Photo tour in Azores, Portugal
Join us in the Azores for a unique photo tour, where you’ll elevate your creative skills with expert guidance from Ronald Soethje, Bruno Ázera, and Nomadict.
Oscar Reygo
@reygolens
Photographer based in Mexico
Despite initially pursuing a conventional college degree, Reygo bravely followed his passion and became a self-taught photographer. Reygo emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, networking, and embracing social media for professional success. The article includes Reygo’s reflections on a significant project as the photographer and producer for an Xbox photoshoot, emphasizing the value of order, professionalism, and collaboration in executing challenging tasks.
I love exploring new places, and my passion for both travel and photography comes from that excitement. Photography has become my way to travel more than I ever thought possible, and I’m grateful for it. I’ve always enjoyed creating and sharing, and photography has become the perfect way for me to express myself. Since I first held a camera, I’ve found joy in capturing images, adding my style, and sharing them with the world. It’s a passion that keeps me motivated.
Every photo I take is my way of sharing how I see the world and connecting with each place I visit. It’s not just about landscapes; it’s like having a personal conversation with each destination. Through my lens, I want to share the emotions, stories, and little details that make each experience special. In short, my journey in travel and photography is a continuous adventure of self-expression, celebrating the beauty of the world, and inviting others to join in the wonder I discover on my trips.
Exploring Mexico with Oscar Reygo
Being based in Mexico, this is the place I can explore in detail – both its landscapes and its cities.
I wholeheartedly recommend a trip to Mexico City, especially if you love travel photography. The city is a treasure trove of beauty, filled with many captivating sights to explore. Its diverse architecture, historic landmarks, and lively photography community make it a dream destination. What makes this city stand out is how easy it is to get around—it’s super walkable.
There are hundreds of parks, pedestrian-friendly areas, charming cafes, museums, galleries, stores, and restaurants all around. Every step you take becomes a journey of discovery. Mexico City offers a rich cultural experience that’s both deep and immersive. From my own experience, I’ve never met anyone who regretted visiting; it has a unique charm that effortlessly captures everyone’s heart and leaves a lasting impression.
Favourite images
Each of my photos holds a special place in my heart, but one that particularly resonates is a relatively recent image I took in Mexico City. Two years ago, while having a meal with my family at a familiar mall, I noticed a captivating composition: the Torre Latinoamericana, an iconic building in Centro Histórico, and the distant Popocatépetl volcano perfectly aligned. This unique alignment sparked an immediate addition to my bucket list.
However, capturing this shot required a telephoto lens, and at that moment, I didn’t have the necessary equipment. Determined to bring this vision to life, earlier this year, I invested in a telephoto lens, knowing I’d be ready when the conditions aligned. The key was exceptionally clear air to capture a pristine view of the distant volcano, so I patiently waited.
A few weeks ago, in November 2023, I woke up to the news that the city was experiencing unprecedented cleanliness, and the volcano was adorned with a thick layer of snow. I knew the time had come. Hastily, I headed to the spot, and what unfolded exceeded my wildest expectations. The image, showcasing the snowy volcano against a backdrop of crystal-clear air, instantly became one of my all-time favorites.
This photograph goes beyond its aesthetic appeal; it reflects my journey as a photographer. It took two years of preparation, acquiring the right equipment, and patiently waiting for optimal conditions. The result not only met but surpassed my dreams, capturing a moment of unparalleled beauty while also mirroring my continuous growth in technique and editing style over the same period.
Capturing striking images of a city, including the distinctive cultural aspects, the neighborhoods, and famous or less famous characteristics involves a few essential steps.
First, get to know the city—find those key spots that offer the best views. Research the ideal time, often during sunrise or sunset, to benefit from vibrant colors and soft light.
On-site, pay attention to your camera settings: aim for a low ISO and an aperture between 7.1 and 11. Taking multiple exposures can help capture the full dynamic range of the scene.
When it comes to post-processing, enhance the sunrise or sunset atmosphere without going overboard. Remember, a subtle touch often brings out the authenticity of the cityscape. It is a combination of city familiarity, good timing, and thoughtful editing that makes cityscape photography truly special.
Light is essential in achieving the best results in my photography, and I’m constantly seeking ideal conditions, especially during sunsets and sunrises. I want to highlight the interplay of light in one particular image captured in Cholula, Puebla, Mexico. This drone view showcases a church atop an ancient pyramid with the majestic Popocatépetl volcano in the background.
Planning was key for this shot. I researched the perfect time of year when the sun would set just behind the volcano to achieve the desired composition. Sometimes, despite good planning, weather conditions don’t cooperate, but in this case, luck was on my side. The photograph turned out even better than expected due to the smoke from the volcano creating a captivating shadow in the sky. This unexpected blend of elements made it one of my favorite drone shots, highlighting the delightful unpredictability that makes photography so fascinating.
On developing a style
My photography style revolves around capturing the best possible photo and then enhancing it in post-processing for a dramatic effect. My photos as they look today are a result of a long process of learning and development.
I discovered landscape photographers on Instagram with a strikingly dramatic style, and their images deeply resonated with me. I decided to take my style in that direction and invested in tutorials to improve my editing skills in Photoshop.
Initially, I faced a challenge as I tried applying every technique I learned to each shot. It didn’t take long for me to realize that not every technique suited every condition. One of my early lessons was learning which editing techniques are most effective under different conditions.
