Personal one - Roberto alegria interview
How are you today? I’m doing great, thanks. Excited about what’s coming up and grateful to be part of this exhibition.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer?I started out photographing skateboarding about 15 years ago, documenting the energy and culture around the world. Over the years I expanded into sports, fashion and cultural projects. My work has taken me from the streets to big campaigns with brands like Nike and Adidas and even into galleries like the National Portrait Gallery in London.
How would you describe your style or approach to photography? I like to think of it as a mix of storytelling and aesthetics. I plan a lot before shooting but I always leave space for unexpected moments. My images often sit at the intersection of sports, fashion, and
culture but always with a human angle.
“ My images often sit at the intersection of sports, fashion, and culture but always with a human angle.
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“ Younger photographers are fearless, mixing mediums, experimenting with film and digital, pushing boundaries. It keeps the scene alive.
When did you first hear about this exhibition? A couple months ago I immediately felt it was something I wanted to be part of.
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before? This is my first time, which makes it even more special.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition? It’s very interesting to see so many different voices together in one space. For me it’s about connecting, sharing my vision but also learning from the perspectives of others.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here? I hope they feel something beyond the surface whether it’s curiosity, emotion or even a question.
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through? Younger photographers are fearless, mixing mediums, experimenting with film and digital, pushing boundaries. It keeps the scene alive.
What projects have you been working on recently? I’ve been working on a long-term project in Ethiopia about girls skateboarding in traditional dresses and also exploring landscapes in places like New Zealand and Jordan with a more conceptual approach.
Is there a future project you’re particularly excited about and would like to share? I travel a lot throughout the year, and in every place I visit I dive into a specific subject. In Korea, for example,I went to Jeju Island to photograph the Haenyeo, elderly women who still dive for seafood at around 70 years old. In Tajikistan, I focused on people living in remote mountain villages. So I move from place to place, improvising and letting each culture guide the story
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career?
I wouldn’t say there’s a single project that changed everything. For me, the real milestone is being able to live from photography itself. I’m in it for the human experience, every encounter, every story, every collaboration. That’s what shapes me the most and keeps me moving forward.
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today? At first I was only chasing action. Now I try to slow down and think about layers of meaning how form, light, and story connect in one image.
What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond? People. The more I travel and the more people I meet, the more fascinated I become by how different cultures shape the way we live, celebrate, and adapt. Sometimes the reason for traveling and connecting with other cultures is to look for answers but in reality, you often come back with even more questions and that endless curiosity keeps me inspired.
What equipment are you currently using, and why? I use a Canon 5D Mark IV when speed and reliability are essential, but honestly, I’m much more into film cameras like the Contax RTS, Mamiya 7, Hasselblad.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path? More than a single photographer, what influenced me the most was studying at art school and spending time with the classics of painting. Learning about composition, light, and colour through painters has stayed with me and still informs how I work.
What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition? Don’t stress about having the perfect gear or style. Follow your curiosity, shoot what moves you, the rest will come with time.
Anything you want to add? Just that I’m grateful to be part of this community, and I look forward to meet new people at the exhibition.
