I feel a strong attraction for people in the streets ...

... are the words of photographer Lex Arias. In our current feature we like to get your attention for this interesting photographer from Venezuela. Please take a look at his photos and read our interview with him:

Lex, please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with. (How old are you, Where were you born and where do you live now, What is your profession and do you have other besides photography?
Thanks for this Interview,  I’m 38 years old, born and living in Venezuela, I’m  ecologist and  dog trainer
 
Have you been involved in the arts in some form other than photography?
Yes, singing and poetry

Seeing your remarkable work, I am curious where your creativity comes from?
Most of my creativity comes from the cotidianity, the observation of people’s relationship with the environment of the cities, and from the beauty of women.

Could you share with us how you first became interested in photography?
The first real contact I had with photography was at the age of 10, when my mother gave me a little 35mm compact camera for my birthday, but  I felt in love with the art at the age of 12, when a relative that was photographer gives me his collection of NatGeo magazines, that was like the big bang of my love for photography
 
What equipment are you using now and with what did you get started? what is your favorite lens?
actually I use a Nikon D3100 a  kit lens,and a 35mm lens and I shoot available light; my   favorite  lens is the 85mm 1.8 but actually not own one

Can you tell us about your work flow from the point you first step onto the street until you showcase the developed picture?
I have two types of workflow, one for paid photoshoots, and other for street photography.
On the first, once the photoshoot is finished, I download the pictures in my computer and inmediatelly import them into Lightroom and make a rapid selection, then I make a backup of all the raw files, and when this is over I choose the files that I’m gonna edit and delete the rest. Then Edit the files, apply keywords, insert my metadata on the files and export the final photos for the client/model.
For my street photography is almost the same, but the edit process doesn’t begins until one or two weeks after the capture of the photos.

Do you see a particular influence, be it a photographer or school on your work? Any subject that attracts you?
my biggest influences are Helmut Newton, William Klein, Steve McCurry and David  Bailey, and I feel a strong attraction for people in the streets, and women
 
What would you say characterizes your work in comparison to other photographers?
The simplicity, I prefer a relax and sober environments for most of my photos, but always on location. That Allows me dedicate all my concentration  on the subject.
 
Among your works, which is your favorite and why?
I love to make location portraits, because I love to show the subjects in enviroments that makes them feel confortable and free, that produces the best portraits

Tell us your funniest or most awkward photography story.
My worst day in photography was during last year protests in my country…  photograph the violence of government forces towards people who protested was really uncomfortable and sad, and almost been arrested for that was even worst

What would you tell a newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
The best advice that I can give to everyone that begins in photography is practice, practice, practice… all kinds of photography can teach you a lot of techniques, don’t be afraid of mistakes.