Member Spotlight: Carlos Juarbe
Carlos Juarbe, CMC Co-Director
What do you enjoy most about being part of Camera of the Month Club, and how has it influenced your approach to photography?
Being part of the Camera of the Month Club has been incredibly rewarding. What I enjoy most is the sense of community and shared passion for photography. The exposure to different approaches of photography pushes me to experiment with various styles and techniques, ultimately enhancing my approach to photography.
Is there a specific theme, style or subject in photography that resonates with you? How has this passion shaped your creative process of story-telling?
Portrait photography resonates deeply with me, as it provides a unique opportunity to capture the essence of individuals and the stories we want to portray. The intimacy of portrait photography allows me to explore the relationship between the subject and the viewer. Portraits has significantly shaped my creative storytelling process. I focus on building a connection with my subjects, often engaging in conversation to understand their backgrounds and emotions. This rapport helps me to capture their authentic selves, resulting in images that feel genuine and relatable.
Are there any exciting projects, creative challenges, or personal goals you’re working toward in your photography journey this year or even further down the line?
This year, I’m particularly excited about my recent acquisition of a Pentax 17 half-frame camera. The unique format allows for a fresh perspective on composition and storytelling, and I’m eager to experiment with its capabilities. One of the key projects I’m diving into is creating diptychs. This format challenges me to think critically about the relationship between the two photos, enhancing the narrative and emotional depth of each piece.
As I explore this new direction, I’m also setting personal goals to expand my skills in visual storytelling. I aim to capture a series of diptychs that highlight contrasting themes, such as solitude and connection, joy and sorrow, or urban and natural environments. This will not only push my creative boundaries but also allow me to delve deeper into the stories behind each subject.
Could you share 3-5 images from a recent project or series that feel especially meaningful to you? What’s the story behind these photos, and what inspired you to create them?.
Inspired by the 1972 surrealist ball, I’ve been inspired to use masks to tell stories and replace the model. Giving them a way to express themselves as a different character.
