Student - Sergio Leyva

Student - Sergio Leyva

How long were you into photography before starting the course?

My interest in photography started right after I finished university in 2007.

What is the main piece of advice you would tell someone interested in photography?

Photography is more of a journey than a profession, and it’s of utmost importance to know why we started it. Then, and paraphrasing HCB: “Live, and life will give you photos”. 

Now, a more practical advice would be to study the work of the masters, read about photography (not just about the technical part of it), and constantly keep taking photos. 

What advice would you give someone starting this course? 

Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. This not only will save you and your mentors a lot of time, but also will give them a better idea of how to work with you. Also be prepared to be pushed out of your comfort zone.

How did you find learning with others of a similar ilk? 

It was a very enjoyable experience, as we were able to learn from each other’s perspectives and experience.  

What goal did you have for yourself starting this course? 

I wanted to consolidate my photography into a more pragmatic practice, and I also wanted to produce a new body of work, completely different from everything I had done before. 

How has your work progressed since the mentorship?

I would say that it has become more honest and that I have developed a more introspective approach. Also, my commercial practice was given a reality check and a healthy dose of pragmatism, a quite liberating experience I may add.

How did you find the workload?

 It was quite doable, even while holding down a full-time job.

What did you NOT expect to gain from the mentorship program?

To trust the visceral impulse that makes me press the shutter. 

www.sergioleyvaphotography.com
www.instagram.com/sergioleyvaseiglie


Interview by 
Caitlyn Hurley and Nate Warburton.