1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
Hey! I am Francisco Negroni, a Chilean, and I'm 49 years old. I started photography in the year 2000 after my graduation as an advertising photographer.
2Where did you study photography?
I studied at the Incacea Institute in the City of Viña del Mar in Chile.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
It was a portrait while I was studying photography. At the time, I was actually using an analog camera with film (since digital cameras appeared years after).
4What equipment do you use?
Currently, I'm using Canon equipment, facilitated by Canon Chile to support my job as a photographer. The camera is an R5 mirrorless and the lenses RF 16-35mm 2.8, 24-70mm 2.8 and 70-200mm 2.8.
5What do you hope to achieve?
I want to be one of the best photographers in the world capturing landscapes and volcanoes.
6What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
Some years ago, the media in Chile started to call me "El Cazador de Volcanes" (in English, the translation would be the Volcano Hunter).
7What inspires your unique storytelling?
My work is mostly known due to my photographs of volcanoes in activity. I'm fascinated with volcanoes because I feel that they are the maximum expression of raw natural power and creation.
8What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Adventure, determination, and patience.
9Congratulations! As the winner of the Global Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
I am very happy and grateful with the Global Photography Awards, this incredible title of Photographer of the Year and the prizes are a big support to my job as a photographer. Besides, I am sure this prize is one more step towards becoming one of the best photographers in the world.
10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 Global Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The Perfect Cloud is an image I managed to capture after spending more than 10 days in the surroundings of the Villarrica volcano in Chile, looking for a different photograph of the activity of the volcano (Villarrica volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in South America and certainly the most dangerous in Chile).
In the photograph, you can see a large lenticular cloud rotating over the crater while it is illuminated by the lava pit of the volcano. I chose this photograph because of the magnificence of the moment and the natural beauty that can be appreciated in that unique instant.
11 How has winning an award developed your career?
Each award I receive is a big support for my job as a photographer because my dream is to be able to continue working as a photographer, doing what I love most.
12Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Kevin Carter, Brent Stirton, and Ansel Adams.
13What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Be patient, wait for the right moment and don't ever give up.
14What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Try your hardest, never stop learning and give the best of you always would be a good start.
15What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Perseverance, even when you have all odds against you, it has allowed me to continue as a photographer; "To be better, you always have to strive for more."
16How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
You always need to keep yourself up to date with everything that happens in the world of photography in terms of knowledge, new techniques and new technologies.
17Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Thank you very much, friends of the Global Photography Awards because your recognition and prize help me to continue my job as a photographer of landscapes and volcanoes.
