around, being curious with my surroundings became my favorite practice and past time even when I am in a waiting situation. My eyes observe everything within my reach and stories keep on developing in my thoughts. TPL: How has street photography influenced your perspective on everyday life and the stories that unfold around you? ROWELL: Street photography helps me to confront my inner thoughts and give ease to my mind and soul. Going out and being with everybody around added to my contemplative moments where I can balance my thoughts and wisdom about everything in life. It taught me to visualize moments in front of me at a slow pace, capturing the essence of things and connecting with them lightheartedly. For me, street photography should be enjoyed, we discern beauty in ordinary things, and we are using that perspective to transform them in a creative way. TPL: Can you share any challenges you've faced while pursuing street photography alongside your day job, and how have you overcome them? ROWELL: Finding time and keeping my spirits high for pursuing street photography is quite challenging especially with the times I have to prioritize things that are more important to me. I need to work and be productive in order to provide a daily source of income for my family. Sometimes getting too busy with life, the creativity slowly diminishes. Busyness sometimes evolves as an excuse to distract my will to go out to capture moments and produce a good body of work. Even though I experience debilitating effects of working with so many things around, I continue to challenge myself to keep my passion with street photography alive. Sometimes, ego also interferes and distracts me; it pops out when we separate ourselves from others and feel superior to everyone else. It is a part of human nature, but I have learned to manage it. Having deep conversations with wonderful people who became inspirations to many and interacting with real humans helps me suppress my ego. I learn to manage my expectations by going back to the basics, starting again with little steps, creating boundaries, and enjoying the status of a consistent learner in this craft. A practice and a cycle of maintaining good habits and a positive attitude. It takes a lot of time to become successful in pursuing our craft, but we have to take care of ourselves too. TPL: How do you approach the ethical considerations involved in photographing people and moments in Philippines public spaces? Are there any particular laws you have to abide by? ROWELL: I love capturing candid moments of daily life at a fast pace, blending with the crowd, and preserving anonymity, and there are no particular laws to abide by when shooting in public places here in our province of La Union. However, all the time, I remind myself to be respectful and aware of the privacy of individuals in public places. Studying the social dynamics of the locations where I stand, and shoot serves as my guide in making decisions about the scenes I am about to capture. I carefully choose what and who to photograph, and if chance permits, I ask permission if it’s okay to take a photo in the area. I avoid taking photos of people who are obviously weak or vulnerable. I set my boundaries and I abide by my principles. We should never stop to appreciate everything we see. TPL: Can you describe to us your creative process when approaching street photography? Do you have any specific techniques or strategies that you employ? ROWELL: My guide when I am outside is making myself ready to blend with the surroundings, thinking like a child when shooting, being agile and flexible, and always ready to explore. Lastly, I make sure to enjoy the moment. I love hearing honest and constructive feedback from different people on my work; I am content with my way of seeing things; I love the process; and I do not become too attached to the outcomes by chasing likes, reactions, and social media clout. I shoot for myself. I accepted the fact that when I am shooting, I work within my limits. I always shoot in manual mode with a 23mm or 35mm lens. I love fiddling with the dials of my camera. TPL: Do you have any favorite artists/photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance? ROWELL: A few local artists and photographers from the Philippines inspire me and have made a great impact on my journey with photography. They are Miguel Lisbona, Marc Lozano, Romualdo Amarille Formentera, Jr., Clinton Anniversario, Raymond Tanhueco, Elpidio Juan, and Veejay Villafranca. That is why I am very thankful for street photography, because never in my life would my radar allow me to meet these wonderful people, who became instrumental in my growth in pursuing street photography. My accomplishments would not be possible without them, and my deepest gratitude goes to these great people for helping me see more