Adrian Vila — juliewang

I am thrilled to introduce you to an extraordinary artist, Adrian Vila, a Spanish photographer, and video maker whose work has captured the hearts of many on the bustling canvas of social media, particularly Instagram. His distinctive black and white square photography stands out amidst the sea of digital imagery, embodying a beautiful simplicity that resonates deeply. What sets him apart is not just his visual style but his unwavering dedication to his craft. He's a relentless traveler, constantly on the road, seeking out the world's hidden treasures through his lens. Even in the face of adverse weather conditions, he perseveres, revisiting locations to forge a profound connection with the places he captures.

One of his photography can truly represent him in which features him, and his faithful canine companion set against vast, snow-covered landscapes, an embodiment of the serene solitude that drives his inner exploration and photographic pursuits. This is a photographer who delves deep into his soul to uncover the hidden beauty of the world, to chase the unknown, and to translate it into captivating imagery.

Beyond his photography, he productively shares his wisdom and journey on his YouTube channel, where he not only showcases his explorations but also imparts his knowledge of photography and editing. I wholeheartedly recommend exploring his channel for a deeper insight into his artistry.

Through my interview with Adrian, I found myself profoundly inspired by his words. He shared with me the revelation of his "A-Ha moment" when he came to understand what photography truly meant to him and how it shaped his approach to capturing subjects and scenes. This insight into his creative process and the essence of his artistry left an indelible mark, and I'm eager to share his journey and wisdom with you.

1. What initially drew you into the world of photography, and how did you discover your passion for capturing the beauty of nature in black and white? Have you ever had a color photography post publicly?

Photography was always a way to capture moments worth saving for future viewing, to remember people, places and things. To document my life and the lives of those around me. I never thought of photograph as an art form.

That changed when I moved to Portland, Oregon, and I started to explore the incredible landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. I’d always loved nature but that was beyond anything I had ever seen before. It was breathtaking, beautiful, peaceful. It was humbling as well, as I felt like I was part of something much bigger than myself, than any of us. Because I wanted to share all the places I was discovering with friends and family, I bought a small compact camera.

My first few years experimenting with photography were very colorful. I did do plenty of color photography, I even have a section on my website with some of those photos (https://aows.co/projects/color), just because I didn’t really want to lose them.

But after a while, photography didn’t feel fulfilling anymore. In retrospective, I know that happened because I was still capturing what I had in front of me, instead of making what I was seeing. That all changed after a trip where I experimented with black and white. I had done some monochrome work before but it was always an afterthought, a way to “fix” a dull color photograph.

This time was different, black and white was the goal from the beginning. I set my camera to black and white, and there it was, a whole new world. A window to places I could only imagine, but couldn’t see. Similar but different. And that was the moment that everything clicked, there was no going back from there.

More experimentation led me to the square format, I embraced long exposures, I shot film exclusively for almost 2 years, and whatnot. All steps in the journey to create my own style, that is the way I see the world and what I’m trying to share with my work.

2. Your black and white photos have a minimalist and pure quality that highlights the beauty of nature. Could you share where your inspiration for this aesthetic comes from?

My biggest inspiration is the world itself. Even if I had the skills to paint or draw, which I don’t, I wouldn’t be able to improve what this beautiful world has to offer. Getting out there, exploring what’s around us, in search of that that is fleeting, that magical moment, is what inspires me the most. Because when it happens, when everything comes together, it really feels like magic.

3. Your photography is characterized by a unique square format and extremely simple composition. How did you develop your taste and aesthetics over time to create such distinct visuals? (I know that you made a video on a similar topic. Here for those who haven't watched it yet.)

It was through a lot of experimentation. I embraced photography as a lifestyle, something I do everyday, not just something I do a few times a year when I get to travel to exotic locations. I bring my camera with me everywhere. It was through a lot of practice that arrived to something that speaks to me, that resonates with my vision of the world.

The square aspect ratio offers a very harmonious and calming feeling, as long as your composition plays along. The traditional rectangular formats create tension, which is good if that’s what you are trying to do, but square is better to capture peace and calm, in my opinion.

