A lot of photographers will relate to the way Guillermo Velez says he fell in love with photography – by gazing at a piece of paper floating in a tray filled with a chemical solution.

“The first time I saw an image of mine develop in the darkroom was like magic; at that moment, I was hooked,” he said. Savvy wonders if the new generation of photographers will fondly recall the first time they looked at pixels on an LCD finder, considering how darkroom processing is becoming a lost art.

Velez, who operates the White Light Studio in San Antonio, Texas, was chosen as the March recipient of the Savvy Editors’ Choice Award for excellence in photography.

He joins London-based Gemma Betts and Canadian Trevor Howard in contention for a plane ticket to Sydney next year and a spot among the photographers shooting finalists in Savvy’s Search for the Million Dollar Woman. Savvy’s April honoree will be announced soon.

“I was born in Texas, but I grew up in Mexico City. I have a multicultural background that allows me to relate to different people, places and experiences,” he said.

Velez is bilingual and says he doesn’t watch much television, which might explain how he has time to travel around the globe so much.

Savvy sat down with the 36-year-old artist for an interview…

Savvy: How did you react when you received the message saying you had won the Savvy Editors’ Choice for March?

Velez: I was very pleased and honoured.

Savvy: How did you get started in photography?

Velez: I picked up my first Nikon camera when was 15 years old. I did not know what I was doing, but I fell in love with photography. Then eight years ago I started to take classes and spend a lot of time in the dark room.

Savvy: Have you always just had an eye for photography or did you learn all of this stuff in classes?

Velez: Over the years I have taken many different types of classes; from fashion to landscape photography as well as post-production with some of the greatest photographers in the U.S.

Savvy: So Savvy takes it that you think schooling is important to be a great photographer?

Velez: I feel that all my images benefit from having a well-rounded education and perspective. It is also essential to keep up with technology to take advantage of new tools and techniques as they become available. I plan to continue enriching my knowledge with diversity and interesting new experiences.

Savvy: This is not just your hobby but your career, right?

Velez: I got my first important job in 2003, and since then it has become my profession. Now I shoot all around the world.

Savvy: Have you ever been to kangaroo country?

Velez: I was in Australia about three years ago on a project, and I absolutely loved the experience.

Savvy: Why do you deserve another trip on Savvy’s account?

Velez: I feel that my willingness to try new things, to adapt to different settings and ideas sets me apart from many others. I strive to produce unique and beautiful images while also being flexible enough to try new concepts. I will go to great lengths to accomplish my vision. I personally do everything from pre- to post-production to ensure the quality of my work and keep it true to my standards.

Savvy: Which photographers do you admire, living or dead?

Velez: Helmut Newton, Nadav Kander, Greg Gorman, Platon, Rankin, Albert Watson, and Gregory Colbert.

Savvy: Give up one of your secrets for when you’re shooting people.

Velez: I focus on creating a relaxed environment on a shoot while maintaining a high level of professionalism and productivity. I believe that we can produce high quality of work while also enjoying the process.

Savvy: Yeah, it doesn’t feel like work if you’re doing something you love! What’s the difference between a good shot and a great shot?

Velez: Good shots tend to be those that have good composition or lighting, etc., but don't necessarily speak of the subject or grab the audience. Great shots are technically correct and have the ability to dramatically impact the viewer visually or emotionally.

Savvy: What are you thinking about when you look through the viewfinder?

Velez: Composition. I look at every single aspect of a work, paying equal attention to details in background, setting and lighting.

Savvy: What is your favourite thing to shoot?

Velez: People, by far.

Savvy: Do you think photographers don’t get enough recognition?

Velez: I think the general audience doesn't really question who took that great photograph they saw on a billboard or in a magazine. But people will usually ask the name of an author or painter, for example. So, yes, I believe that photographers deserve to get more recognition for their work. I also think that maybe people just don't realise just how much work goes into creating a single great image.

Savvy: That’s for sure! Thanks and good luck!

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On the Web: 

http://www.gvphotos.com

http://savvy.com/profile/gv