Ana Luiza Sa
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?
Wow! I’m truly honoured to celebrate photography through participating in this award.
I am an architect and designer, which naturally placed me in a creative environment and sparked my interest in the artistic world and photography.
What inspires me most are the colours of nature. They connect deeply with my inner motivation.
Since my first shot, my journey has evolved through constant practice, the development of my cultural background, and an endless desire to learn and improve.
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?
The image “Against the Light” symbolises the journey toward light that we share with our families and loved ones throughout life.
I took this photo during a family holiday while walking in a park. It was a moment of relaxation, not one where I was intentionally focused on my professional photography work.
Winning these awards — three awards with the same photograph — made me realise how relevant and universal this theme truly is. I believe the image represents many families and people in their natural walk through life, captured in a single blink of photography.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
The original photograph was taken in colour, but I saw strong black and white potential in it. I felt that the image carried not only a deeper message about life itself, but also a powerful metaphorical meaning. I believe photography is not only an image that represents a way of thinking — it is also a kind of poetry.
4. What first made you pick up a camera?
That’s a good question. As far as I can remember, my grandfather was the first person to introduce me to photography. He showed me his camera, and I borrowed it for a school trip. It was a different experience because it was an analogue camera, and since then, I have been fascinated by the process of capturing moments.
During those school walks and moments with friends, I used to photograph my classmates and landscapes. I practised constantly, always trying my best to express my vision and share the way I saw the world with my family.
5. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
The type of photography that instantly caught my attention was nature photography, as well as architecture, minimalism, and fine art photography. I am especially inspired by images that create emotion, atmosphere, and meaning through simplicity and composition.
6. What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
I usually work with a mobile setup, which allows me to stay flexible with my work.
7. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
I would like them to feel involved in the atmosphere of intention, connection, and emotion that my work conveys. From my point of view, a good photograph can create a silent conversation with the person who is analysing, admiring, and observing the image.
8. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
The most challenging part was identifying the right moment when the family was leaving the tunnel and turning it into a photographic scene. I also noticed that the light was truly inspiring in a metaphorical sense.
9. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
What inspires me most is the idea that every place has something unique to offer. I am inspired by the constant sense of discovery that comes from exploring different environments and realising that each place has its own way of expressing something new through my perspective as a photographer.
10. Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
Every person has a unique perspective, and I am inspired by observing how others see the world. I like to incorporate my interpretation of these perspectives into my work, as my photography is shaped not by one main influence, but by many small ones that together become something greater.
11. 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?
What is truly valuable is the chance of sharing your own vision, motivating others, and being inspired in return, as well as being recognised by experts in the field.
12. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Keep looking for an endless source of learning. Create your own opportunities, connect, and inspire those around you. Don’t hesitate to share your work and show it to others, because it can change perspectives, especially when you notice that you often see things in an unusual or unexpected way.
13. What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
It adds a more personal touch and brings the image closer to reality through my own perspective.
14. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
I see it as a valuable tool, not the foundation of my work, but something that can support it.
15. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
I would love to explore places filled with endless possibilities to capture water reflections, where light naturally creates unique optical effects.
