Pablo Conejo

Steve

Why did you want to be photographed?

I'm not sure I did want to be photographed - as much as anything it was on a whim. I don't look at myself in photos or in the mirror much, except on the odd occasion when I shave.

Why did you choose this setting?

I suppose the locations chose themselves as much as me choosing them - they happened to be conveniently close by and just remind me of the chaos in my life, which I am always planning to do something about tomorrow

Sophie

Why did you want to be photographed?

In the final few years of my twenties, I've realised that I've spent much of my adult life shrinking myself, and shapeshifting - usually for men. I've diminished my intellect and opinions to accommodate egos; dampened my emotions and desires so as not seem 'too much'; adjusted my appearance in search of validation; not honoured my sexuality, to fit someone else's.

I'd always looked upon the idea of 'self-love' with scepticism; as if it was something for other people, but not me. But I've come to see that I was just afraid to accept myself. Now, I'm giving myself permission to embrace all of me - including the parts that I don't love. I'm giving myself permission to care for and respect myself. Already, I've felt my capacity for love and connection grow; I know I have so much to offer. I don't feel like shrinking myself anymore. I wanted to be photographed at this time, in a strong pose, looking how I feel comfortable looking, because - perhaps for the first time ever - I feel able to take up space on my own terms.

Why did you choose this setting?

When I finished university in the UK in 2012, I immediately moved to Madrid. I chose Madrid in part as my grandfather once lived there in his youth, too - and the city is still a sacred place for him. The two years I spent in Madrid were extremely formative. They certainly weren't always easy, but they were at times joyous, and I learned so much. La Plaza Dos de Mayo is a place that felt like 'mine' in Madrid. I spent a lot of time socialising and embroiled in powerful interpersonal dynamics in those years, but that plaza was a space where I'd go alone. Sometimes I'd read, draw or write, but mostly I'd just watch all the intriguing and wonderful people, and think. There's something comforting and restorative about the energy in Plaza Dos de Mayo. It's often chaotic, but it somehow feels safe. 

Tasos

Why did you want to be photographed?

I rarely refuse an offer to be photographed. A photo works for me as an evidence of that specific moment in the past as the mirror does for the present. Kind of an aesthetic fingerprint I can use to decode my thoughts at that time.

Why did you choose this setting?

Posing in front of the mirror in my sisters clothes was my most precious fetish/hobby as a child. This situation came as a natural act meant to please my childhood vanity.

Euquerio

Why did you want to be photographed?

Helena

My birthday was last month, I turned 20 years old. I wanted to have great photos of me at this age. Since I got my own camera I am always the photographer and I have never been the model for anybody…

Why did you choose this setting?

I chose that location because I really felt a good atmosphere there when I went for the first time. Despite being a cemetery, it feels pleasing, especially when there is sunshine. I have never been in a cemetery like this one so..why not!?

Alex

Why did you want to be photographed?

I wanted to be photographed because I am currently going through such a moment of life changes; I will leave Madrid in about a year, and even though I have lived in other countries and cities, this corner of Madrid (Dehesa de la Villa) is where I spent the most significant moments of my childhood and teenage years. This place represents the most important connection to my past, which is still present, and I wanted to portrayed it.

Why did you choose this setting?

My family got broken when I was hardly a kid; in spite of this, I made a number of  supportive and lasting friendships with people who are still there, and who provided the feeling of continuity to my life. It was right here in "Cerro de los locos" (The Hill of the Lunatics)  where we used to celebrate batucadas  and summer parties. My friends gave the nick name of "Coronel Xander", so I decided to make a costume to make an artistic avatar out of it; I also think that it has come to an end. 

Carlos

Why did you want to be photographed?

I studied photography, and for quite a while I used to wander around Madrid streets trying to capture everything that gained my attention, especially those people who I found interesting.

