Daniel Cañete – Capturing creative moments became my job.

On this occasion, we are introducing Daniel Cañete, an Argentinian photographer who loves his country and who is focused on the subject of creative photography, which surrounds each of his snapshots.

Where were you born? I’d like to hear a little about yourself, when and how you started in the world of photography.
I was born in Junín, a small town 263 km from Buenos Aires, where I grew up and I lived until I was 19. At the age of 23 I moved to Buenos Aires, where I stayed for six years. Then, I ended up living in Neuquén, where I live now.
Regarding my first steps in photography, it could be said that I started at the age of 19 when I still lived in Junín. It was when I was given my Fuji s5000 100 camera. Since that moment, I can’t explain why I continued in the world of photography, I can only say that I couldn’t stop capturing moments. Maybe the fact that I shared my love for photography with my father influenced me, he loved shooting flowers. Besides, there was the unconditional support that was always provided by my future wife.

How did you decide to start in creative photography?
Because it was what I really liked, I think it is very important to do something that really fills you and gratifies you as a person, you should never be obliged to perform a task, as this plays a big part in obtaining good or bad results. Here in Argentina a lot of money is earned with social photography in events like weddings; however, I have never been interested in this branch of photography. I photograph what attracts my attention for mere satisfaction or interest”.

What inspires your photographs? Who are your muses?
I try to see what nobody has seen yet. Even if I shoot something that has already been photographed, I try to show it in a totally different and innovative way.

Do you usually think about your photographs previously or you simply shoot things that attract you attention at that moment?
It depends on what I try to shoot and if I have time. I like to plan a specific photograph, but there are situations that don’t let me do it – this is the case with photographing animals, in which thinking about any aspect is a waste of time.”

What do you expect from people when they see one of your photographs?
Above all, I look for empathy, to transmit to people what I feel every time I shoot the flash of my camera”.

Are landscapes your favourite subject? I’ve seen that most of your photographs in your studio are of this type.
Honestly I don’t know which subject I like most. It is true that photography of landscapes attracts me because of its immensity.

Do you remember your first professional photograph?
Yes, as I have already mentioned it was shortly after I was given the Fuji camera. I took the photograph together with a workmate at the train station of Junín. In that photo he is sitting on a bench calling a dog. It is a black and white photograph.

Which is the photograph/ photographer that has most impacted and influenced you?
I really like Ansel Adams’ photography.

Do you consider that the way of understanding the photograph can change according to the place where we are?
Completely. This is the case with Asians, who have a different visualization from ours. We have a left to right sense of reading while their sense of reading is from top to bottom. Besides, before taking a photograph in a different culture, you should know about it, as you could make a mistake while taking a photograph of something that in that culture is not appropriate or that may cause offence. We should be professional and adapt to the country where we are.

Which is the photograph that you still have to shoot?
There are lots, I couldn’t tell you only one because I don’t set goals. I would like to explore all of my country taking photographs of every kind of situations. I would also like to put on an exhibition this year in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (MNBA) of Neuquén.

I’d like you to answer the following question: A good photographer, born or made?
I believe that it is a bit of both, you should have qualities for photography, but you should keep learning and studying throughout your life. At present I’m learning a lot from the classes I teach to my students and they also teach me a lot.

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