As I became more familiar with Photoshop, I started creating my own techniques. Eventually, I reached a point where I stopped seeking inspiration from other photos; I had a clear vision of the light, color, and atmosphere I wanted in my work.
My friends also played a crucial role in my improvement. Their constant feedback has been instrumental in pointing out areas for improvement. Even now, they help me by highlighting when something is slightly off, creating a collaborative environment where we support each other’s growth. My style is a blend of techniques learned from other photographers, ones I’ve developed myself, and an ongoing desire to enhance my craft by trying new things in each of my images.
Four pivotal lessons
Throughout this period of discovering photography, trying to understand every aspect of it, and improving my work all the while traveling and shooting for myself or clients, I can distinguish these four most pivotal lessons:
1) Follow your passion fearlessly
Discovering my love for photography at 15, my life took an unexpected turn from the plans I had made. Even though photography became my true passion, I hesitated to build my life around it. Initially, I pursued a college degree in research and journalism, leaving me uninspired.
After a few months, I decided to break away from the conventional route, leaving college to pursue photography full-time. Armed with four years of self-taught expertise, I delved into refining my craft and understanding the business side of photography.
The lesson here is clear: never settle in a place where you’re not completely comfortable. If you have a dream and a passion, muster the courage to pursue them wholeheartedly. My journey taught me the transformative power of embracing what you love and fearlessly chasing your dreams.
2) Embrace continuous learning
Early in my photography journey, there was a phase where I convinced myself that I had reached the pinnacle of my skills—a moment of misguided satisfaction. I thought, ‘I know it all now.’ How wrong I was! Not only was I mistaken, but looking back at those images, they didn’t quite measure up. It was a humbling realization.
The turning point came when I acknowledged the vastness of what I didn’t know. Understanding that there was an entire world of knowledge waiting to be explored propelled significant growth, both professionally and mentally. I’ve learned firsthand that the learning curve in photography is endless. Every day brings a chance to discover something new, refine techniques, and evolve creatively.
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve witnessed many fellow photographers succumb to the same misconception I once held. The second lesson: never assume you know everything. Embrace the idea that there’s always more to learn, and this mindset not only fuels improvement but also keeps the creative spirit alive.
3) Social media for success
Recognizing the influence of social media, especially Instagram, transformed my photography journey. Treating my social media as a professional tool, I put extra effort into it two years ago, and the results have been remarkable since. My account didn’t just grow; it became a platform that attracted major projects and collaborations with big brands.
The third lesson is simple: view social media as an essential part of your work. It’s not just about sharing photos; it’s a powerful way to connect with a massive audience, including potential clients and supporters. Strategic use of social media can open doors to exciting opportunities that can propel your career to new heights.
4) Embrace networking, even if it feels uncomfortable
In my early days of assisting at photography events, I was hesitant to approach established photographers, fearing my amateur status. It turned out to be a mistake. When I gathered the courage to engage with them, it opened doors. This simple act helped me become part of the largest photography community in Mexico, where I connected with numerous creators and gained valuable insights.
The same principle applies to clients. Overcoming shyness, I started introducing myself at significant travel and photography events. Sharing a bit of my work when appropriate has led to exciting projects and valuable connections. It’s essential to recognize that these events aren’t just about attendance; they’re golden opportunities to connect with professionals from big brands. Building relationships in person has proven to be a crucial element in advancing my career in photography.
An important project
All those lessons came in handy earlier this year when I had the incredible opportunity to serve as the photographer and producer for an Xbox photoshoot, marking it as one of my career’s most rewarding and enlightening projects. While my expertise primarily lies in cityscape photography, I’m always eager to explore new avenues, and this particular gig delved into the world of product photography using models.
This project was a remote photo shoot; the responsibility extended beyond capturing compelling images. I had to meticulously handle every detail, from scouting the ideal location and managing models and their fees to coordinating food and drinks and overseeing the entire photo shoot process, including lighting equipment and editing. It required a comprehensive approach, and I assembled a dedicated team to ensure its success.
The result was beyond satisfying—I enjoyed the final images, and the client was equally pleased. This project was a powerful realization of my capabilities and reinforced that anything is achievable with the right team. Initially daunting due to the multitude of responsibilities, the experience taught me the importance of order, professionalism, and collaboration. It was a reminder that even the most challenging projects can be executed seamlessly with a strategic approach and a creative team.
Future projects and ambitions
I had never expected this type of gig, but not everything can be planned, and very often, these surprises are opportunities that shouldn’t be ignored. I prefer to relish the present and tend not to think about my life in several ways. What is clear in my plan, though, is a firm commitment to continuous growth. Over the next decade, I’ll focus on improving my photography and videography skills, giving my best in every project—personal or paid. I’m determined to wholeheartedly dedicate myself, believing in the inherent rewards of such commitment.
I aspire to set up my own online fine-art print store and lead photography workshops in the short to medium term. The joy of teaching fellow photographers fuels my passion, and I look forward to contributing to their growth.
As for the distant future, the excitement lies in the journey of self-discovery, embracing challenges, and welcoming opportunities. The prospect of pushing my limits and dedicating myself to the unknown fills me with enthusiasm, and I am ready to navigate this unfolding path with curiosity and unwavering commitment.
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