"I don’t look for beauty but for aesthetic"
Get to know the man behind the camera; french photographer, alfonso Bernabéu.

Can you tell me a little bit about where you’re from and where you grew up?

I was born in Paris from an immigrant Spanish Family. I lived there until I was 23, then I moved to Madrid where I live now.

What was your first exposure to photography and what led you to pursue this further?

My very first contact with photography was the LP covers that I used to listen to. I was very curious at that time and would look for the photographer’s credits. I also put my hands on amazing photographers books at the local library. I really love the fact that these people work was full of their imaginary and created a world of beauty, aesthetic where nothing bad could happen. So I guess I insisted on becoming a photographer myself because I wanted to express and share my inner world.

Where is your favourite place to capture your photographs?

I’m a studio photographer. I like the intimacy of the studio. It’s easier for me to control things. Whenever I’ve shoot outdoors I get nervous. I don’t really feel comfortable with people looking at me.

What was the most difficult or awkward experience you endured as a photographer?

The fashion photography Master I did at this Art School here in Madrid. I’m still processing it (LOL).

What is something you wish people knew about you as a photographer or about photography in general?

I do fashion but somehow I try to reference what has to do with we may call “art”. I don’t look for beauty but for aesthetic. I try not to make cute images but something that goes beyond a cute model in nice and expensive clothes.

Aside from your camera what is other crucial or essential equipment you use to create your work?

Lately I have been really obsessed with projectors and how you can use them to create new images that you obviously register with the camera.
Also I’ve experimenting with scanners. Both of these two create really raw images.

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring or up & coming photographers?

Work hard, again and again. Be honest with yourself and your work. Don’t get bad for other people’s achievement and become close friend with your frustration and insecurities!

What kind of photography work do you undertake?

I keep on contacting models, shooting and developing my portfolio. Also I am working on a photographic project based on the concept of “monstrosity” which can be very wide and personal. Beside that it’s always about knocking on as many doors as you can!

What is your biggest inspiration as a photographer?

Inspiration is always a tricky thing for me. I love watching at other photographer’s work but I trying not to get too inspired by it. Although I used a lot of music and I work. Usually it puts me in a certain mood. This allows me to visualise images and create them. But I guess inspiration is everywhere, sometime a starting point is just a pair of shoes, sometimes it’s a model or a light.

Could you share with us the most rewarding experience you have had as a photographer? Or a career highlight!

For sure the scholarship I got at a Madrid photography school years ago. Also the first time one of my photos was on the cover of a magazine, that was kind of cool!