with my personal vision and strengthen my courage to try my luck for multiple doors of opportunity for growing. In terms of international artists and photographers, I admire the works of Alex Webb, Joel Meyerowitz, William Klein, Daido Moriyama, Maciej Dakowicz, Alan Schaler, and Maika Elan. TPL: How do you stay inspired and motivated to continue pursuing your passion for street photography, especially during busy or challenging times? ROWELL: We never stop learning. However, it is a choice. By staying diligently focused on the same time, we progress. I practice visualizing everything around me by paying attention to the details in front of me, even without a camera in my hand during busy hours. A part of my awareness in my surroundings partially shapes my experience of the moment. We should never stop to appreciate everything we see. Chance encounters during unexpected moments open up endless possibilities and develop stories within our photographic eyes. Positive habits in personal life with creative curiosity can create more balance and happiness. TPL: What was the first camera you ever held in your hand, brought to eye, and released a shutter on? What is the camera you use now and your preferred focal length? Is there anything on your Wishlist? ROWELL: The first camera I held in my hand is the one I bought from my year-end salary bonus in 2017, and it’s a Fuji X-A10. I had it with me for two years, then I upgraded to the Fuji X-T1 and later added a Fuji X70 as my backup camera. Today, the only camera I have with me and am currently using is my Fuji X-Pro 2, paired with a 23mm lens. I am already accustomed to the Xpro 2’s features and limitations, and the 23mm lens forces me to think outside the box, be more creative and it allows me to use my zoom legs to go closer to my subject since it is not a telescopic lens. I love to include everything in the frame with the 23mm lens. I have no complaints with my current set-up and still appreciate the Fuji X-Pro 2 camera that I own and the 23mm focal length. 23mm is my everyday preferred focal length. For my wish list, maybe I can wish for a nice Fuji X100v. TPL: Can you share with us any future goals or aspirations you have for your photography, both personally and professionally? ROWELL: I have been a government employee for 15 years, have become successful in my career, and have enjoyed pursuing street photography for four years. As I have grown older, I have had a lot of time to think, reflect, and plan with my future. With my efforts to improve, my future with street photography became my present; it paved the way for me to earn unexpected accomplishments that I had not planned in my timeline. I have been included in multiple photo exhibits, both local and international, shared some winning moments in numerous photo contests, some of my submitted photo essays were published online, I became a community stringer and citizen photojournalist for PonD News Asia, I was able to document and write a story about a former turtle poacher turned to a hero of the sea, and right now, I have a chance to be featured on The Pictorial List website. These gifts came from learning diligently and practicing street photography religiously. TPL: And when you are not working or out photographing, what else would Rowell be doing with his time? ROWELL: When I am not working or out photographing, I am working on my thesis. I hope that I can finish it and be able to graduate with my master's degree. Aside from this, I make sure to spend quality time with my girlfriend after work and go home to Luna, La Union, her hometown, on weekends. I also spend quality time going out with my mother, watching movies and attending mass on Sundays. Bringing realistic balance to my work-life activities and cutting ties with the outside world allows me to recover from the pressure and stress of all of what is happening every day. Spending time with loved ones always energizes my mind and body. PORTFOLIO INSTAGRAM read more interviews >>> UNBECOMING Kalliope Amorphous reflects on self-portraiture and feminine representation, revealing a practice shaped by transformation, instinct and the possibilities that emerge when likeness begins to shift. THE ART OF ATTENTION Curiosity turns portraits, objects, and places into discoveries as Len Irish reflects on a life shaped by the camera’s attention. WHERE EMOTIONS BREATHE Simple encounters Irina Sedletskaya almost missed become photographs shaped by silence, distance, uncertainty, memory, hope, and resilience. THE VILLAGE A workers’ neighbourhood becomes a living archive as Virginia Cassano photographs the people, streets, and memories that continue to shape Villaggio Piaggio. MUTABLE MORPHOGENESIS By merging scientific methodologies with photographic experimentation, Emma Varga creates images that challenge fixed distinctions between