Interview Pia Riverola

Published in Others Magazine Print Issue 2 in March 2021

When and where you are the most creative?

I’m the most creative when given the least amount of direction or guides, when I can create freely without necessarily having a story in mind, or a subject. I bring my camera with me almost always and at times I end up spontaneously shooting the best photos/stories, and sometimes nothing happens in one day. It’s a combination of a lot of factors but my creative process starts when there are no limitations.

Do you have a routine when you arrive in a new place? If yes, what do you do?

I like walking around, asking locals what recommendations they have, and what are their favor- ite spots, they maybe end up walking me to an amazing restaurant, or showing me their favorite go-to. I don’t like over-planning since that goes against things happening naturally and usually stay away from online travel websites or tour guides since these mostly end up being targeted for bigger groups of people and usually not as special.

Has the process of taking photos changed the way you look at things? How do you work out your photographs?

Yes, it has completely changed the way I look at things. My eye has become more aware of every- thing surrounding me and almost searches for moments or things to capture. I’m also way more attentive of the light at every moment of the day and how light projects in the people and on the landscape around me.

Do you remember the first moment you realized you could create for living?

I think I’m still in the process of realizing it, it comes and goes. There are moments in which that realization is very rooted in me, when things happen organically and with no final purpose other than capturing my view of life, and there are other moments where I’m not necessarily creating art but using my style and technique for other photography assignments or purposes. At this mo- ment I think one can’t survive without the other so I keep trying to have a balance between both.

What is the most important to you in what you do?

In my personal work it’s very important to capture real stories and honest moments that happen naturally.

“I like capturing very different subjects simultaneously, it can go from documentary photography to architecture in a second.”

What do you find fascinating?

Light.

Which lens you prefer?

75mm and 80mm mm for medium format are great lenses that allows me to capture people portraits as well as wider shots.

Which color you gravitate toward the most?

It varies a lot depending on the subject, but I’m very attracted to warm tones and first/last light of the day.

Best piece of advice you ever receive and give?

It sounds like a cliche, but to not be afraid of failing. Although that’s something that you learn by yourself slowly, rather than a piece of advice. I remember so many people giving me advice some years ago and I remember it was difficult to understand and listen to others when fear is every- where. I think determination, vulnerability and perseverance are a great combination.

What are you working on right now, projects or activities?

I’m working on a book about my past 6 years in Mexico and a fine art print store, one is live the other is a work in progress.

www.piariverola.com

@piariverola