What’s in your camera bag?
- Sony A7 lll R
- 50 MM lens
- 16.25 lens
- Prisms
Where do you get the latest news on new gear? Where do You usually buy new gear?
I usually go for any type of original from Sony. I buy everything online.
How is photography making the world a better place in 2024?
I am the kind of person who truly believes art can change lives. It changed mine. My art is mostly focused on showing the subjects/ models/ artists in front of me – that they matter; they are truly beautiful exactly as they are at this exact moment in time. I wouldn’t change a thing about anyone who shows up & gives me their pure vulnerability and trust. I believe this kind of artmaking can change the world. I say that without fear or shame. Always will. Art can save the world. Making art can save the world.
What emerging photography trends do you foresee gaining popularity in 2024?
I see people using AI more and more. Last year, the art world was a little surprised by what it means to introduce AI as an independent visual medium. Today, I think more and more people are using it as a tool to make the craft run smoothly and faster. The world is focused on mass production and fast trends. Well, when it is about pure art making, there is no such thing as fast yet. AI helped a lot of craftsmen to improve and become more efficient in their work. I’m one of the people who used Dall-e and Midjourney, and now I use Photoshop Beta (AI new features) to create and make my work stand out by learning these tools and applying them without abusing them. There is a great future ahead!
If you could pick a photography mentor in 2024, who would you pick? Why?
I would choose Paolo Roversi without a doubt.
The unavoidable question: How do you see the use of artificial intelligence or machine learning impacting photography in 2024?
I use it very often. Especially the new feature from Photoshop that can generate almost anything in such a wonderful and accurate way. I also use Midjourney almost every week for specific work and projects. I recently finished a project where I generated over 1000 photographs. In this kind of project, I used traditional photography + AI, and it worked wonderfully, making everyone really amazed with the work.
What is your favorite photography-related book or resource that will continue to have a significant impact on your career in 2024? Why?
I often go back to Photography Books. I love looking at photographers that are very different compared to what I do. For example, I often look at Sebastião Salgado’s books & Annie Leibovitz’s ‘Wonderland’, which was a gift I will always love. Also, books with architecture or brutalist art.
What is your go-to method for overcoming creative block and finding inspiration in 2024?
I never experienced creative block because I never allowed myself to step back and analyze too much what I do. The reason is – if I analyze too much, I freak out and block. It happened before in insignificant situations ( compared to what I do now ), like exams or little performances. I would panic. It was some sort of lesson for me in small doses. Taking that information – I believe in a continuous work ethic. A natural flow. I see myself as a river that has no reason to stop moving now because it was made to go and go and go in peace, minding my own “business“.
If you could give one piece of advice to a beginner in photography, what would it be?
This is not a regular job, this is not an office job, and this is not a job that saves lives every day (sometimes it could, I’m not denying that), but look at this craft, photography, as your partner. As someone who will never leave you, will always listen to you, and will forever be giving without asking for anything in return. The most passionate and pure love you’ll meet. Choose to see it as a person that also needs attention and care, love and respect, but most of all, honesty and truth. And when you do that, I promise you (and I usually avoid promises) it will be the best partner of your life.
As creators, we need to be the leaders of change.
Luana Seu
Can you share a specific tool, technology, or software that has revolutionised your workflow and significantly enhanced your creative process as a photographer?
Well, Photoshop became my “best friend” a couple of years ago and stayed this way since. I just embrace every change that happens in Adobe in general. Everything they will incorporate with AI. I will be there to try it and use it gladly.
NFT and photography? Any thoughts?
I haven’t tried NFT yet. Someday, maybe, but for now, I’m still looking into ‘in-person’ exhibitions and galleries that are curated by people I get to meet in person.
What is your biggest strength and your biggest weakness as a photographer in 2024?
Strength – I can communicate my needs and wants to a client or a subject easily, firmly, respectfully and honestly. I know what kind of work I want to create, and I’m not afraid to communicate that.
Weakness – I am still in the process of accepting my worth. I am practising daily to see myself as an artist who is worthy of being wanted and seen, yet I can call it a weakness because I am in a process, and I sometimes fail to accept my worth.
What is the biggest challenge in your photography genre in 2024? What are the solutions?
I understand that AI won’t take my job as long as I learn to “ride that wave” instead of getting crushed by the amount of information and tools developed daily.
Is there anything else you would like to add or any final thoughts you would like to share about your artistic journey, inspirations, or the impact you hope to make through your photography?
I wish all the creators to be open to new possibilities to create. I wish that for myself as well because we can get overwhelmed by life at times to even consider incorporating
Society asks us as individuals to accept “the more.” Yet, as creators, we need to be the leaders of change, the ones on the front lines who choose to work more, be more curious, and become MORE without fear or second thoughts. Yes, I know. Less is more, but more is always more.
- Which social media platform do you use the most as a photographer?
— Instagram - Will you use or experiment with NFT in 2024?
— No - Do you think the always-improving cameras on smartphones will result in less work for professional photographers in 2024?
— Yes - What is your motto for 2024?
— Just live smiling. Things will happen either way. Just live and create. - Favourite photography digital tool in 2024
— Ai Adobe & Topaz - Can you name one unconventional location or setting that photographers should explore to create memorable images?
— Anything underwater & in a museum that’s about to close and it is almost empty.
- Name one unconventional source of inspiration that photographers should explore for fresh ideas in 2024.
— Pinterest is always a good place to “surf”. - Which photography trend will dominate the industry in 2024?
— AI-generated work. - Three must-have photography gadgets or tools for aspiring photographers?
— Adobe, 50 mm lens, creative prisms - Which photography conference, workshop, event, exhibition, etc., would you recommend to photographers in 2024?
— Biennale – around the world are always so great & Fotografiska New York
- One underrated photography technique that can instantly enhance a photographer’s portfolio.
— Painting with light. - Who to follow on social media or take inspiration from in 2024?
— Zhong Lin and Isamaya French - What is the most innovative use of technology you’ve seen in photography recently?
— AI - Which online platform or marketplace is currently the best for photographers to sell their work and reach a wider audience?
— I don’t use other than my website to sell my work and book.
Would You Like to Know More About Luana Seu?
Listen to our podcast interview with Luana Seu.
