1 Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?

My name is Tony Mendes, I've been a photographer specializing in horse photography for 10 years. Since I was a child I was raised in this universe of horses, my grandfather was a farmer and I grew up accompanying him on the farm. I have always been in love with horses and in my teens I started to arouse an interest in photography. I bought my first camera and started photographing my own horses. Over the years I improved my techniques and really fell in love with photography. I started to receive invitations from friends to photograph their horses and more and more photography took up space in my life. Soon I started to receive invitations to photograph in other cities and from then on I started to see photography as a profession.

2 Where did you study photography?

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.

3 Do you remember your first shot? What was it?

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.

4 What equipment do you use?

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.

5 What compliment inspired/touched you the most?

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.

6 What inspires your unique storytelling?

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.

7 What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?

Horses, passion and feeling.

8 Congratulations! As the winner of the MUSE Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?

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

9 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the MUSE Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

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.

10 How has winning an award developed your career?

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.

11 Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.

Don Shugart,

12 What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?

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

13 What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?

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

14 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

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.

15 How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?

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.

WINNING ENTRY

Professional
2024

Photographer / Company

Tony Mendes

Category

Fine Art Photography - Nature

Professional
2024

Photographer / Company

Tony Mendes

Category

Nature Photography - Natural Art

Professional
2023

Photographer / Company

Tony Mendes

Category

Fine Art Photography - Wildlife

Professional
2023

Photographer / Company

Tony Mendes

Category

Nature Photography - Natural Art

Professional
2023

Photographer / Company

Tony Mendes

Category

Nature Photography - Natural Art

Professional
2023

Photographer / Company

Tony Mendes

Category

Fine Art Photography - Wildlife