Fernando Penhos Zaga, Metaverse Fashion Photographer Based in Mexico City
At the Bezalel Academy of Arts in Jerusalem and UNAM in Mexico, Fernando Penhos Zaga studied art history, art curatorship, art direction, painting, and fashion photography. He resides and works in Mexico City and transferred the photos into the metaverse using AI. He's a talented photographer of metaverse fashion.
What led you to become a photographer?
I have always been enamored with old family portraits and random snapshots and the way they serve as windows through time. But, more importantly, it's my obsession with light, lens flare, and all kinds of distortions that the naked eye can't perceive.
What makes you want to take photographs?
My motivation stems from my parents. My dad has always had a deep love for lenses, both the outcome of a camera (still images and movies) and the cameras themselves. On the other hand, my mom has consistently fostered in me a sense of wonder, which plays a significant role in photography.
What is a project you worked on that genuinely altered your perspective or career?
Rather than a single project, the greatest "game-changer" for me occurred when my dear friend "Kartoshka" introduced me to AI image creation. Immediately, my mind started racing at a million miles per hour, and since then, I have been creating nonstop.
What motivates you to do your best work?
Sheer passion drives me, along with my love for witnessing my imagination coming to life through images.
What is it like for you to work as a photographer in the metaverse?
Honestly, it feels incredible. Even though I have been working and experimenting with digital photography and compositing for years, I now feel like my computer has transformed into my camera. By employing the language of photography, I can literally "paint with light."
Explain the process you took to create the images that became part of the metaverse.
There is no exact process that can be described. Inspiration can derive from a movie, a song, an artist, a memory, or even a feeling. Then, I begin combining and compositing various cut-outs, including real photography and AI-generated "tailor-made objects," over a background. It's a process akin to that of a digital graphic printer.
How do you keep abreast of emerging technologies and trends in the metaverse photography sector?
If something piques my interest, I always strive to stay up to date. I immerse myself completely, making it an integral part of my life. Embracing change is crucial, and I always seek to leverage it to my advantage. I have witnessed numerous people become angry at technology, perceiving it as a threat. I often draw a parallel with the changes brought about by digital photography and Photoshop. People were initially fearful, thinking that all photography-related jobs would vanish. On the contrary, we adapted, and the same adaptation needs to occur now. Personally, I believe photography is not going anywhere; it's here to stay. However, photography for publicity and advertisement are over the way we know it. Huge and expensive productions are no longer needed.
Do you have any ideal partners or brands with which you'd like to work?
I would love to collaborate with any brand that shares the same passion for the future as I do. Additionally, working with high fashion houses and creating incredibly creative campaigns together would be a dream come true.
How do you like to spend your free time when you're not taking pictures?
I am extremely passionate about art, so I am constantly on the lookout for exhibitions, museums, galleries, and art fairs to visit. I’m also an art dealer and restaurateur, so, to me, hunting for art and restoring damaged pieces, is the most fun I can have. However, my two greatest passions are traveling and spending time with my loved ones and my beloved dogs.
Can you offer any pointers or recommendations to aspiring photographers who want to work in the metaverse photography sector?
Never obsess over gear. While it is true that using quality materials is essential for creating high-quality art, people tend to become fixated on the tools rather than focusing on creativity. This advice applies to both the physical world and the metaverse.
Social Media.
Instagram: @ernando_penhos_zaga
Article by Paras Goyal, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine
*All images courtesy of Fernando Penhos Zaga
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