|
Photo Story by Jose Mata
|
What others say about Jose:
"Jose, you have an incredible vision and talent in showing the beauty of this
wonderful country!"
"These are the most colorful pictures I've ever seen.."
"When I see you pictures, there is only one thing coming into my mind: We do
have to visit Mexico some day."
|
|
In the growing digital imaging market, FeaturePics offers:
-
Transparency. What you see is what you get, no hidden fees.
-
Savings for you. Our images are reasonably priced to fit your budget.
-
Intuitive image searching to ensure you to find exactly what you need, and
easily.
-
Responsive communication with you. We take pride in providing the best
support to our clients.
-
Wide range of images, both Royalty Free and Rights Managed.
-
Appreciation for our artists. Our artists receive 50% commission. This enables
our artists to price their images competitively and pass on the savings to you.
|
|
Golden Ratio. All photos are taken by Jose Mata.
"I have been a photographer for 36 years in wich I had the opportunity to travel
around the world doing landscape and Tourism photography;
I have photographed famous people such as the Pope,Bill Gates,The King and
Queen of Spain,Chancellors, and Presidents of many countries. No one has moved
me more than Pope John Paul II ( The Holy Father ), who after being
photographed, touched my shoulder and told me ( 1979 )."
|
I don't normally relate to numbers except in one case: The Golden Ratio. In
case you haven't noticed, the designation symbol
for FeaturePics is  phi.
The Golden Ratio is considered to be esthetically pleasing to humans. While the
picture is not precisely the Golden Ratio is even more pleasant for me
personally.
Looking at this photograph, my reaction, wow! It's almost the "Golden Ratio".
Let's look for more photographs....
... Jose, I am very happy to discover your photography.
|
OLAS DE CEMENTO
|
I think it was Winston Churchill who said during the rebuilding of the bombed
out Houses of Parliament after WWII, that "first we shape our buildings and
then they shape us".
I strongly believe physical environment "forms" our way of thinking and living.
An accomplished Photographer can transform this physical space into a
two-dimensional image and preserve the magic. Jose's work is the perfect
example of this.
It is not only the right focus, and distance, it is the sun falling on the
table, the parallel lines that come together somewhere, and the foliage that
falls in love with the House color and geometry.
|
LA HUELLA DE BARRAGAN.
|
LA HUELLA DE BARRAGAN.
|
LA HUELLA DE BARRAGAN.
|
In his acceptance of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, Luis Barragan said: "But
as no one ever owes all to his own individual effort, it would be ungrateful
not to remember all those who throughout my lifetime have contributed to my
work with their talents, assistance and encouragement: fellow architects, photographers,
writers, journalists, as well as personal friends who have honored me by taking
an active interest in my work."
Jose was one of the last photographers who worked with Mexican Architrect Luis
Barragan...
|
BELLAS ARTES
|
PAISANO
|
TORRE
|
I have never been to Mexico. When I have a chance - I will go straight to San
Miguel. In the mean-time I go to visit Jose's "San Miguel" gallery.
And I agree with one of Jose's friends, who says: "This gallery gives an
amazing effect of being there...".
I am reading what others say about this gallery: "Estamos de acuerdo! Finura en
todo!" I should ask Jose what does "Estamos de acuerdo! Finura en todo!" mean?
Or I can check a dictionary. I will do it later.
Looking at the narrow cobblestone streets, rock sidewalks, framed doors and
windows, colorfull costumes of inhabitants I enjoy the sound of "Estamos de
acuerdo"... and wish I was there.
|
CASA DE LA TIA TERE
| 
SUEÑOS DE COLORES
|
FIESTA DE MUERTOS
|
|
"OAXACA LA TIERRA DEL MEZCAL" is one of my favorite galleries where color and
geometry blend together. Do you feel the experience of newness, fresheness,
higher levels of energy? I do.
|
I have been a photographer for 36 years. During this
time, I had the opportunity to travel around the world doing landscapes
and Tourism photography. I have photographed many famous people such
as the Pope, Bill Gates, The King and Queen of Spain, Chancellors, and
Presidents of many countries, No one has moved me more than Pope John Paul II (
The Holy Father ), who after being photographed, touched my shoulder and told
me "What a pretty photographic machine you've got."( 1979 ).
I have had the chance to photograph coffee fields, mines, vineyards, cars,
planes, boats and most of the archeological and tourist sites of my
beatiful country.
Photography for me is like the air. I have to photograph to keep breathing. For
many years I have been a traditional phothographer. It took me
a lot of work to make the transition to the digital era. Now
I know I can concentrate on being more creative and leave the
technology to do what I have done manually for so many years.
|
Which camera(s) do you use?
I use a Canon Eos 1 -V - RS / Mamiya 645 AF , medium format / and mi digital
Canon Eos 350.
How do you see the technology evolving with digital cameras in the future? Is all
that's missing are large(r) resolutions when compared to film cameras, or
something else too?
I believe that digital cameras have achieved enough resolution and technology
so that film cameras soon will be an old story.
We have met two kinds of photographers: the ones that believe that a picture
should be "good enough" as shot, and others that use filters and image
manipulation with Photoshop or some other software to get a better/corrected
result. Which group do you believe is "right" in regards to the way a
photograph is presented?
Basically I believe the original photo should be good so it can accomplish
its purpose, and the use of photoshop should not change the main idea, perhaps
only improve it.
Did the introduction of cheap film cameras and nearly cheap digital cameras had a
negative business effect to the profession of the professional photographer?
Yes, I think it has , in my own experience especially with my corporate
clients, they think anyone can take photographs with that kind of cameras.
Is your work always for a client, or do you make pictures for your own pleasure?
What is the percentage for each?
For long time I had to work on several assigments in different photography
fields. These past years I'm spending more time in the kind of
photography that I like, and can use for my stock bank. The porcentage
would be 70 % clients and 30 % for myself.
Do you have a favorite category of photography? (Do you prefer fashion, still
life, action or ? - or do you prefer your Computer Effects pictures?)
Definitely my favorite category is Life Styles shots.
From where do you get your inspiration?
When I get to a place and discover shapes,color and textures, emotions overwelm
me. As I keep capturing more images I feel more inspired, generally the results
are always better.
Have you been inspired by any particular artist/photographer?
I've been inspired by the great masters like Eduard Weston, Irving Penn,
Richard Avendom, Ernest Hass and the Mexican, Guillermo Aldana .
Do you have dreams that you would like to realize?
My dream is, as any photographers dream, to see his images printed in a book.
How did you get your start in photography?
I started 35 years ago selling cameras in a store. I didn't Know a thing
about photography. What I did, was memorize every instruction manual, and
repeat everything like a parrot ( 6 months later I was the best salesman in the
entire store chain and I won my first Minolta SRT 101 35 mm ).
What advice do you have for someone who simply wants to improve their photography
skills?
I would advise them to practice much, and to learn to improve the composition
and the control of the light.
What is one of your favorite places to travel to take photographs?
The city of Oaxaca , full of culture and many photographic subjects.
What do you like most about being a photographer?
To be able to travel and get to know the different cultures, and the freedom to
manage my own schedule.
What do you hate about being a photographer?
Carrying heavy equipment.
|
|