Diego Cesar Monroy Chaparro
1. Congratulations on winning in the London Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
The first photos I took were as a hobby; I sent some to other platforms and they got good ratings. As time went on, the quality of my work increased, and I understood that the world of photography must be professional, and I respect the great work of photographers and photojournalists around the world.
2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
This is one of the greatest achievements in my short photography career. It's a great honour to be considered for this wonderful competition.
The series portrays the reality of the places that have had the greatest impact on my life: Lima and Mexico City.
The last photo, "Smiling Llama," shows the love I have for that place, the Colca Valley, and it's my favourite photo.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
Normally, I would pick based on the background of awards and personal photographic criteria.
4. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
Street photography because it reflects social reality, cultural struggles, and documents the daily life of the local society.
5. What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
In my case, a mobile phone!
6. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
Both joy and surprise.
7. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
The most challenging part in capturing this winning shot was definitely framing.
8. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
Street photography. It should be spontaneous and enigmatic.
9. Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
All the curators who have selected my work have been some of the biggest influences in photography for me.
10. What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
Review previous winners and photographic criteria to understand and help you further excel in any competitions.
11. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Think carefully about your decision because it's very difficult and requires persistence. But the world of photography is beautiful.
12. What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
Editing should be minimal but effective; the essence of photography is capturing the moment with the camera or with a cell phone.
13. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
Paying attention to the manipulation and creation of photographic material, it is an great opportunity for updating.
14. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
Some constellation or galaxy.
