Tony Mendes

When I started studying photography I was self-taught, but from the beginning I was always very dedicated and studious. I started to study lighting techniques, composition, equipment, and as there was no specific course on horse photography, I started to develop my own techniques, based on what I had learned studying other segments of photography. Until today I never let myself settle down, I keep studying, learning and developing new techniques to improve my work.

My first shot was of a mare with her foal. I was on my grandfather's farm and from afar I saw the mare with her foal in a field. I found the scene very beautiful and I approached slowly to try to photograph them. It was a very special day, even though my photos weren't so good back then. I lost those photos, but I remember that day very well.

I use various equipment according to each specific job. As today I serve important horse breeders, as well as artists, publishers and magazines, I need to have the latest equipment to deliver the required quality. My main equipment is mirrorless cameras, mostly telephoto lenses, stabilizers. In addition to lighting equipment such as LEDs, flashes, light diffusers.

I think the biggest compliment is when your work is recognized. When I had my first magazine cover photo, it was undoubtedly a very special moment in my career.

My great source of inspiration is the horses themselves. They are incredible creatures, they have a grandeur that few animals have and at the same time, a lot of elegance and their movements. I also look for a lot of inspiration in other art segments, such as cinema, paintings, theater.

Horses, passion and feeling.

Thanks! It is a feeling of great gratitude, having the recognition of a work that took years of study, dedication and patience.

This was a job I did in one of my photography workshops. I was teaching lighting techniques and horse posture when I took these photos. We never know when we're going to take a winning photo, sometimes they come when we least expect it. I am very happy with the results of these photos.

Photography awards are very important for every photographer's career. It's a way for us to put our photos to the judgment of other professionals and see if we're really on the right track. In addition to the credibility that is generated in the international community.

Don Shugart, Álvaro Maya and Albert Watson.

Do your job, always give your best and don't mind the bad reviews.

Believe in what you do, always give your best and never stop seeking knowledge, thinking you already know everything is the path to failure.

There is no key to success, there is a path to success. Achieving it takes a lot of dedication, investment and patience. Striving and being prepared for opportunities.

Just like the world, photography is constantly evolving and today with social networks this evolution is getting faster and faster. Keeping up to date and keeping up with market trends is very important for the photographer.