Photographer based in Espoo, Finland
Francisco Gonzalez Camacho
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
I am originally from Granada, Spain. I have always been artistically inclined, but the process of actually becoming an artist and finding my own language took a long time. After failing studies in Law and English philology, I transitioned to studying photography, starting in an art school in my hometown back in 2012. In 2017, I studied for a BA in Documentary Photography at the University of South Wales (UK), currently in Finland, doing an MA in Photography at Aalto University.
Outake from the series "You can't enter the same river twice"
“I am even becoming less interested in photographing reality in a straightforward way, but rather in the use of an abstract approach through the use of various printing methods, which give photography the capacity to transform reality into something totally new."
Outake from the series "You can't enter the same river twice"
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
I have been working on two solo exhibitions at Valid Foto in Barcelona, Spain and at the Griffin Museum of Photography in Boston, United States. In August, I am also taking part in an artist residency in Rancho Linda Vista, Arizona, where I will explore some new printing techniques and equipment.
Outake from the series "You can't enter the same river twice"
Outake from the series "You can't enter the same river twice"
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a creative practice. What do you do for inspiration?
I find inspiration to be an attitude towards what's happening around me, an openness and appreciation of details, form, shape and light.
I very much relate to the Winogrand quote "I photograph to find out what something will look like photographed", even I am even becoming less interested in photographing reality in a straightforward way, but rather in the use of an abstract approach through the use of various printing methods, which give photography the capacity to transform reality into something totally new.
Lost, 2025, 22.5x30cm
Suspended, 2025, 22.5x30cm
Where do ideas start for you?
Even though it might be a preconceived idea, things tend to evolve naturally working in the field. I like to have a playful and intuitive approach, to don't analyze or think too much. These ideas are then developed in the darkroom through the use of various materials and techniques, so I would say there are two clear separate phases in my work. Framing is also an integral part of the process, as I like the conception of the photograph as a final object.
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
I find the initial capture to work as a sketch, from which I build upon, sometimes using several layers of printing, rescanning, the use of handmade materials etc. I am influenced by pictorialism and Japanese photography, slowly finding my own visual language.
printing a photopolymer etching, printmaking residency at Art Print Residence, Ariadna Abadal
Many artists live by their routines, what does that look like for you?
I don't believe in these sorts of rituals. I have periods where I am very active, creating a lot of material in a small window of time, and others where I don't create or touch a camera for months. I like to approach art in a more spontaneous way, and not as something to be enforced by some sort of routine.
papermaking process, residency at SIM Residency, Iceland, Francisco Gonzalez Camacho
Who are your biggest influences?
Bill Brandt, Edward Weston, Masao Yamamoto, Jungjin Lee.
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse, Small Things in Silence by Masao Yamamoto, Voice by Jungjin Lee and Memento by Christopher Nolan.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
To simply keep working.
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
I find the best advice to be no advice. I don't like to be prescriptive, just find what works for you. We all have our own paths and evolving times.
Portrait of the photographer
Stay up to date with Francisco Gonzalez Camacho
Website frangc.com
Instagram @frangccom