Some days ago I saw Pablo’s advert on a wall while I was having a walk, and there was no doubt I wanted to take part in his project. The concept reminded me of what I used to do back in those days in such unstructured way. I wanted to be part of a photographic project where for first time I would be in front of the lens.

Why did you choose this setting?

I could say that I gradually lost some interest in professional photography as I got more into literature. I have been writing tales and theatre scripts; therefore I wanted my portrait to be related to books.

After considering a number of possible settings – from cafes I normally hang around, to the tiny room where I write, I finally chose one of my best friends’ living room. He has the most wonderful book collection I know, and every week I spend some time in such an amazing literature paradise. 

Ricardo

Why did you want to be photographed?

I wanted to be photographed to see your perspective on me, as I am not capable to see myself. It is your point of view on me. 

Why did you chose this setting?

Forests and nature are alive elements with whom I interact day by day in a real way, the same way I can be talking to you right now; of course it is not a verbal communication; it is the same when we "talk to" old houses. 

Where better than park to just be? Today I am going to Botanic Park to feed birds with corn and seeds...what for? For nothing, for everything...just to be. 

Cristina

Why did you want to be photographed?

I replied the ad with the aim of helping somebody to develop his project. I gradually got very excited about the idea; then I realised that the one who was going to get helped was actually me. Taking part in this project would help me to see and accept the sides of myself that I do not to show – not even to myself.

Why did you choose this setting?

I started a Masters course last October, and I had to work a lot ever since . During the last few months the workload has multiplied, as I had to combine my studies with teaching. The demand increased too much, and my days have been overloaded with commitments. As a result: frustration, muscle pain, anxiety, insecurity, fear, stomach problems, and insomnia. I had to deal with all that; that’s what you can find at my “backstage”; the dark side of someone who can deal with everything. I wanted this side to be portrayed. We do not usually see these types of images in social media, where everything is going well and nobody seem to suffer. Besides, I wanted to show myself doing yoga, as thanks to this technique I manage to enjoy some peaceful moments; it helps me to reconcile my two sides. 

Dario Tucci

Why did you want to be photographed?

I am an actor therefor I often model for photographers trying to give with my body language what they specifically desire to depict. But I wanted to be photographed in this current period to immortalize a big change in my life. I am having a try in London and I am trying my best to improve my life here. I hope to find my feet here, at least .. here.

this setting?

I have chosen Bricklane as location area because I am currently living here. I feel such a good vibration and energy in tune with my music taste and my clothing style that keep changing as much as this area. I would describe it as rock, powerful, busy and aggressive neighbourhood.

Tom

Why did you want to be photographed?

I work as a life model and I’m always interested in working with artists and photographers on producing creative images.

this setting?

We took advantage of a sunny day in a secluded location on Hampstead Heath for a photo session to be at one with nature away from the studio. I’d never done a nude photoshoot outdoors before and in such a natural setting it seemed right to be in a natural state. You can see more of my work on my blog at www.tomlifemodel.wordpress.com

Elena

Why did you want to be photographed? 

I've always enjoyed arts in general, but my favourite medium is still photography. I used to like posing when I was younger. After some time I started to feel more comfortable behind the lenses, and I also found it more interesting; being the eye that sees, captures and develops subjects to be immortalised; it might be they are not eternal, but they last for so long. 

Why did you choose this setting? 

I wanted to be portrayed in the urban environment. I am definitely a city person - people coming and going, noises, lights, shop windows.. Night time is even better to wander around the streets with some friends or on your own, to get a drink and observing the legacy left by those who were here before than us; the full moon looks stunning, so far away; she also looks at us, in her own way. 

Iñaki

Why did you want to be photographed?

The day after the shooting I was turning 30 years old so I wanted to immortalize my last day in the 20’s with a portrait.

Why did you choose this setting?

It is my neighborhood, the place where I live at the moment.

Delfín

Why did you want to be photographed?

