What lies beyond an image?

This interview stems from a session Lore held at one of our homes in Barrio México, where the architecture, light, space, and atmosphere provided the ideal setting for the encounter.

1. What is the first thing you look for when you have someone in front of your lens—an emotion, a story, or a specific energy?

Lore: Before every session, I like to establish a connection, whether through a video call or in person. This allows me to get to know the people who will be in front of my lens, break the ice, and sense their emotions. Whether it’s a wedding, a pregnancy, or the birth of a first child, there is always a story behind it. My main intention is to capture that story and the emotions we convey through our facial expressions.

2. Is a good photo constructed, or does the moment simply happen?

Lore: Both. There are photos that just happen, but there are also moments that are constructed, especially when there is a more editorial goal for the shot. In those cases, everything is planned: the spaces, the scenery, the people. Even wedding sessions can take on this style if the couple prefers it.

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But in spontaneous photos, something very special happens: the real emotions being lived in that instant are truly captured, and unexpected things emerge—tears, hugs, caresses, glances, smiles—that is where the real magic appears.

3. What needs to happen between you and the people for the camera to disappear?

Lore: It is very difficult to forget that there is a camera in front of you, but over time, a connection is formed. I get involved with my clients; I try my best to be present, I listen, I chat, and I integrate myself into the environment. That builds trust and allows people to relax. In the end, more than just a session, a friendship is built.

4. How do you build trust with someone who may have never been in front of a camera for a formal session?

Lore: I like to ask first if they have any prior experience posing for the camera, and I open up the space for them to express their personality and their boundaries. Although I have a defined style, the most important thing is that they feel comfortable being themselves. That authenticity is what truly ends up being reflected in the photos.

5. When we talk about couple sessions, what signs indicate to you that there is an authentic connection between them?

Lore: The way people look at each other. It never lies. The way they observe and communicate with one another says it all.

6. Do you direct the shoot, or do you prefer to guide the moments as they happen naturally?

Lore: I do direct, but in a simple way. I give instructions and suggest poses to make the best use of the space. However, when those more intimate or natural moments occur, I prefer to step back and give them space to let things unfold as they are.

 7. What role do conversations, silence, or even awkwardness play during a session?

Lore: They play a very important role. My team and I always strive to make people feel at ease. If there is tension or anything that might affect the moment, we prefer to pause, give everyone space to resolve it, and resume when everyone is more relaxed.

8. Do you have any rituals before you start shooting to help you get into a creative mindset?

Lore: Not a ritual per se, but there is significant preparation involved. My team and I get everything ready in advance: cameras, batteries, memory cards. We also make an effort to set aside any personal matters that might create noise and affect our creativity, so we can focus on the moment. I really like to draw inspiration from what I’m experiencing during a session—the couple at a wedding, for example—as well as the location, the family, and so on.

9. What carries more weight for a photographer: the aesthetics of the location or the energy it transmits?

Lore: It really depends on the photographer, but for me, both are important. Of course, the aesthetics of the location matter, but I’ve encountered places that my clients weren't very confident about, and after scouting them, I ended up loving them. I always end up seeing the potential a location has for a photo shoot.

10. How would you describe your style in three words?

Lore: Dreamy / Timeless / Romantic editorial.

11. What inspires you the most: the light, the people, or the spontaneous moments?

Lore: Everything inspires me, honestly! But definitely people in general. I’m guided a lot by human emotions—what ultimately makes us human—and acts of kindness. I love people-watching. When I’m out, I might see two teenagers kissing at a bus stop or a dad teaching his kid how to ride a bike; those little moments are what inspire me.

12. What would you rather people remember: the session or the final result?

Lore: I want them to remember how they felt. I want them to have felt comfortable and free to be themselves. At the end of the day, it’s such a special occasion; it doesn’t matter if they don’t remember my name or my face, as long as they remember the service they received on their big day that allowed them to feel at ease and worry-free.

13. What do you want someone to feel when they see your images for the first time?

Lore: In a nutshell, I want them to say, "WOW!" I want them to see themselves in the photos—timeless, beautifully crafted images. I want them to connect with my work and want to have me as their photographer on such a special day, trusting in my vision and my team's.  

Keep an eye on our social media this week, where we’ll be sharing photos by Lore Padilla in Barrio México.

See you soon.