human and non-human, visible and invisible. THE ARCHITECTURE OF CONSCIOUSNESS Chad Coombs’ Polaroids are small psychological scenes where identity, memory, culture, and belief push against each other. WHERE WE BELONG Community storytelling lies at the heart of The Pictorial List’s mission, and Marlon Ramos’ photographs reflects the spirit of the place we now call home. GUIDED BY A WHISPER Guided by reflection and the quiet presence of art history, Isolda Fabregat Sanz makes photographs that resist certainty and invite the viewer to remain inside the act of looking. WHAT REMAINS, WHAT EMERGES Laetitia Heisler transforms risk, memory, and the body into layered analogue visions — feminist rituals of seeing that reveal what endures, and what quietly emerges beyond visibility. WHAT WE ARE, WHAT WE DO Culture lives where art and community meet, and in this space Alejandro Dávila’s photographs reveal the unseen labor and devotion that sustain creation. ANALOGICAL LIMBO Nicola Cappellari reminds us that the photograph’s power lies not in what it shows, but in what it leaves unsaid. THREADS OF MOROCCAN LIFE Through gestures of work and moments of community, Kat Puchowska reveals Morocco’s overlooked beauty. IT STARTED AS LIGHT…ENDED IN SHIVERS… Between intimacy and estrangement, Anton Bou’s photographs wander — restless fragments of light and shadow, mapping the fragile terrain where self unravels into sensation. WITH EYES THAT LISTEN AND A HEART THAT SEES For decades, Rivka Shifman Katvan has documented the unseen backstage world of Broadway, capturing authenticity where performance and humanity intersect. DIPTYCH DIALOGUES Through the beautiful language of diptychs, Taiwanese photographer Jay Hsu invites us into a world where quiet images speak of memory, resilience, and hope. UNKNOWN ABYSSINIA In Ethiopia, Sebastian Piatek found a new way of seeing — where architecture endures, but women in motion carry the narrative forward. THE PULSE OF THE STREET Moments vanish, yet Suvam Saha holds them still — the pulse of India’s streets captured in fragments of life that will never repeat. WHAT DO WE WANT? More than documentation, David Gray reveals the human pulse of resistance and asks us to see beyond the surface of unrest. CRACKED RIBS 2016 Cynthia Karalla opens up about the art of survival, the power of perspective, and why she believes each of us holds a monopoly on our own narrative. STREETS OF KOLKATA Ayanava Sil’s reveals Kolkata’s soul, capturing moments with empathy, presence and humility while offering deep insight into both city and self. PERIPHERAL PLACES A project by Catia Montagna that distills fleeting encounters and spatial poetics into triptychs - visual short stories that capture the in-between, where meaning often hides. POINTE-AU-CHIEN IS NOT DEAD Through Wayan Barre’s documentary, we are invited not only to see but to feel the lived realities of a community standing at the crossroads of environmental collapse and cultural survival. QUEER HAPPENED HERE Author Marc Zinaman sheds light on the valuable contributions that LGBTQ+ individuals have made to the cultural and social fabric of New York City. TRACES OF TIME Marked by an ongoing visual dialogue with time, memory, and impermanence, Zamin Jafarov’s long-term projects highlight the quiet power of observation and the emotional depth of simplicity. THERE MY LITTLE EYES Guillermo Franco’s book is an exploration of seeing beyond the obvious. His work invites us to embrace patience, curiosity, and the unexpected in a world that often rushes past the details.

SPECTACULAR VISIONS Karin Svadlenak combines her love of art and culture with her passion for photography. SPECTACULAR VISIONS February 20, 2020 INTERVIEW PHOTOGRAPHY Karin Svadlenak INTERVIEW Melanie Meggs Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link SHARE Karin Svadlenak is far more than just a public relations manager for a university department in Vienna, Austria. She is a world traveler, an avid photographer, an art lover, and a passionate magazine editor and blogger. Her photography captures the essence of various genres, from landscapes to documentaries, and her appreciation for the arts has led her to explore different performances and exhibitions around the world. She is the Editor for The Pictorial List and the Founder and Editor in Chief of Spectaculum Magazine, and through her Viennacultgram blog, Karin shares her personal experiences and insights with the world. From her vibrant career to her creative endeavors, she is sure to inspire all with her journey. “I started getting into photography as a teenager, before digital photography came along, but it was mostly just travel and family photography. I knew nothing about cameras or composition. But I loved capturing beautiful landscapes. It stayed like that for many years. Only for the last three years or so photography has become a major passion and occupies my mind fairly constantly. Now it can happen that I am watching a theatre performance, and suddenly there is a moment where my mind goes, “I wish I could photograph that!”