It’s been years trying to build up the human being I strive to be; the results are promising, but I think the outlines got lost in a fire; that is why I left a while ago the straight path, so I decided to go through the path of mistakes and errors. In this scenario I can only explore the available tools by writing, drawing, performing… all these gates allow me to gaze a dark territory wrapped up in myself. At the same time I feel the need to explore the surface that is aging and growing around the darkness. When I face myself in a photograph I´ve got the feeling of being in front of a map that offers multiple pieces of information: damages in the cover, longitudinal and transversal growth, suitable repairs, etc.

I believe a picture may help me to find out where I am in the whole process.

Why did you choose this setting?

I love this rehearsal space because it represents the materialization of what my life currently spins around: cultivating and collecting moments of happiness thanks to theatre, music, dance, playful games and movement.

Hannah

Why did you want to be photographed?

I’ve developed a kind of camera stage fright; I hate having my picture taken so in any picture taken of me I’m either ignoring the camera/talking to someone instead of turning round and going “cheeeese” - or if it’s a group shot, I’m the only one looking away from the camera or hiding. I think it comes from what I perceive to be people acting in weird, contrived moments just because someone has got out a camera; I hate it, so I generally hide. I should get over it however, and the idea of being photographed alone as part of a project appealed because, at least a)it would not be as part of a group where it feels (to me) like there’s pressure to construct a scene wherein people look like they’re having a good time, to look comfortable among people blatantly creating a false tableau. And b)it would be for the sake of an interesting sociological and psychogeographical project.

Juan

Why did you want to be photographed?

Because I see a photograph as an opportunity to freeze time; it is the opportunity to capture moments, places and memories forever. Each memory retains a piece of our life, and been photographed is a channel to communicate feelings that I cannot express otherwise.

Why did you choose this setting?

Reina Sofia Square was one of my first contacts with the city of Madrid; I chose that place because it represents the exact point where the past lost some weight and present is more alive than ever before. It is my here and now, and where I accept a new beginning. 

Sean

Why did you want to be photographed?

I enjoy the process of being photographed so I thought it was a good idea to reply to an appealing advert for an artistic project. I liked the fact that models are depicted naturally instead of being exposed to post-production. It depicts people they way they are.

Stella

Why did you want to be photographed?

I wanted to participate because I got to know Pablo's work through Dario Tucci who also participated in the project. He was really happy so I wanted to try!

Why did you choose this setting? e such situation/location?

I wanted to show my inner child that never dies and that always wants to "play", which helps me a lot in my "London life"…But the amazing thing is that the result of the shooting shows a pretty melancholic soul in total contrast with the playful background...and I love it! That's exactly the meaning of the "clown face", who always makes people laugh but is often very sad…exactly like me and my many actor colleagues!

Kay

Why did you want to be photographed?

I replied to the add because i’m a make-up artist and was looking to connect with photographers in London & I like the idea of artists supporting each other in their creative endeavors. At the time i was doing make-up everyday and also having make-up applied to me. Instead of taking pictures of me doing make-up, i thought it would be more interesting to do the opposite and take it off. Even though its my job to make people “look better” for a picture or event, i think beauty comes from within. Someone is attractive to another person because of who they are and the way they act…, its their personality. So technically, it shouldn’t really matter if your wearing make-up or not…..but i guess im glad it does otherwise i’d be unemployed! ….& I’m a bit of a hypocrite too, because i hate walking around without a little something on my face!

Why did you choose this setting?

Why the location? I was living in London for the summer and wanted to do the pictures out and about. I spent a lot of my days walking around and exploring so i guess it’s representative. We stumbled upon the mirrored buildings and it ended up working out perfect.

Rose

Why did you want to be photographed?

I’ve always been fascinated by random people in the street or on public transport and sometimes like to try and guess what kind of life they have or what things they’re into and what better a place to do that than in London?! To me that’s what this project is all about, that random person you walk past or sit next to everyday stopping for a second and giving you a glimpse into their world.

Eleder

Why did you want to be photographed?

