PHOTOGRAPHER CHRIS NAVARRO
Christian Navarro is a documentary and fashion photographer from Barcelona. Navarro got his start in front of the camera first, as a fashion model. It was on a trip to Thailand he felt that the camera had become an extension of himself and a way to share his perspective of the world with others. His signature style goes beyond conventional images, wanting to evoke and provoke emotions.
Photography is the ability to freeze every single moment of life to let it last forever. It has shaped my identity.
Your greatest inspirations and influences Chris.
Well for a long time, I followed some of the greatest photographers of all time, and that is a long list. I also tried for a long time ( using many rolls of film) to recreate their style, and I quickly realized I had to find my own. True inspiration comes from within yourself, by allowing you to feel and be vulnerable to what is around you. Feelings, emotions, dreams and fantasies. My life itself is my greatest influence.
Tell us about your creative process.
I would say 85% of the time my work is improvised. In general, I really try to get lost in my creative process, and when I’m in the zone, I try not to let anything or anyone distract me. Life happens in front of our eyes not on a plan on a piece of paper.
Tell us why your trip to Thailand was your start in photography behind the lens.
I’ve always been curious in nature, wanting to learn about people and their stories. it was there I decided to get myself a camera so that I could start capturing those stories and people. I realized then, it was not enough for me to be in front of the camera, and I just wanted to create.
What does it mean to create heart-felt imagery?
As documentary photographers, we have an enormous responsibility because we are the storytellers, and we should not alter reality. As messengers, our goal is to have an impact in society through our work, either to inspire, or motivate- or simply relay a message. Heartfelt imagery for me is a necessary part of my work because it allows me to show audiences how I feel about the world or a certain situation.
What does well-being mean to you?
I’m a man of basics. I don’t need much, I grew up in a family where we learned to survive with what we had, and to share with others. I have goals as a photographer, but essentially I always come back to the basics, which is where I find my inner peace and serenity.
Anything else you would like to share?
I would really like to thank your team for this opportunity. I really appreciate the work you guys are putting out there, I know times are very hard, but creative communities like yours really help the world to be a nicer place sharing the human experience with empathy and connections.
