Felipe Gutiérrez Contreras
@viajoenfotos
Best of the week 28 at #nomadict 2020
A simple desire to obtain visual memories of the places that surround me, many of them unknown with great scenic beauty, developed into a passion for photography and travel. My studies in Tourism fit perfectly with that and my home country Chile plays a role in here too. I think I am lucky to have been born at this point on the globe that is clinging to the mountains, so as not to fall into the sea. I like the way Pablo Neruda describes it: “A long petal of sea and wine and snow, with a belt of black and white foam.” The drama of its landscapes combined with an adequate light, is what constantly shapes my photography.
"Since the moment that I discovered art, in my adolescence, it has influenced the way I approach photography and my surroundings, and it still does."
For me, poetry is part of that art and it’s one of the elements I give importance to lately. I have wanted to change the basic description of the place I visit or what I did and go a little further, focussing on what that photograph causes within me – words sometimes help to intensify the moment. I draw my words, poetry, from personal experiences and also from music. Often a poem, words, are connected to a photo and when talking about photography, it is inevitable not to talk about music. For me, these two coexist and enrich my worldview. There are things that I cannot express with photography just as there are things that I cannot express with music.
"It is these two forces that give me balance and continually make me aware of my surroundings and its infinity of details."
"Nature and travel are essential elements of life; I see it as an excuse from the universe to show and teach me something much more important, that is “being”."
Photography allows me to “be”, to be fully present in a natural environment without having to cause a negative impact on the environment. The photograph that won the contest is a perfect example of a moment that I felt very grounded and connected to nature. It’s very special for me because the photo was taken in one of my favorite places in the world: Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile. The place that I call my second home.
WINNING PHOTOGRAPH
BEST OF THE WEEK 28
When looking my travels abroad, Chamonix, France has been one of the most memorable moments in my life as a traveler. Together with a friend we hitchhiked down the mountain with the idea of sleeping anywhere. We had a tent, and that was enough. Without knowing the language or the place, we were driven to Chamonix city by a very kind man who, after taking us to places where we could camp, offered us to sleep in the patio of his house since he realized that we only wanted to get to a spot with forest and spend the night there. By introducing ourselves to his partner who spoke English, we were able to communicate better and had a chat.
"After talking a lot about our and their experiences, they invited us to stay in a cabin for the days we wanted. People like that have enriched my worldview."
It can make such a difference when you connect with people, start a conversation even though there’s a language barrier, and be open to get to know other human beings, their passions and dreams. You never know how you can help, learn, positively influence and enrich someone’s life.
In my case, friends and people I met along the way have been super important to keep growing both personally and professionally. And without a doubt, my colleague and great friend @vimart.cr2 has been part of that growth.
"We were only 17, self-taught when photography was not yet a big thing, and today we are the result of trial and error, which we share on our social networks."
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