I just wanted to have a portrait done that would reflect who I am, as seen by myself.

Why did you choose this setting?

The pictures were taken at home for practical reasons.

Manuel

Why did you want to be photographed?

I saw the ad on a wall and then I checked the project online. I thought that the images depict the person essence in a situation “frozen in time”. I decided to take part because I love individual cultural projects and I love to contribute as much as I can.

Why did you choose this setting?

I decided to do the shooting in my home/studio/working place, where I spend most of time and therefore I want to be represented there.

Paula

Why did you want to be photographed?

As an actress I always enjoy being photographed, but this time I wanted my freckles and moles to be the protagonists of the pictures.

Why did you choose this setting?

Recently, in two different shootings I was in, the directors told the makeup artists to cover the moles I have on my neck and that made me feel ashamed. Thinking about it, I've realized that they are part of who I am and somehow represent my life experiences accumulated so far...The location was spontaneously chosen.

Greg Sick

Why did you want to be photographed?

Because I like documenting my life be it through paintings, poetry or photographs. Some people keep a diary but are they really going to read back through all of their mundane, routine diary entries on days when nothing really happened, just to remember how they felt or what they were like at a particular time? Through art, that memory is much more instant. It allows you to attach whatever story you wish and likewise for the viewer to conclude their own interpretation of it.

Why did you choose such situation/location?

I chose my situation due to my dislike of colour and daylight. I’m new to London and although I love it, it doesn’t feel like home just yet and so it was important for me to choose somewhere anonymous. On dark back streets is where I feel most people would expect to bump in to a stranger that they would choose to avoid if judging someone by appearance and that’s kind of what my look is based on. Looking ‘bad’ you know?

Alex

Why did you want to be photographed?

I wanted to have some high quality photos of myself that I felt reflected who I am. I saw and ad for the project in a bar window and liked the concept. It seemed like a good opportunity to collaborate with someone in a field where I don't have much experience but find interesting-in this case, photography.

Why did you choose this setting?

I wanted the photo to be taken in my neighbourhood in Lavapiés, and thought that a convenience store would be cool and different, and also true to my day-to-day life in Madrid.

Neil

Why did you want to be photographed?

I wanted to be photographed as an antidote to the 5 years of working for a children's theater company, which meant I had to behave in a certain manner on stage and off. I wanted to do something 'adult'.

Why did you choose this setting?

I wanted to be photographed in my home, because I had been away from it for so long and I wanted to be photographed stripping off the children's theatre uniform to show the real me underneath. It felt like the real me had been repressed for so long in that job and my feelings of wanting to tear myself away from that job made me want to express it in an extreme way. In the back of my mind, I almost wanted the nude photos to be erotic/sexual to contrast with the children's theatre persona.

Ania

Why did you want to be photographed?

I had never been portrayed by a professional photographer before, so when I saw the ad on a wall I thought it could be very interesting to find out more about the project. I found really appealing the fact that I could decide everything about the shooting so I decided to take part.

Why did you choose this setting?

I wanted to show two sides of myself; The one that strangers might see at first sight when I walk on the street - a young coquette girl presumable self-confident-. But I also wanted to show the way I am in my intimacy, in my own space, where I really feel confident, comfortable and relaxed.

Lauren & Nico

Why did you want to be photographed?

We wanted to be photographed to share our happiness with others, to portray true love on film, and to embody spontaneity, the thing which we admire most in each other. Ultimately, we wanted to be photographed to capture one of many happy moments together in which we are naturally and comfortably ourselves.

Why did you choose this setting?

We chose to be photographed in our flat because it is the first place to be truly ours— rented with our own money and decorated with our eyes and hands. Our art is reflective of what we have accomplished together and the journey we have been on for the past few years. The art moved from the US to the UK with us and is a constant reminder of home and our intrinsic values. We found it most logical to stand naked behind the art as that reflects the way we feel without our pasts. With the art, we are confident, colorful, and creative. With the art, we stand in a single snapshot in time- a couple in beautiful, vibrant love.

