Words and images: the perfect match

Daydreamer & visual storyteller

I live in a city in the centre of Portugal and I began to photograph very young with an analogical camera.

Recently, I started to enjoy travelling alone to explore the silence and get a full connection with my camera and the art of photography. Azores islands are a truly inspiration to me. However, I consider myself a ‘street walker’.

I’m always attentive and aware of what surrounds me, dreaming about the perfect scene. Photography is the tool I use to get focused in what really matters. And, as a communication specialist, I frequently use storytelling to emphasize the images and establish a connection with those who see them.

Passionate and intuitive

More than enthusiastic, I’m a passionate photographer. I’ve been learning interesting techniques by attending some courses and workshops, yet I still photograph mainly by instinct. The knowledge is priceless – of course, but when I feel that a good moment to shoot may occur, there’s no time to think about it – it’s a matter of seconds, sometimes. If I’m lucky enough, I’ll get a nice capture.

Confidence It’s important. However, there’s no certainty in photography. We must play with a range of options that will influence the result of our pictures. Someone said that “photography is painting with light”. I agree. Although, the framing and the composition are essential, as well as our intuition.

Some mistakes can be solved with a good image edition. I use both versions of Lightroom (desktop and mobile), but other mobile applications can be useful too, if I’m publishing my photos directly in Instagram. Find me there: @lilianasantinhos

Olympus Pen F: my sweet challenge

Now, my camera is an Olympus Pen F – a ‘vintage’ beauty that I couldn’t resist buying, not only by its seductive look or its amazing technical features, but essentially because I wanted to challenge myself and get the thrill to approach people in the streets, even more.

With a 25 mm lens, I have no other option, if I want to do a pleasant job. I’m very demanding with myself, but I guess that’s what makes me grow. Photography is a world of constant discovery from which I’m always learning with pleasure and endless interest.

When I got this wonderful camera – mostly advertised as a man object of desire – I said to myself: “they call it the beast, but I’ll turn it into a sweet challenge”. I’m a woman and I love it!