. The odd thing about it is that this passion actually originated with Instagram. In my home town Vienna, we have an active community of photographers on Instagram (@IgersAustria and @IgersVienna) who regularly get together for events. And one day a friend asked me to join one of these ‘Instawalks’ - well, the rest is history, as they say.” IN CONVERSATION WITH KARIN SVADLENAK GOMEZ THE PICTORIAL LIST: What is your source of inspiration, Karin? KARIN SVADLENAK: The discovery of different cultures gets me really excited. And nature provides constant inspiration. But these days I am also inspired by everyday scenes and by the architecture and culture of my own city. TPL: Do you think your style of photography has evolved since you started taking pictures? KARIN: Yes, it has changed a lot. When I started out, I knew nothing about composition or even how to use aperture or speed. A year ago or so I took a few basic photo workshops and also learned by trial and error. It is a process that is ongoing, and I do not think what I do now is necessarily what I will be doing in photography in a year's time. For me diversity has always been the spice of life, and I do not want to be limited to one particular style, or topic. But I would say I have moved from a point where I tried to exclude people from photos (focusing mostly on empty landscapes) to an approach that tries to include human life. At the moment, what most excites me is street photography, capturing people in their environment, moments of life or, as the case may be, still-life. So now when I travel to a new place, the types of pictures I take are quite different from before, although of course I still take your average tourist picture too. I am also quite attracted to documentary photography, but have not yet got seriously into it. But maybe that is what I will be exploring next. Telling stories. TPL: Where is your favourite place to photograph? KARIN: Anywhere. Although I would say, the more different from my own culture zone, the more exciting. I also really like shooting performances, like at the circus or other performances, where you have wonderful light situations and great colours. TPL: Do you think equipment is important in achieving your vision in your photography? Do you have any tips for someone just starting out? KARIN: I am definitely not an expert on equipment. I photograph with a small mirrorless system camera, for which I have several different lenses. I think it is more important to have an eye for composition and for beauty, if that is the goal. These days you can even do a lot with mobile cams, although I still find that the camera gives me more/different options. If you're just starting out, I think it is definitely more important to get some background on composition and understand the basic settings of the camera rather than going out and buying super-duper expensive equipment. The discovery of different cultures gets me really excited. And nature provides constant inspiration. TPL: What characteristics do you think you need to become a 'great' photographer? KARIN: A good eye. The ability to observe your environment and decide on what is worth capturing, and how. Storytelling is an important aspect. Ask yourself...What do I want to communicate about or with a picture? TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance? KARIN: That is difficult to say. I find quite a lot of good photography on Instagram (and quite a lot of bad too, of course). When I first started out, I was mainly keen on landscape photography, and there are a few of the well-known photographers in that genre whose books I acquired. There was Galen Rowell, a wilderness photographer whose mountain photos I loved. And of course Ansel Adams, whose black and white landscape photography I have always loved. If we're talking big names, I also quite like the portraits by Annie Leibovitz. In the last couple of years or so I have become very interested in street photography, and in that genre I adore the work of Henri Cartier Bresson and Elliott Erwitt. TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on that you would like to let everyone know about? KARIN: Generally, I like to produce series about a place or a topic, rather than just putting out individual pictures on Instagram. It forces me to think more clearly and curate my pictures so that I can tell a story or document something. I also write a blog, about cultural and travel activities in my city and elsewhere. So this also is a project where I am putting my photos in series to document a particular event or theme, together with background information. And