4. Being a traveler who captures the essence of different places, has constantly being on the road affected your perspective on photography and creativity? How has it shaped your works?

Absolutely. I’m a semi-nomad, I spend a few months a year in Spain, a few months in the US, and a few months on the road exploring other countries. This approach has made me appreciate my home(s) even more, because it is clearer to me what is that makes them unique. I don’t take any place for granted.

Also, because I don’t spend too much time in one place, everything feels anew again once I come back months later. It’s a feeling that fades away with time as I get used to the environment, but for a little while I feel like I see things I wasn’t able to see before.

I think that the lack of visual stimulation is something that affects photographers a lot. After living in the same place for a while, we stop seeing, we function in autopilot mode, sort of. We go on with our days but we don’t pause to pay attention. But the beauty is there, the images are there. Constantly being on the move has helped me understand this.

5. Your YouTube channel showcases your shooting and editing process. In your opinion, what does photography truly mean to you? How does this medium allow you to express yourself?

Photography is a window to a world that was invisible to me before. Thanks to photography, I rediscovered my hometown, a place I never thought worth of any consideration but one I absolutely love to photograph. It makes me pause, pay attention, notice things. It made me realize how things change all the time, as I photograph the same location 1, 2, 3 years later. How nothing stays the same, including us. The place has changed, but the way we see it has changed as well. Photography is a tool of self exploration for me, that helps me to know myself better, what moves me, what motivates me.

6. Your work often revolves around simplicity, both in composition and aesthetic. What about this simplicity resonates with you so deeply? What message or feeling do you hope to convey through your work?

I don’t think I have a message, other than showing that beautiful things can be found anywhere. While I love going to exotic locations, where all the photographers go, it is when I’m at home that I enjoy my photography the most. Because I don’t know anyone who created those images I’m creating, it’s just me and my camera. And that is so rewarding. My hope is that I can show other photographers who long for those stunning locations, who can’t wait to get on that plane in a few months, that they can grab their camera right now and try to find something new and beautiful near where they live.

7. Many of your images exude a sense of tranquility and timelessness. Is there a particular emotion or story you aim to convey to your audience through your photographs?

Not really. Just my attempt to find peace through the medium, even in places that might be thought of such thing.

8. Your photography seems to have already developed a mature style. How did you go about nurturing and developing your ideas to create a signature style that's uniquely your own?

Back and forth, daily practice and constant exposure to the outdoors. I spend an insane amount of time outside with my camera. That’s how I get the conditions I want to create the mood I want. It was through all this work that my style developed over time.

I don’t think a style can be developed sitting at home and thinking about it. It takes time, a long time, and work. Trial and error, see what works and what doesn’t.

Many times people ask me why I don’t shoot in color, why I don’t do rectangular aspect ratios, why I don’t take photos of people, why I don’t so many things. While I still experiment behind doors, I’ve found my niche and I think that sticking to it creates the constraints that have allowed me to further develop my photographic language.

9. Traveling and exploring new places often sparks creativity. How do your journeys influence your photography, and how do you maintain your distinctive style while adapting to various landscapes?

It can be very challenging to maintain a style when traveling to vastly different places, but it’s a challenge I really like. I think that being exposed to so many different things on a regular basis has made me able to see images almost anywhere, no matter where I am and no matter where I’m doing. I like to say that there’s always an image to be made out there, and it’s just waiting for you.

10. Lastly, through your photos and videos, what do you hope your audience takes away? Is there a larger message or purpose that you intend to communicate to those who experience your work?

I hope to inspire others in their own journey, wherever they might be in that process. To show that one can find images anywhere, and that they can be made with any camera, that settings are secondary to your vision. In today’s world we are bombarded with things we need to buy, things we need to do, things we need to know. My message is much more boring than that, but I do believe it is more true: you probably have all you need, all you must do is get out there and try it. And do the same the next day, and the next.

Over time, one might find that photography can work as a way to escape the day-to-day life, the stresses and the complications. Something we can do to regain that faith that life can be beautiful, or at least a bit better, if we stop to pay attention.

Thanks Adrian and please find more his work@awos and under the same name of his YouTube channel.

Thank YOU for reading!