We caught up with Victor to find out what made him choose to live in
Ibiza and what it is about the island that inspires him
Why did you move to Ibiza?
Well, I lived in Mykonos, Greece for three summers in the ’90s and I had
a few friends in Ibiza so figured I’ll give it a try. I knew that I
would love it. And I did. My first time here was in 2000.
What inspired you to become a photographer?
The desire to document my experiences throughout my life but traveling
really gave me the excitement to push a hobby into a profession.
Do you specialize in any particular type of photography, if so, which?
My basis is reportage but in essence my style has evolved into a free
wheeling take on the spontaneity of life. I call it Camera Verit. But I
am sought after to bring this style into jobs and commissions of
commercial, fashion, travel, reportage and portraits.
What is it about Ibiza that appeals to photographers?
The beauty and the possibilities of capturing a lifestyle that is more
free then the rest of the world.
How does the island inspire you?
I am inspired by its Mediterranean climate and culture but also the
attitude of the people. This inspires me to spread this attitude across
the globe.
Ibiza is a magical place; is the balance between the spiritual and
hedonistic what makes the island unique?
Ibiza is magical because of the people that live here. Of which many are
spiritual. The way most of the world should be. This is why I love it.
We are a seed for the world to grow from and to learn from. Also, the
world of materialism seems very far away from here. Of course
materialism exists here but spirituality is the number one attribute to
this islands collective consciousness and feeling.
Given that balance, does Ibiza offer two different worlds for a
photographer to capture?
Yes, but I would not classify into just two. You have the nature,
characters, beauty and serious cosmopolitan nightlife.
Which do you prefer?
I love photographing many things but I think I prefer shooting typical
island life. All those typical club shots tend to bore me.
What makes a good picture?
Well, of course composition, subject and lighting but the definitive
quality to any photograph is ‘the decisive moment’. That moment is what
separates a really good photograph and a photograph that is timeless and
priceless. It takes a great eye to see the inner most essence of a
situation. That is something that can be learned but some people have it
naturally.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve witnessed through your lens?
There are two instances actually; the first was in Ibiza in 2001. It was
during Semana Santa when I first saw the ‘Nazarenos’ following the pasos
of Christ. They are dressed in the hooded pointy hats that cover their
faces. The Ku Klux Klan stole this idea from them. Growing up in New
York this blew me away. The second was at a Hollywood party for older
stars from a bygone era. It was strange because of all of the plastic
surgery that these stars had acquired was not holding up with age. It
was quite tragic and sorrowful to say the least: a testament to a sad
culture.
Photographers are notoriously self conscious about appearing in front on
the camera, why is that?
Perhaps because most photographers are observers or documentarians at
heart and don’t like their image taken. In front of movie cameras I
become a bit nervous in speaking but in front of still camera’s it’s
smile away.