perhaps I do want to mention something we recently started at The Pictorial List: "Pictorial Stories", in-depth photo reportages about different topics. I really enjoy the process of putting such stories together with the photographers who contribute their work and ideas to the stories. TPL: “When I am not out photographing, I (like to)… KARIN: Read or walk out in nature with my dog.” PORTFOLIO BLOG INSTAGRAM read more interviews >>> UNBECOMING Kalliope Amorphous reflects on self-portraiture and feminine representation, revealing a practice shaped by transformation, instinct and the possibilities that emerge when likeness begins to shift. THE ART OF ATTENTION Curiosity turns portraits, objects, and places into discoveries as Len Irish reflects on a life shaped by the camera’s attention. WHERE EMOTIONS BREATHE Simple encounters Irina Sedletskaya almost missed become photographs shaped by silence, distance, uncertainty, memory, hope, and resilience. THE VILLAGE A workers’ neighbourhood becomes a living archive as Virginia Cassano photographs the people, streets, and memories that continue to shape Villaggio Piaggio. MUTABLE MORPHOGENESIS By merging scientific methodologies with photographic experimentation, Emma Varga creates images that challenge fixed distinctions between human and non-human, visible and invisible. THE ARCHITECTURE OF CONSCIOUSNESS Chad Coombs’ Polaroids are small psychological scenes where identity, memory, culture, and belief push against each other. WHERE WE BELONG Community storytelling lies at the heart of The Pictorial List’s mission, and Marlon Ramos’ photographs reflects the spirit of the place we now call home. GUIDED BY A WHISPER Guided by reflection and the quiet presence of art history, Isolda Fabregat Sanz makes photographs that resist certainty and invite the viewer to remain inside the act of looking. WHAT REMAINS, WHAT EMERGES Laetitia Heisler transforms risk, memory, and the body into layered analogue visions — feminist rituals of seeing that reveal what endures, and what quietly emerges beyond visibility. WHAT WE ARE, WHAT WE DO Culture lives where art and community meet, and in this space Alejandro Dávila’s photographs reveal the unseen labor and devotion that sustain creation. ANALOGICAL LIMBO Nicola Cappellari reminds us that the photograph’s power lies not in what it shows, but in what it leaves unsaid. THREADS OF MOROCCAN LIFE Through gestures of work and moments of community, Kat Puchowska reveals Morocco’s overlooked beauty. IT STARTED AS LIGHT…ENDED IN SHIVERS… Between intimacy and estrangement, Anton Bou’s photographs wander — restless fragments of light and shadow, mapping the fragile terrain where self unravels into sensation. WITH EYES THAT LISTEN AND A HEART THAT SEES For decades, Rivka Shifman Katvan has documented the unseen backstage world of Broadway, capturing authenticity where performance and humanity intersect. DIPTYCH DIALOGUES Through the beautiful language of diptychs, Taiwanese photographer Jay Hsu invites us into a world where quiet images speak of memory, resilience, and hope. UNKNOWN ABYSSINIA In Ethiopia, Sebastian Piatek found a new way of seeing — where architecture endures, but women in motion carry the narrative forward. THE PULSE OF THE STREET Moments vanish, yet Suvam Saha holds them still — the pulse of India’s streets captured in fragments of life that will never repeat. WHAT DO WE WANT? More than documentation, David Gray reveals the human pulse of resistance and asks us to see beyond the surface of unrest. CRACKED RIBS 2016 Cynthia Karalla opens up about the art of survival, the power of perspective, and why she believes each of us holds a monopoly on our own narrative. STREETS OF KOLKATA Ayanava Sil’s reveals Kolkata’s soul, capturing moments with empathy, presence and humility while offering deep insight into both city and self. PERIPHERAL PLACES A project by Catia Montagna that distills fleeting encounters and spatial poetics into triptychs - visual short stories that capture the in-between, where meaning often hides. POINTE-AU-CHIEN IS NOT DEAD Through Wayan Barre’s documentary, we are invited not only to see but to feel the lived realities of a community standing at the crossroads of environmental collapse and cultural survival. QUEER HAPPENED HERE Author Marc Zinaman sheds light on the valuable contributions that LGBTQ+ individuals have made to the cultural and social fabric of New York City. TRACES OF TIME Marked by an ongoing visual dialogue with time, memory, and impermanence, Zamin Jafarov’s long-term projects highlight the quiet power of observation and the emotional depth of simplicity. THERE MY LITTLE EYES Guillermo Franco’s book is an exploration of seeing beyond the obvious. His work invites us to embrace patience, curiosity, and the unexpected in a world that often rushes past the details.

