I started to take photos while I was in university. I studied mathematics and soon this abstract world became too much at some point. Photography started as a way to escape from this, and it became a real passion.

You say you taught yourself photography, what inspired you to teach yourself?

I don’t really know how it started, but I think the internet had a lot to do with me wanting to learn more. Nowadays there is so much visual information and so many good new photographers. Images are all over the web, in social networks, in artistic platforms. It’s almost difficult to avoid the information. Seeing other beautiful work made me want to become better.

You say photography was a form of escape for you, how do you feel when you go out and take photos?

I have fun. I am not trying to escape anymore (since I finished my studies) and just enjoy it. Also if it is commissioned work and I need to deliver something, I always enjoy it. I love photography!

You take a lot of portraits, why are you drawn to portraiture photography?

I like to see what is behind the person and try to show it somehow. It is not just about plain portraits but about people in they’re surroundings. The atmosphere in portrait photography is essential for me. A person in a living room with low light reading a book, or the same person in a huge landscape in the nature. It is a completely different feeling!

How did you get into fashion photography?

I don’t know how I got the idea, but at the end for me it is a type of portraiture. Styling and make up comes in the game, and I think it is really interesting especially how good styling can totally change a picture. It is very inspiring to meet creatives from different branches and produce something together.

Which fashion photographers do you admire?

I like Cass Bird, Juergen Teller Tim Barber, Bruna Kazinoti, Jamie Hawkesworth, Charlie Engman… and many others.

Tell us about your time in Norway, how did it change your life?

Norway opened my eyes. Nature there is overwhelming. I travelled a lot over the country, I walked over enormous frozen lakes, I spent nights in cabins in the middle of nowhere, all these snowy mountains, the empty spaces, the contrast between nature and people is at its greatest there. I started to see things differently from that point on.

You currently live in Berlin, Berlin is valued as an artistic hub, do you find the city inspiring?

I do, Berlin is full of very interesting people and there is always events going on. Apart from that, I love the soviet side from the city and find it amazing for pictures. There is many huge buildings or streets which are half empty. It is very impressive.

How does it differ to your home city Barcelona?

I love both cities. Barcelona has the sea, mountains, the sun and also a great artistic side. Berlin is less tidy and more chaotic. The mix of people is bigger here. It is cheap, and there is such a big variety of cafes and restaurants here, I love it. Barcelona is a more quiet and relaxed city. I think the weather also helps on that.

Do you feel your photography has developed since you first started?

Yes, totally. At the beginning I was just trying it out. I learned a lot since then, and still do. I am sure in some years the photos I do will be quite different to the ones I do today.

Do you feel your photography reflects you as a person?

I always try to do what for me is appealing. In that sense I think by seeing my pictures you are also seeing me, somehow.

What would make your dream photo-shoot?

A shoot in some futuristic place, inside a space navy or one of this old soviet futuristic buildings. They are amazing!

Whats next for you, any exciting trips or projects ahead? 

I have some new editorials that have to come up soon. Apart from that, this summer I am travelling to the USA and will visit many national parks, deserts and canyons. I can’t wait to be there!

Wow so exciting!! We can’t wait to see the photos after you trip! 🙂 Thanks so much Lara! If you want to check out more of Lara’s amazing work click the link below:

www.laraalegre.com

Until next week for more ‘Mia Meets…’ or more Mia Kingsley:

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xxx