The about section welcomes you to gcs Photo, the creative domain of Gonzalo Contreras del Solar, dedicated to the art of water photography since 1977.
About the Element
Water has captivated me for as long as I can remember. As a vital and life-giving element, it holds a unique place in my work. Our planet contains approximately 1.384 million cubic kilometers of water, yet only 36,000 cubic kilometers are fresh and drinkable.
History
My journey with water photography began in the early 1970s with various cameras, including my trusty 6×6 Rollei. Over the years, I’ve traveled to over 40 countries across three continents, overcoming the challenges of customs and film preservation. The days of waiting weeks for film to develop are long gone, replaced by the instant results of digital imaging.
From an early age, I was influenced by Impressionists like Vincent Van Gogh. My life changed dramatically when I discovered a fully equipped photographic lab in our basement, a legacy from my father. The sight of an image emerging on paper was a magical experience that ignited my passion for photography.
Defining Moment
A pivotal moment in my career was the publication of a National Geographic book featuring their best photographs, accompanied by a guide from their photographers. This guide provided the basics I needed and led me to explore Ansel Adams’ techniques, which took years to master. My early fascination with water was also fueled by trips to our summer house, where waterfalls like “La lágrima” (The Tear) left a lasting impression.
Technique of Water Photography
My approach to water photography is a fusion of Vincent Van Gogh’s colors, Ansel Adams‘ mastery, and my own evolving techniques. I’ve employed a range of methods from traditional color and black-and-white photography to experimental digital effects like the Sabattier Effect.
My favorite subjects include national parks, glaciers, and highlands. While I still shoot on 6×6 film, modern digital cameras enable me to produce large-scale prints with exceptional detail. To fully experience my work, I recommend enjoying my photographs with rock music and a glass of wine.
Milestones in My Photography Journey
Early Curiosity:
At around age 10, I was captivated by a Kodak photo lab, leading me to experiment with a photographic kit and later discover a full lab in our basement. This early exposure to photography set the stage for my lifelong passion.
National Geographic Influence:
In 1981, a National Geographic book and guide inspired me to upgrade to a Nikon F1. This milestone marked the beginning of a more professional approach to photography and introduced me to the work of Ansel Adams.
Medium Format Transition:
Acquiring a Rollei 6006 marked a significant shift in my work. This medium-format camera, coupled with a Jobo processor and Cibachrome prints, allowed me to produce high-quality images and explore the possibilities of large-format printing.
Digital Evolution:
The introduction of the Sony A7R with 40+ megapixels represented a major advancement, transitioning my work from analog to digital. This milestone allowed me to produce high-resolution images and streamline my workflow with tools like Lightroom.
Modern Printing Techniques:
The advent of inkjet printing on fine art paper and the acquisition of a Canon large-format printer transformed my printing process. This development enabled me to fine-tune my color management and reprint my portfolio with Hahnemühle papers.
Each of these milestones has shaped my photography journey and contributed to my ongoing evolution as an artist. I continue to embrace new techniques and technologies, looking forward to future advancements in the field.
To explore more about my work, visit my blog, the book of “Water“ or the “Favola Album” folio.
My studio in Calera de Tango, Chile, handles fine art inkjet prints, while a studio in New York manages silver-gelatin and color photographic prints for the U.S. market.