The basis of all my work lies in those closest to me - my family. They have provided the opportunity to document, engage and experience a vast world of emotions as well as shared experiences. It is a compulsion that continues to drive me to pick up a camera every day. VIN SHARMA The basis of all my work lies in those closest to me - my family. They have provided the opportunity to document, engage and experience a vast world of emotions as well as shared experiences. It is a compulsion that continues to drive me to pick up a camera every day. LOCATION New York UNITED STATES CAMERA/S Canon EOS R5 WEBSITE https://www.vinsharmaphotography.com/ @VIN_SHARMA_PHOTO FEATURES // Making Connections Domestic Wasteland Coalescence

Sonia photographs in the streets of New York City where she finds much of her inspiration as a renowned street photographer. Sonia has received awards from numerous festivals, including Italian Street Photo Festival, Miami Street Photo Festival and Aussie Street Photography Festival. She is a member of the New York City Street Photography Collective (@nycspc) and her work was recently exhibited in NYC by Women Street Photographers. Sonia has been published in Huffington Post, Eyeshot Magazine, and various other mediums. In addition to photographing the streets daily, Sonia manages to find time to teach street photography workshops and give portfolio reviews. She also runs the Instagram page @showmeyourduds, an educational platform created for photography students, where talented photographers willingly share the images that they consider failures. During COVID-19 lockdown, Sonia turned her lens on her family and herself, creating an intimate series of self-portraits. Then in February of 2022 Sonia traveled to the Ukraine-Poland border to translate for and photograph refugees, and her experiences with them. She works directly with doctors who drive medical aid into Ukraine and has been raising money to buy them medical supplies. Sonia currently lives in New Jersey and photographs in New York City, Florida, and anywhere else she goes. SONIA GOYDENKO Sonia photographs in the streets of New York City where she finds much of her inspiration as a renowned street photographer. Sonia has received awards from numerous festivals, including Italian Street Photo Festival, Miami Street Photo Festival and Aussie Street Photography Festival. She is a member of the New York City Street Photography Collective (@nycspc) and her work was recently exhibited in NYC by Women Street Photographers. Sonia has been published in Huffington Post, Eyeshot Magazine, and various other mediums. In addition to photographing the streets daily, Sonia manages to find time to teach street photography workshops and give portfolio reviews. She also runs the Instagram page @showmeyourduds, an educational platform created for photography students, where talented photographers willingly share the images that they consider failures. During COVID-19 lockdown, Sonia turned her lens on her family and herself, creating an intimate series of self-portraits. Then in February of 2022 Sonia traveled to the Ukraine-Poland border to translate for and photograph refugees, and her experiences with them. She works directly with doctors who drive medical aid into Ukraine and has been raising money to buy them medical supplies. Sonia currently lives in New Jersey and photographs in New York City, Florida, and anywhere else she goes. LOCATION New York UNITED STATES CAMERA/S Fujifilm XT3 WEBSITE https://www.soniagoydenko.com/home @SONIAGOYDENKO FEATURES // Finding Hope At The Ukrainian Border

Born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, I visited Europe for the first time when I was 6 years old. From an early age I knew that I was attracted to the world, that I wanted to travel and get to know as many countries and cultures as possible. Travelling became a habit and at the same time a necessity. When I finished studying Political Science and International Relations at the National University of Rosario, I did not hesitate to visit my sister who was studying in Heidelberg, Germany. And what started as a trip to spend some time studying the German language, ended up being a permanent stay in Germany. Nowadays, travelling at every possible opportunity. visiting many places several times, I am lucky to get to know other cultures not only as a tourist. Photography has been present in my life from a very early age. I have always loved to come back from my travels with photos taken by me, with my own view of reality. In my teenage years, also a great passion for photojournalism awoke in me. But it wasn't until the early 2020s that I started to approach photography more consciously. Photography moves me, and as an artistic expression, awakens emotions in me. And this perception of emotions makes me feel fulfilled, it makes me feel from the deepest part of myself, from my innermost self. At the moment I am trying different types of photography and styles. As an amateur photographer, my goal is to keep evolving by learning and practising. My aim is to master the visual language as well as possible and to find my own voice. PAOLA FERRAROTTI Born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, I visited Europe for the first time when I was 6 years old. From an early age I knew that I was attracted to the world, that I wanted to travel and get to know as many countries and cultures as possible. Travelling became a habit and at the same time a necessity. When I finished studying Political Science and International Relations at the National University of Rosario, I did not hesitate to visit my sister who was studying in Heidelberg, Germany. And what started as a trip to spend some time studying the German language, ended up being a permanent stay in Germany. Nowadays, travelling at every possible opportunity. visiting many places several times, I am lucky to get to know other cultures not only as a tourist. Photography has been present in my life from a very early age. I have always loved to come back from my travels with photos taken by me, with my own view of reality. In my teenage years, also a great passion for photojournalism awoke in me. But it wasn't until the early 2020s that I started to approach photography more consciously. Photography moves me, and as an artistic expression, awakens emotions in me. And this perception of emotions makes me feel fulfilled, it makes me feel from the deepest part of myself, from my innermost self. At the moment I am trying different types of photography and styles. As an amateur photographer, my goal is to keep evolving by learning and practising. My aim is to master the visual language as well as possible and to find my own voice. LOCATION Frankfurt GERMANY CAMERA/S Fujifilm X-S10 @___PAOF___ FEATURES // German Voices Crying Out For Freedom The Yoke of Afghan Women I Am Water In Between Life and After