Fatima Sastre IG@fatimasastrephotographer contact@fatimasastre.art

What is your specialization in photography? (portraits, fashion, nature, street photography, etc.)

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Dance photography, artistic portraits

What inspires you in your creative work?

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Diversity makes the creative process my greatest source of inspiration—researching the topic, generating ideas, and finding technical and visual solutions for the project. Dance and art history are always part of the research process, grounding the work in a deeper context. All the "impossibles" and lack of budget spark new creative approaches. Each project is a new world to explore—an opportunity to transform raw materials into imagery, shaping textures, emotions, and light to bring a vision to life.

What key techniques do you use in your photography?

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It is impossible to narrow the experience of photography to just one technique, as my approach depends on the project and the material conditions of the shoot. Light and shadow are essential elements. Coming from the dance world, I pay close attention to framing, balance, and the placement of elements within the shot, often drawing from art history and dance to guide the flow of the image.When working with contemporary dancers and actors, long exposure is a highly effective and frequently requested technique, while for more formal ballet, an understanding of dance positions, sharpness, and high-key lighting is crucial. Each project requires a tailored approach depending on the subject, style, and artistic goals.Regarding post-processing, I find myself balancing between old-school and modern photography. I strive to capture my images as close to perfect as possible straight out of the camera, ensuring lighting and composition align with my vision. However, I treat editing as a painter would treat a portrait—I don’t hesitate to enhance an image when necessary, whether by adjusting colors to better fit the composition, refining skin details, or making background corrections. It's about finding the right balance between capturing reality and using post-processing to elevate the final result.

How does your culture or country influence your photography style?

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I feel my culture has significantly influenced my photography, as Argentina has a deep connection to psychoanalysis, which fosters a very analytical approach to our creative processes. This mindset leads me to explore the deeper meanings behind my work, constantly questioning and refining my approach. Growing up in a country where art and dance are highly valued, I have been taught to approach creativity with passion, respect for the artists who came before us, and a constant drive to push boundaries. We are encouraged to observe, learn, and create from our own perspective, which shapes the way I capture and express ideas. In Argentine culture, there is a strong sense of desire and energy, which translates into the intensity and emotion present in my photography. This drive, combined with a deep respect for the history of art, pushes me to create images that are both personal and reflective.

What resources (books, online courses, webinars) do you recommend for improving photography skills?

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When it comes to improving my photography skills, I think there are a few key things to focus on:
First, I strongly recommend observing and analyzing light. Take the time to notice how light behaves in different situations. You can do this by looking at how light (what kind of light) affects various objects at different times and under different circumstances.
Next, I’d say it’s important to find your own path. You need to figure out what excites you and what you want to express through your work. Instead of trying to master every technique and piece of gear—which can be overwhelming and almost impossible—focus on how to achieve your specific vision and what you really want to communicate with your photos.
Then there are paintings, portraits, and films that provide insight into how others interpret light, images, and other artistic processes. Additionally, there are some great, accessible YouTube channels out there that explain photography techniques in a really clear and straightforward way, such as Adorama, Lindsay Adler, and VisualeducationStudio.
Another thing I’ve learned is to adapt techniques to your specific situation. A lot of photography ideas already exist in some form, so it's more about figuring out how to make them work for your own context—whether that’s in a studio or on location. The key is understanding how light works and using it to serve your vision and budget.
Finally, I think it's really important to reflect on photography as a medium. It’s not just about the gear and lighting; thinking about photography symbolically as a technique helps you make more intentional choices in your composition and storytelling.
And of course, there are some classic books I recommend: Ways of Seeing by John Berger, Camera Lucida by Roland Barthes, The Age of Mechanical Reproduction by Walter Benjamin, and On Photography by Susan Sontag. They’ve all shaped my thinking about photography and its place in society.  

What editing programs or tools do you use for processing your photos? Why did you choose them?

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I use Capture One for capturing and simple editing because I find it more efficient for tethering and organizing my files compared to Lightroom. I purchased it before the subscription model, so I own the software without the newer AI features.For more advanced editing, such as skin retouching, background cleaning, or expansion, I rely on Photoshop. It allows me to make detailed adjustments and refine my images to match my creative vision.  

Which social media platforms or networks do you think are the most useful for promoting photography?

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I have tried many apps with little or no success. Despite its limitations regarding formats and algorithms, Instagram has proven to be an effective tool for networking and connecting with clients, which is why I continue to use it. It’s a platform that has helped me gain visibility, drive traffic to my webpage, and establish connections that lead to opportunities, even though it requires navigating its constraints.  

Do you have favorite photographers or artists who have influenced your style? Which ones?

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My influences come from a variety of artists across different fields: Pina Bausch (Choreographer), Ivone Rayner (Choreographer), Richard Avedon (Fashion & Portrait Photography), Henri Cartier-Bresson (Street Photography), Diane Arbus (Portrait Photography), Stanley Kubrick (Filmmaking), and León Ferrari (Conceptual Art).  

What technical or creative challenges have you faced while creating your work, and how did you overcome them?

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One of the main challenges I face is producing and budgeting, as I often take on the role of creative producer for my projects. Every project comes with specific requirements—meeting with other artists, coordinating communication, and arranging costumes and locations—and things don’t always go as planned.  Over time, I’ve learned that the key is to have trustworthy people to team up with, as this helps prevent inconveniences and allows us to stay calm if difficulties arise. Whether the flashes stop working, natural light disappears, a dancer or actor is late, or someone cancels at the last minute, I approach these situations with a creative mindset despite the distress. I may not always find the ideal solution and sometimes have to let go of my original vision for a new one, but there’s always a way to adapt—whether it’s finding alternative lighting setups, adjusting the schedule, or thinking outside the box.  Another challenge I face is navigating freelancing, networking, and social media apps. These platforms can be overwhelming, especially as a freelancer. To deal with this, I try to be disciplined and, within the limitations of my disability, I work to keep these channels active and manageable.  I’ve realized that limitations often lead to new creative ideas. Working under pressure can spark unexpected solutions that ultimately enhance the final result. I embrace these challenges as opportunities to innovate and problem-solve, which enriches the creative process.  

How did you hear about "Depo," and what are your expectations for our magazine? Are you interested in participating in future projects or collaborations with "Depo"?

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I heard about "Depo" through Instagram. Yes, I am interested in participating in future projects or collaborations!

CREDIT YOUR TEAM FROM PHOTOS (names and Instagrams)

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@andres_andres

Dancer:

Alex Ramos
Dancer:

Julija Kaulinyte
Dancer:

Harry Theodora Foster
Model:

Stanly Smith
Dancer:

Mirabel Huang - Smith
Dancer:

Yasser Dominguez Okendo
Dancer:

Spring Xiao
Dancer:

Netti Ni  

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