INTERVIEW
Artist and photographer Guadalupe Laiz discusses using beauty to transform how people think about conservation and nature
Guadalupe Laiz on capturing the horses of Iceland, and how music is her ultimate muse when it comes to taking photos
Born and raised in Argentina, Guadalupe Laiz is an international artist, photographer and explorer. She runs her fine art gallery in Aspen, Colorado, and has clients from all over the world.
For the past five years, Guadalupe has created an extensive collection of photography, capturing the beauty and uniqueness of the extraordinary indigenous horses of Iceland, with exhibitions in the US, France, Switzerland and Iceland.
Guadalupe is driven by the belief that art and beauty can transform how people think about conservation and nature.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY, AND HOW?
I started taking photos with an old film Canon camera when I was 16 years old. I took things more seriously after taking photography classes in Argentina, and once I’d attended art school in the US.
WAS IT ALWAYS NATURE THAT YOU WERE INTERESTED IN PHOTOGRAPHING?
My first love for photography and training was in fashion photography. I loved the creative side of it! Things changed for me organically once I started photographing wildlife and horses.
TELL US ABOUT THE FIRST REALLY SUCCESSFUL IMAGE THAT YOU SHOT.
The first successful image I took was an Eiffel Tower photo with 37 exposures on the same piece of film, which I sold to a company in Paris (see page 28).
WHAT WAS THE FIRST LESSON YOU LEARNT ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY THAT YOU STILL USE TODAY?
Don’t be afraid of under or overexposures.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING BOOK, HORSES OF ICELAND.
The Icelandic horse is a special breed that’s loved the world over, with a unique, gentle spirit, acute intelligence, sturdy muscular build and thick fur coat – in a remarkable range of colours.
Over a five-year period, I captured and celebrated the pastoral beauty and grace of these magnificent horses in their natural habitat – the rugged, raw and often otherworldly terrain of Iceland. I’m driven by the belief that art and beauty transforms how people think about conservation and nature, and my desire with the book and this project was to communicate – through art – an awareness of animal abuse, environmental issues and the importance
of educating all generations on making conscious lifestyle decisions that will protect our planet.
The book features around 300 colour images of the serene and spirited horses of Iceland in the rarefied, dramatic backdrop of their native landscape. I’ve also included historical and background information about this special breed of horse, as well as some captivating behind-the-scenes stories about some of the startling, candid moments that were captured from behind the lens.
It’s a book for fans of wildlife photography, nature conservation, exploration, travel, and anyone who admires and appreciates the sublime presence and pure beauty of the majestic horse.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT TO PHOTOGRAPH, AND WHY?
I’m an animal and nature lover. I don’t think I have a favourite, but I did enjoy working alone and having some solo time with the horses. When everything gets quiet, we just had fun together.
HOW DID YOU APPROACH THE BOOK, AND HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO CREATE?
The book took me five years to complete. I started by simply introducing myself to trainers and farms in Iceland, asking for permission to take photos. Over time, the book started to take form and more and more people wanted to participate and collaborate, which is what has made this project so special.
WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY AND IMAGE MAKING?
Music has always been my number one muse. I take music with me and let the locations, the weather and the animals sort of guide me through the process. I don’t really look at what other photographers are doing, in order to help keep my mind like a blank canvas.
WHAT KIT DO YOU SHOOT WITH, AND WHY?
Any full-sensor camera! But mostly I’ll use a Nikon D850. My favourite lens is a prime 85mm, which I use as much as I can.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH IMAGE EDITING?
I do very little editing. What I see in the viewfinder is exactly how I want my final image to be. I overexpose or underexpose on camera and simply tone down my colours in Lightroom.
COULD YOU TALK US THROUGH SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU WENT THROUGH WHEN CREATING HORSES OF ICELAND AND HOW YOU OVERCAME THEM?
The hardest part was the weather in Iceland. But by wearing the right clothing you can spend a lot more time shooting outside.
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO AN ASPIRING EXPLORER AND TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER?
My advice would be don’t worry so much about your gear. Instead, focus on being out and finding the access, and practise, practise practise.
I take music with me and let the locations, the weather and the animals sort of guide me through the process
WHAT DESTINATION WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT THAT YOU’VE NOT BEEN TO YET?
I’m going to photograph polar bears in Churchill, Canada, soon which has been on my endless list of places to visit for a very long time.
WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC CAREER SO FAR?
My first book, Horses Of Iceland, has undoubtedly been my biggest accomplishment yet. It has been a great motivation to keep developing my style.
AND LASTLY, WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY?
I’m constantly photographing and working on lots of different projects at the same time. What’s important to me is to be true to what my heart tells me, and keep myself motivated by following my passions.
HORSES OF ICELAND BY GUADALUPE LAIZ IS PUBLISHED BY TENEUES, TENEUES.COM