Of course, I'd be happy to introduce myself and talk about how I got into photography. I am a photographer named Rosa Gomez and my slogan is "Gaze with Soul". My grandmother gave me a camera and I started taking pictures with it when I was very young. It was a very nostalgic moment for me and I haven't stopped taking pictures since.

I can't and don't want to ignore my natural eye for photography. Photography is one of my basic elements. I always pay close attention to emotion, light, form and frame. I am very sensitive and empathetic, which gives me the ability to capture the essence of the people I photograph.

Because photography can convey both objective and subjective information, I think it is one of the most comprehensive communication systems. My acumen is what sets me apart, even though skill is important and necessary. My compassion and sensitivity allow me to connect with my subjects and capture their essence, which I feel is the source of my unique perspective. When I started a professional initiative to emphasize the importance of my community and its inhabitants, my photographic journey became even more intense. As they say, "it's hard to be a prophet in your own land," so it's a difficult task. I spent several years traveling around the world and decided to return to my hometown of La Alberca, one of the most picturesque places in the region of the Francian Mountains in the province of Salamanca.

I started my own photography and communication business, started Posting my photos on social media and sending La Alberca articles and history to every newspaper in the province of Salamanca. It was a very fulfilling time because in addition to having fun, I learned the importance of my own community.

Later, I was given the opportunity to lead the delegation "RTV al Dia Salamanca" in the Sierra de Francia region, and I spent several years developing this position. In addition, during this period I also collaborated with the writer josjesus Luis Puerto on the very emotional part "Words for an Image". Eventually, I was able to return to my professional projects in a more autonomous way because of my introspective, thoughtful, and independent work style.

After quitting journalism, I began writing for public groups promoting culture and tourism. But after seeing that official institutions showed little interest in traditional culture, I started "visual anthropology," which was by far my most rewarding career.

In short, I have always considered photography an essential part of my life and have been committed to bringing the soul of the people and communities I document to life. I think my unique perspective and compassionate demeanor have made me a famous photographer.

Even though I have a degree in Spanish literature and linguistics, I took a lot of photography classes in Utrecht and Toronto. I have a Master's degree in Marketing and Advertising from ESIC, Pozuelo de Alarcon, and I also studied graphic design in Salamanca.

I have never stopped learning photography and I have the opportunity to do so every day. I keep up with all the latest methods. I learned the most from doing, that is, by taking lots of pictures.

Although I don't remember much about the first photo I took, I do remember pretending to be a photographer when I was very young. Also, I remember designing sets, lighting and costumes for my sister's photography.

I've been using Nikon products for a long time, and depending on the situation, I usually use two full-frame cameras. Even though I usually have the best equipment, I think the photographer's eye - not the camera - is the most important component of photography. Also, after taking a photo, I use additional techniques to continue the creative process, so the camera is not the end point.

As a photographer, my main goal is to use my lens to depict and capture the essence of stories, experiences and emotions. My goal is to make visually compelling and thought-provoking photos that engage people and leave a lasting impression.

I want to make a positive and lasting contribution to the world of photography by constantly improving my technical abilities and creative vision by creating works that inspire people as well as the larger artistic community. In addition to providing visually appealing content, I hope my photos will spark discussion and promote a deeper understanding of the art form itself.

I've been lucky enough to receive a lot of lovely comments over the course of my career, but two in particular stand out to me. As the writer Jose Luis Puerto said, I like to look at my work with "Una mirada con alma, a glimpse of my soul." Hearing such lovely comments about my approach and style made me cry.

The second praise came from painter Florencio Maillo, who said: "Because she knows, understands and perceives, Rosa has the ability to connect the present she observes with the past she remembers." I find this very important because it reveals the importance of history and memory in my work. Overall, I'm grateful for all the compliments and recognition I've received over the years because they inspire me to keep pushing myself to become a better photographer.

Well, Impressionist and Flemish paintings are my inspirations. I also find inspiration in ancient literature and movies. But being so close to nature is where I get most of my inspiration.

Emotive, intimate and authentic.

Thank you very much! It is a real honour for me to receive this award. It means a lot to be recognised in such a respected international photography competition. As a result, I feel validated and inspired to continue to pursue my love of photography.

In addition, this honour gives me new opportunities to showcase my work and be recognised by the photography community. I appreciate the compliments and intend to continue to challenge my creativity to create even greater works in the future.

All in all, I am very proud of myself for receiving this award and I am honoured that my efforts and dedication to photography have been recognised. But to be honest, I don't usually take praise or criticism too seriously. My career is not a racetrack. Nevertheless, I am very grateful for these honours.

Winning the precious gold and silver awards in international competitions is a huge boost to my career and I want to make the most of it. I find it particularly relevant because I live in a small town and don't have a great connection to the world of photography.

I chose a photo that best captures the character and culture of my hometown, La Alberca. I see the European Photography Awards as a forum to appreciate and embrace cultural diversity and creativity, so I participated in this photo shoot to highlight the beauty and depth of my region's culture and identity. By sharing my work, I hope to encourage people to recognise and value what is unique about their own culture and customs.

As an experienced photographer, the award has definitely increased my visibility and recognition in the field. It has given me more opportunities to showcase my work and network with other professionals, both of which have been crucial to expanding my network and advancing my career.

After winning the award, I feel validated and inspired to continue to follow my artistic vision and push the limits of my trading. It is a great honour to be recognised for my work and I am grateful for the opportunity this achievement has given me.

• Ruth Matilda Anderson

• José Ortiz Echagüe

• Vivian Maier

Believing in yourself was the best advice I ever got when I started working.

I recommend not comparing yourself to others and instead focusing on creating your own unique vision and style. While it is beneficial to observe and absorb knowledge from other photographers, your ultimate goal should be to produce photos that truly convey your own ideas and opinions.

It's also important to keep practicing and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Try several methods and approaches, don't be afraid to fail, take chances. Also, look for opportunities to collaborate with other artists and make connections in the field.

Finally, whether you choose to learn through a seminar or a classroom, keep an open mind and curiosity. In order to continuously improve your abilities and grow as a photographer, it is vital to keep your motivation and curiosity going.

It's important to me to make a personal connection and fully capture each person's unique personality. As for parting words, I suggest you always stay true to yourself and follow your passion. Never let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn't do, and never stop developing as a person and an artist. Above all, remember the importance of relationships in creating meaningful work.

Remember that different people may have different definitions of success, so establish your own goals and principles and pursue them relentlessly.

As a photographer, I want to inspire everyone to follow their passion, even if it occasionally seems hard or demanding. With commitment and hard work, anything is possible. Never forget to stay true to your unique vision and style. I am glad to have the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with you. Thank you for the interview!