Diego Cesar Monroy Chaparro
1. Congratulations on winning in the European Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
I am Mexican, and I love photography; I started taking photos with my cell phone two and a half years ago, and each one captures a story, a reality, and the cultural context of the various places I have visited.
2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
I am deeply honoured to be recognised by the European Photo Awards, one of the world's premier photography competitions; I will never forget this achievement, and I thank the organisers for receiving and evaluating my work.
It is the greatest achievement of my competition entries, and both of my photographic works were winners.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
Based on the track record of other awards or publications and the quality demonstrated, each competition is a unique opportunity to showcase your work and gain recognition.
4. What first made you pick up a camera?
I wanted to document and take street photography, so i took up photography and began my photography career from there!
5. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
Documentary and street photography.
6. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
Admiration and joy.
7. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
Aiming the camera in the right direction and waiting for the precise moment—with the chain of volcanoes, the window of opportunity was brief because I was visiting the site as part of a tourist tour.
8. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
Valle de Colca, in Perú.
9. Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
All the curators and photographers who have seen my work—they all deserve my respect and admiration. The photography community is phenomenal, yet it faces various difficulties and dangers. It is an honour to be recognised.
10. What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
Find your best photograph, present it, take a risk, and always seek to improve and surpass yourself.
11. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Be persistent and love what you start doing.
12. What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
For any work being submitted to a competition, an assessment regarding editing and basic enhancements (such as lighting) can be useful. In my case, it's not much.
13. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
AI is also being evaluated and studied in most photography competitions. The essence of a photograph lies in social and cultural reality; AI will never replace reality—the street, protests, or landscapes—but it is useful to understand it.
14. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
I would like to photograph historical figures such as scientists and pioneering photographers.
