Photographer based in Springfield, OR
Misael Hernandez, portrait of the photographer
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
My artist practice had a rather late start. I decided to pursue art after a rough year adjusting to college, followed by a year of reflection at my local community college. I remember sitting in my first-ever art class, Intro to Drawing. The first project was to draw a self-portrait. I spent hours on what I thought was a good first drawing.
Conflicts Composition 1A, 2025 Archival pigment print, diptych 30 x 24 inches
During the critique, my instructor said it looked as if I had spent 10 minutes making the drawing. She wasn't wrong, and I appreciated her honesty because it gave me an idea of the long road I was jumping on. A few years later, I made my first photo book from found images of winners of niche competitions. I fell in love with the sourcing and sequencing of images. I think that was the project that ignited the fire as an artist.
Conflicts Composition 1B, 2025 Archival pigment print, diptych 30 x 24 inches
“My work is inspired by my time traversing the rivers and mountains of the West and an interest in understanding and presenting photography as a medium that harnesses light, energy, and the sun through analog processes.”
Three Sister Wilderness No.2, 2025
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
I'm working on a project called "When the Morning Stars Sang Together." It features traditional framed prints and photo sculptural objects that coexist as an ode to creation, personal relationships, and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. The new project is a continuation of "Frontera de carácter," which uses embedded photographs in an adobe-hybrid material to express my Mexican American experience. My work is inspired by my time traversing the rivers and mountains of the West and an interest in understanding and presenting photography as a medium that harnesses light, energy, and the sun through analog processes.
Crosses Composition, 2025 Archival pigment print 40 x 32 inches
Where do ideas start for you?
My ideas usually come to mind when I'm isolated on runs or long drives. Most people find running without music awful, but it's become the perfect time to think about my practice. The overall structure of my projects comes from an intuitive process and self-reflection on my identity. I've never been someone who publicly makes statements about my experiences. But when I complete a piece, I feel as though I've painted the perfect visual example for myself.
Left: Cavern, the Grottos, 2026. Right: Josh and Monty, Cougar Reservoir, 2025
Once an idea has lived in my head long enough, I perform multiple tests and trials. Refining is a large part of my process. I trust myself to determine when a work of art is finished or if it needs to be reworked. Time in the studio is necessary for me to stay focused. When I'm immersed in the world, the landscape, with people, I'm challenged to dedicate my time to my practice.
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
Most of my work starts as an idea followed by a loose collection of images. Once I have a general direction, I cast for a further and wider net of images before dialing in on specific themes and visuals.
Migration, 2025
Many artists live by their routines and rituals, what does yours look like?
I'm a weekend warrior across all formats. Working a full-time job is great for steady income, but it really limits my time as an artist. Most of my weekday evenings are spent on emails, applications, and editing. I do my traveling, photographing, and printing on the weekends. When I had more consistent studio time, I would work away until my pup started to bark for a break. An hour-long walk was a great way to digest what I was working on.
Left: Fawn, Encounter No.1, 2026. Right: Stasis, Encounter No.2, 2026
Who are your biggest influences?
Currently, I've been especially interested in the works of Barbara Bosworth, Cole Barash, and Bryan Schutmaat. My time spent in deep conversation with new and old friends while trekking has also had a significant impact on the way I consider and make images. The book of Job, specifically when God responds to Job's frustration, has become central in my desire to talk about creation and the understanding of life with others.
Left: Map of the Mckenzie River Wilderness, 2025. Right: King Canute and the Tide, 2025
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
Hyper Objects, The Bible, Artifishal, and the Greek story of Icarus to name a few.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Be authentic and trust your gut.
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
Get creative and take risks in your path to success. It is far from a straight line.
Stream Composition, 2024 Archival pigment print 40 x 32 inches
Stay up to date with Misael Hernandez
Website misaelhdz.com
Instagram @misaelhdzstudio