Portugese photographer Gil Peres, talks us through his long time passion for sports photography and the changing landscape in the industry over the years. With his focused and action filled style, Peres encapsulates pivotal moments in sport and tells about his dream to photograph at the Olympic Games.
Meet the Contributor: Gil Peres
An interview with Gil Peres.
Let’s kick off, how did you get started in photography and why?
Photography is a long time passion, since the analogic cameras. I´m a motorsport passionate, and my first pictures were taken a long time ago, in the glory days of the Group B world rally cars, in the 80´s. Those days, without smartphones and selfies, photography was the best way to keep us `close´ to our sports idols.
What was your first experience with a camera?
With a Minolta analogic camera, with an Agfa 400 iso film, taking some night photos in Portugal World Rally championship in a stage, here in Viseu, where I live. No great pics, lots of car flares, but I felt good at the time.
What five words describe your photographic style or captured message?
Observation, focus, instant, action, storytelling.
What is the best element about being a photographer, and most challenging?
It’s awesome when you know that the pictures you take are unique, and you have a story to tell with them. The most challenging element is telling that story the best you can.
To you, what is the role photography has in the world?
Irreplaceable role!
What one important lesson has your work taught you?
In work, as in life, everything you do, must be the best of you.
What is currently really getting you frustrated or annoyed?
The kind of banalisation in this job now. Anyone with a camera or a smartphone thinking that they are a photographer.
If you could photograph any historical event, what would it be and why?
The Olympic Games. That´s the top of the top sports events, where any sports photographer dreams of being one day.
“It’s awesome when you know that the pictures you take are unique.”
What does success look like to you?
A climb that never ends! But, we keep climbing!
What’s your go to album to listen to when you’re working right now?
MUSE!
Photo: IMAGO. Gil PeresPhoto: IMAGO. Gil PeresPhoto: IMAGO. Gil PeresPhoto: IMAGO. Gil PeresPhoto: IMAGO. Gil PeresPhoto: IMAGO. Gil PeresPhoto: IMAGO. Gil Peres