My name is Gaspar Marquez, and although I currently live in Brooklyn, New York, I was born and raised in Mexico. Since I was very young, I have always been attracted to photography. I used to flip through mom's magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Vanidades, etc., and comment on the photos, thinking I could take better pictures! Interestingly, I don't think the sharpness or composition of this photo appeals to me. Who knows? I found the act of capturing a moment in a frame quite impressive.

I consider myself a self-taught photographer who has learned a great deal about technical photography literature, including how to develop your own film, print, mount, and present your images. Nevertheless, I took the main foundation course in San Francisco, California. Over the years, I also worked as a teaching assistant at the School of Visual Arts and the International Center School of Photography in New York. I also have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Not really, but when I was younger, I would borrow my mom's camera to shoot and have fun and explore.

I used Canon 5D Mark 2 and Polaroid film, and Canon AE1 film. I'm a very light photographer. I have three or four external flashes, so whether I'm hiking or heading into the desert, I don't need to carry a bulky power pack and flash. For shooting in the studio, I also brought about 2,000 Norman power packs and flash.

To inspire future generations and push fine art nudity into more modern science and technology, I wanted to leave a bad ass legacy in my portfolio. And gain recognition as an excellent artistic, avant-garde nude photographer.

I think it was when I was a student at SVA in New York. I sent my homework to my teacher who, after reading it, replied, "I've never seen anything like it, you don't have to come to my class anymore, it's up to you!" Everything is ready for you! Just get to the finals!

The naked body of the female attracted me. This is where I get my inspiration, and I'm always compelled to photograph it because, deep down, I want to capture the spirit of perfect female beauty.

Avant-garde, contemporary, erotic.

It's an honor to have my work recognised. I find it really energises and motivates me to keep shooting and pushing my work forward.

I don't know how to put it, but I think it has something to do with a person's determination and confidence to think their work is worth it! After years of research, filming, honing one's style, trial and error, inspiration, strong drive, and a lot of hard work, it's just something one feels and believes in! I chose the European Photography Awards because, for some reason, I thought we were on the same page or had something in common. It is also very modern and cosmopolitan.

As an artist and professional, it gives you greater weight, status, confidence and self-esteem and feels great inside. Needless to say, it makes you feel good when your friends or other members of your social circle tell you they've seen my accolades online or elsewhere.

Man Ray.

Nick Knight.

Helmut Newton.

I was advised to keep doing what I loved, no matter what others thought. Just keep shooting and follow your passion!

No doubt the same! Continue perfecting your style while photographing what you like. Explore galleries, museums, publications, books, social media, and other online and offline resources to stay abreast of the latest developments in technology and knowledge.

It is important to note that becoming a fine art nude photographer is not a career that can be pursued right after graduation. It took me some time to find it, investigate it, believe in it, develop my art, perfect it, and share it with the world, but in my case, I think I always had it.

There is no established route to achievement or anything like that; You forge your own path as you go! It's your gift to read signs, follow your instincts, and most importantly, have fun on the road! Don't be afraid!