Pink Cool

Biography

I was born in Jaén and moved to Madrid at 20 to study Fine Arts. I currently work as a fashion photographer and creative director for national and international magazines and brands. I've dedicated my entire life to art. I completed an art-focused high school diploma and, after graduating from the Complutense University of Madrid with a degree in visual arts, I decided to set aside painting and sculpture to dedicate myself professionally to photography, my true passion. I believe I've only really changed my tools; the essence of what I do is the same as when I was a child or a student—it comes from the same place.

- What is beauty to you and what connection does it have with your creative side in photography?

I recognize beauty when I encounter something or someone that stops me in my tracks, moves me, and stirs something deep within me. If we were to talk about beauty in a person, I would say it has to do with what goes on in their mind and how they move through the world. Even body language can be incredibly beautiful. There's nothing more attractive than being in the presence of someone who is self-assured. Over time, we've realized that everything we've been sold up until now was just marketing; beauty is something else entirely.

And as far as photography is concerned, I think it's the impetus every creative person needs before creating. Without beauty there's no inspiration, and without inspiration there's no work. When I'm casting, I'm not just looking for a pretty face; I want a captivating personality. I'm looking for people who can tell me things with their eyes, who move and inspire me.

- What inspires you when planning a photo shoot?

In everything. I find inspiration everywhere… but in the professional sphere, I have to adapt to the type of work, client, and/or environment…
Over these years with the camera, I've come to understand that this isn't a game, it's a serious job and there are many people who depend on you and invest a lot of money… I've had to learn to let go of the famous ego of the artist.
Without losing my essence, I try to find what's best for everyone. Working well as a team is essential for a good final result.

“I recognize beauty when I am in the presence of someone or something that stops me in my tracks, excites me, and moves me from within.”

- Any project that has been particularly meaningful to you?

They all are special, though perhaps the first ones inevitably carry a greater emotional weight: your first editorial, your first magazine cover, your first celebrity status, your first trip abroad… and although it sounds cliché, they are all special. You may have better or worse memories, but they have all been learning experiences and part of a journey. It's impressive to look back… I feel very fortunate and grateful for every opportunity I've been given.

- What is the best advice you have received throughout your professional career?

That I didn't need to be in control of everything to start working professionally.

At first, when I wanted to dedicate myself to this, it was all a chasm. I didn't know where to begin and just felt the need to study and learn everything. It was suffocating. I wanted to learn all the software, master the flashes, know the function of every button on every camera… I wanted to enroll in the most expensive master's program and dreamed of the best university in the US because otherwise, I believed I wouldn't be able to achieve it and would be an imposter. I needed degrees to justify myself. One day, talking to a photographer friend about the frustration I was carrying, he said to me: “Why do you want to learn all about lighting, cables, computers, software, and theory if there are already professional assistants who do all that for you? You just have to hire them. Your job is to have a good idea.”

Listening to him was truly liberating and decisive.

“You don’t need to have complete control to start working professionally.”

- What is your morning routine?

I drink half a liter of lukewarm water as soon as I wake up, shower with a different gel each day depending on my mood, slather myself in organic oils, and then wash my face with milk or oil. I usually use Biologique Recherche's Lait Vip O2 or Dr. Barbara Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser, and that's enough for me. They're my favorites. After that, I apply serum and cream depending on my skin's condition. And of course, I always wear SPF 50 sunscreen year-round.

On the days I work from home, I take advantage of the time to sit at my computer wearing face masks and drink a vegetable smoothie to extend my fast. The great thing about my job is that I can fulfill my obligations while taking care of myself.

- A foolproof trick or product

My trick is to wash my face in the morning with ice water for at least 20 seconds. It decongests and has a lovely instant effect!

My star products are Biologique Recherche's Lotion P50 and Dr. Barbara Sturm's Clarifying Face Mask to control blemishes.

- How do you take care of your beauty from the inside out?

I spend a lot of time away working and traveling, so when I'm home I try to cook healthy meals. I avoid using the word "diet" because it's too restrictive and doesn't represent me. The ideal is balance, eating what feels good to your body and doing so in a mindful way, including occasional treats. There's no single ideal menu that works for everyone…

- A subject that needs improvement in terms of beauty.

I don't have many options left; I like to try everything. But there's one thing I'd really love to do: go on a 10-day retreat of fasting, exercise, and beauty treatments in a natural setting. I usually do two or three retreats a year, but they've only been for three or five days. Right now, what appeals to me most is the connection between beauty and wellness; the physical and emotional reward during these experiences is immense.

I love medical-aesthetic centers that treat beauty holistically. For me, that's the true luxury of self-care. There are already several in Spain developing wonderful projects. I hope to visit one this year. I'll keep you posted...