PHOTO CONFESSIONAL: Silvana Trevale
Chuao
IF YOU WEREn’T A PHOTOGRAPHER, WHAT OTHER PROFESSION WOULD YOU PICK?
A frustrated dream of mine was to be a gymnast, I trained since I was really young and I would have dreamed to be an elite gymnast. Or a doctor, the moment I decided to study photography I was actually in a course to take the medicine exam at La Universidad Central de Venezuela.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CRUCIAL DECISION YOU HAVE MADE IN YOUR CAREER’s DEVELOPMENT?
There have been many crucial decisions I made. One was when I was looking at universities where to study photography in England. I chose to study in the north of England instead of going straight to London, which allowed me to explore my work in a documentary approach, instead of going straight to fashion in London which I believe would have been the case for me.
AT WHAT POINT DID YOU FEEL YOU WERE A PHOTOGRAPHER, AND WHAT MADE YOU THINK THAT WAY?
I struggle to think of that moment I felt that I was a photographer. The camera was present in my life from a very young age to connect with others, but I believe that once I was able to communicate what matters to me, what I am exploring or an idea, I think that was the moment I felt I was a photographer.
WARM RAIN
HOW IMPORTANT IS RESEARCH IN YOUR WORK?
It depends on the project, some projects are born out of energy with the people around me and my curiosity to my surroundings. And some are heavily based on research.
IS THERE A PHOTOGRAPHER/ARTIST WHO IS A CONSTANT REFERENCE FOR YOU?
Early in my trajectory I looked at Alec Soth as a reference for story telling and the use of a large format camera.
WHAT WOULD YOU NOT WANT TO PHOTOGRAPH?
Someone who isn’t comfortable being photographed.
venezuelan fisherwomen
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE, AND WHAT IMPORTANCE DO YOU GIVE TO TECHNIQUE?
I use various cameras but I mainly use a Mamiya RZ67 or RB67, I love that camera even though it is very heavy. As the viewfinder is at waist level, the people who I photograph are able to see my face and the process feels more personal that way for me.
WHAT IS THE STARTING POINT OF YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
I respond to the admiration I feel for other people and a community, but I also respond to injustice and anger.
J.M COETZEE
HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY WITH A # TAG ?
#siemprevolveracasa
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH REJECTION?
In the beginning I struggled with rejection, but now I take it as information to further understand my work by having another viewpoint. Also, it is an insight of how people can see my work and it's a lesson to let go of that control.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED SUCH SUCCESS?
I think I still have a long way to go, but I think what has helped me grow in my career is to stay devoted to celebrating who and what I want to celebrate. Also, working with a team and people who inspire me has been very nurturing and informative in my process.
CHUAO
HOW DO YOU APPROACH STRANGERS IN YOUR PROJECTS OR TO INCLUDE IN YOUR PROJECTS?
I am always really honest about what I am trying to approach with the photographs or what the project is about. Sometimes people will say no, but when you are genuine with your intentions people feel that and they are vulnerable with you.
EFRAÍN MOGOLLÓN
IS IT COMMON FOR YOU TO QUESTION YOURSELF OR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?
Yes, I think it's important to always question your intentions with your work, each project and photograph. As photographers we are responsible for how we present people, a story, a community, etc. Therefore, questioning your approach on your own or with selected people who understand your vision is crucial.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN PHOTOGRAPHER? HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOUR PROJECTS? AND YOUR APPROACH TO THE ART WORLD/ PHOTO-BOOK WORLD?
I think it's an interesting time to be a woman photographer, personally I like the challenge of breaking the norms and celebrating women with my work. There have been situations where I have felt that being a woman has been a disadvantage, and I am sure there will be more situations like that. There is a long way to go but I am committed to contributing to change.
VENEZUELAN YOUTH
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A NEW PHOTOGRAPHER WHO IS JUST STARTING OUT?
Search for what brings out any emotion in you, happiness, nostalgia, anger, frustration, and explore that.
ABOUT SILVANA TREVALE
SILVANA is a Venezuelan photographer based in London and Barcelona. Her portrait based work is a fusion between documentary and fashion, she seeks to celebrate the intrinsic beauty of the human body, her Latin American roots, womanhood, youthood and the realities of people around her.
SOME CLIENTS: VOGUE USA, ELLE, BRITISH VOGUE, THE GUARDIAN, SONY MUSIC, MALALA FUND, THE TELEGRAPH
