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Interview of Xavi Cardell

Could you introduce yourself a little, talk a bit about your background?

44 years and "photoaddict"!
Not very experienced to be honest, I started photography in 2008.
I studied photography for a few years at IDEP (Escola Superior Image i Desseny - Barcelona) while continuing non-stop my own research.
I then set up a studio in Barcelona and then a year later, in my hometown of Ciutadella de Menorca (Balearic Islands), where I now work as a photographer and I teach photography and Photoshop.

When, how and why did you begin to make photography?

I worked all day on the computer: design and engineering.
In 2008 when the economic crisis began, I lost much of my work, my income and my motivation. It was then that my wife offered me a reflex camera for Christmas, it was a revelation and since my life is photography.

What do you like in this form of expression?

The photograph enables to express themselves without needing words. Even if you misrepresent or embellish reality, this is easier to do with the image that by writing.

What are the themes that you like to photograph?

The architecture and the human body, not only women's bodies. I love the lines, shapes ... and light to draw them.

What are you looking to share through your photography?

Obviously, my emotions. Sometimes you can see something impossible to express other than a photograph. It is so simple and just ...
For me, sensual photography is 4 steps ... The first is the inspiration, the second shooting ... share this magic moment with the model, the third is the editing and processing, and the last, not least, is to appreciate the result. Once this process is complete and you are satisfied, you can keep for yourself or share it with others. This is good for his ego ...
What I want is to share my vision of beauty with honesty and heart.

What is your idea of sensuality?

Anything that is not pornographic or explicit but rather anything that causes an emotion. You can feel the sensuality in a body but also in a flower, a car or a simple piece of wood ... It needs above all a beautiful light, good framing ... to make emotions flow.
Furthermore, in my opinion, a good sensual photo needs awaken the reader's imagination. If a picture is too explicit, it no longer be sensual.

What photographers fascinate and / or inspire you?

Some masters as Mapplethorpe and Man Ray, of course, but I am very interested in new talents working today, it would be difficult to mention them all ... If I had to choose, I must admit to being fascinated by Olga Boris and Ingo Dumreicher.

How do you prepare a session of shooting?

I still have a little trouble sleeping thinking about shooting the next day.
The day before of a meeting, I do no research, because otherwise the influence of the work of others could ruin the idea of my first photos. I need to keep my heart as "virgin" to be able to express myself.

What (s) camera (s) do you use ?

I started with a Nikon D90, but also a Hasselblad Xpan (film) with a 90mm objective.
Today, I work with a Nikon D700 and a D800 my new baby.
But the camera does not matter, what matters is to have a good lens. I use f: 1.4/50mm or Micro Nikkor f:2.8/105mm if the shots are in the studio otherwise with a Nikkor f:2.8/24-70mm or a beautiful for Carl Zeiss 18mm for particular views.

What (s) techniques do you prefer?

I especially like the continuous light, no doubt about it, and not necessarily in the studio. But this is very personal because I love the work of other photographers made with flashes in the studio.

How and why did your photography changed?

I started as an amateur, self-taught, with a desk lamp as a source and few means (which required a lot of post-processing of raw images, I must admit), so obviously my photography has changed technically. Now I try to make few pictures during a session, without improvement by treatment with just minimal retouching.
On the artistic point of view, I do not know if my work evolves, I'd say it's more mature ... but I'd be lying.

What brings you the internet media?

On the internet you have to sort it out. The amount of information, images and new talent is huge and easily accessible. This is a good thing, but there is a kind of "pollution" with it. We must learn to maintain ...
Internet can inspire new ideas and trends work of other photographers, but must still to keep her / his personality and her / his own direction.

What do you expect from a website like Sensual Photography?

Every day (unless I have a photo session planned), I open Sensual Photography and I look at the latest images and new photographers registered ... and I chose a few favorites.
Find inspiration for my photographic work ... without copying.

What are your plans?

No projects ... just continue to enjoy this beautiful way of life, that's all.

What would you add?

Because you give me the opportunity, I would like to say a big thank you to Nicole and François for their help in the promotion of our photography.