Amaya

Why did you want to be photographed?

Because it is a crucial moment in my life and I feel better than ever. It's been 2,5 years since I decided to leave everything in Spain and came to London to change my life. I am a recycled Architect into a dream job: art direction for films. You can see what I do at amayavalentina.com

Why did you choose this setting?

The Kenton pub is my local pub. I felt in love with English pubs, where you can spend all day long feeling at home. This new job requires a total dedication in terms of time and energy, but as a freelance, I still have my days for myself, and The Kenton is always there for me.

Nikhil

Why did you want to be photographed?

It was more to be a part of an art project which sounded really good and London is the longest time I have spent in a city so in a I am a designer myself and love all the bits and bobs which happen in the art scene in London.And hence I replied to the advert.

Why did you choose this setting?

I love my bedroom with the striped green wallpaper.I have done a lot of shoots here too.So to have myself shot in my personal space was exciting.

John and his daughter

Why did you want to be photographed?

I do not have many pictures of myself since school.

Why did you choose this setting?

London is my home, you can get lost in the crowd or become the crowd. It is a beautiful place. My clothes, my jumper made by my nan over 20 years ago, the scraf given by a friend, both no here. And, my daughter because I love her.

Michelle & Sid

Why did you want to be photographed?

We have very few pictures of the two of us at home with our little budgies, Andy, Freddie and Jackson. They are our family. I also wanted some semi-candid photos of us and one of the birds NOT in their cage.

Why did you choose this setting?

We had just finished a nice dinner with the photographer and his girlfriend at our home. Everyone was quite mellow and having a good time. I’ve always liked after-dinner photos, especially if you can see some of the remains of the meal uneaten or undrunk.

Tony

Why did you want to be photographed?

I wanted to be photographed for the sheer vanity of it as well as having more images of myself on record.

Why did you choose this setting?

I chose this location because the top of a Routemaster bus takes me back to my childhood and the wonder of moving, almost flying around London.

Olga

Why did you want to be photographed?

I found interesting the narrative perspective of the image and the human relationship that the photographer is proposing through this project.

Why did you choose this setting?

I used to be taken to play around these spaces when I was kid; It was the Madrid of the 80’s and 90’s, when I understood this financial area differently – in a playful way.

Adam

Why did you want to be photographed?

For practical reasons I wanted a more personal photo for photo profiles. For personal reasons I thought the concept of someone with such control over their personal image was very interesting and it was just the right time for me at the age of 20 to immortalize.

Why did you choose this setting?

I've reached a point of change in my life and I wanted my personal location to depict that element so I chose a construction sight. Also being thrown into a larger world I wanted the situation to be public and iconic.

Pablo

Why did you want to be photographed?

By the time I was turning 28 the life I was trying to build up suffered a disruption at working, emotional and economical level. I felt the need to express somehow the mark that this disruptive process is leaving on my life. I decided to make a tattoo to immortalize such moment, and on my way to the studio, I found the ad to take part in this photographic project. I could not deny immortalizing it through photography either.

Why did you choose this setting?

I chose the location of Plaza Santa Ana because I consider this square the geographic spot that represents best my vital moment: such a beautiful space that today feels somehow cold and decadent. This place evokes mixed feelings to me. My childhood memories and the desire of living here are elements of my past, but they are still anchored in the present. Being photographed here means facing a changing process to get over it, bury it and recover the future.

Mariana

Why did you want to be photographed?
I wanted to be photographed because I simply enjoy the process and I love the art medium of photography.

Why did you choose this setting?
I chose this situation because I am a movement person, which sounds very vague but it mainly means that I work with the body in various different forms. I wanted to show the body as it is, without a shape or a form that has been dictated by a certain technique or form, without the worry of a line. I wanted the body to look as a whole and for it to be in a "shape" that is not easily recognisable. For some of its parts to create a whole.