Photography has Never Been this Romantic - Absorbing Teresa Freitas Colourful and Vibrant Photography
Portuguese photographer Teresa Freitas knows how to breathe magic & romance into the architecture, objects and motifs that pass through her lens. Her alluring vision and sharp eye when it comes to colour combinations have seen her grow a dedicated International audience – Freitas has over 220K followers on Instagram. Her impressive body of work for globally renowned brands like Adobe, American Express, Dior, Fairmont, HP, Montblanc, Netflix, and Pantone, straddle the line between art and photography.
In an interview with the Terrene, Teresa talks about her life and work.
Tell us about where you grew up and how you spent your early years. Was creativity a part of your childhood?
I grew up and still live in a village by the sea in Lisbon, called Cascais. I have never felt like switching the peaceful and beautiful scenery of my hometown for the hustle and bustle of the capital. Until I was a teenager we lived with my grandparents in their beautiful century-old house – where my mother and 8 aunts & uncles grew up. My grandfather was an art collector. I had a bunch of close relatives in the art and design world, and my father had been an avid photographer throughout his college years. He was the official family photographer, clicking portraits and capturing beautiful candid moments of our big family throughout the years. So I can definitely say that creativity was a big part of my childhood. Also, I always enjoyed drawing and colors and liked looking through books with scientific illustrations.
We know you graduated from Lisbon University’s Faculty of Fine Arts with a degree in Multimedia Art, followed by a Masters in Design and New Media. But, tell us how you made the transition from university to becoming a photographer for a living?
When I downloaded Instagram, I was at the beginning of my Multimedia Art course. I took loose and informal shots of my daily-life, and that was about it. Then after trying out creative photography and editing, my audience started to grow, which also ended up catching the attention of some brands. I started collaborating here and there, but still needed another job. Simultaneously, I continued to grow and develop my photography portfolio, and hence began being approached more constantly by brands. By the end of 2018, I did the math and realized I could actually be a full-time photographer. So I’ve been a photographer for a living since as recently as 2019.
Did you have any mentors along the way?
Not really, just artists and photographers that I didn’t know personally but whose work I admired. They influenced and inspired me along the way.
From Dior and Kenzo to Netflix and Pantone, you have collaborated with some of the leading brands in the world. What was your first big project and how did that come about?
My first big project was with Belvedere Vodka through their La Chambre Noire project, back in 2015. The proposal was an Instagram take-over of La Chambre Noire’s account, with 20 personal images and 5 custom-made photos dedicated to Belvedere’s bottle. Every picture was taken with my smartphone, and it was a really fun challenge to take on.
I know it's always hard to choose but what is the most significant project you’ve done to date and why?
There’s a reason it’s hard to choose, since you generally take something special from each project. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a project that I didn’t enjoy. Still, there are definitely a few that standout, but it’s hard to pick one favourite. I’d like to mention Chloé’s Nomade and Netflix’s The OA brand collaborations in March 2018. The collaborations were just a couple of days apart from each other. It was my first time visiting the US; I travelled with both of these brands to Los Angeles and Palm Springs (and later took the opportunity to visit San Francisco on my own). It was a really special time for me, filled with amazing experiences I never thought I’d have. The most amazing part was that it was in LA and especially in San Francisco that my photographic color work strongly evolved into what is my signature style today. It was definitely one of my most inspiring moments, both personally and professionally, since what I do has a lot to do with who I am.
How do you keep evolving and educating yourself to take better pictures?
Like most forms of art, in photography you learn and evolve through experience, practice, reading and absorbing other people’s work. There’s always someone doing beautiful things that make you want to challenge yourself creatively. As long as I continue to dedicate my time to my work, I’m bound to keep evolving.
Are there any photographers you’re following right now?
Of course, lots of them! That’s why I love Instagram, it’s so easy to find and follow new photographers and artists on it everyday. It’s the best source for pure visual pleasure.
And are you part of a creative community? Is that something that’s important to you?
I’m not, at least not in the traditional sense. I think Instagram and the online world can be viewed as a creative community, if you know where to go and what to search for! I’ve always enjoyed doing things alone, but I know I’d benefit from more contact with photographers and creatives whose work I relate to. That way I can share my own expertise or tips and tricks and also learn from them.
This pandemic we are all living through has changed so much for the entire world. How are you coping with the new normal both personally and professionally?
Personally it’s been OK. In the beginning, it hurt that I couldn’t see my family. But after those restrictions were lifted, it’s been very close to my previous way of living, on a daily-basis. I already worked from home and improvised a studio for still-lives in my attic (when I couldn’t go outside to shoot, which I always prefer). Professionally, I’m still collaborating with brands and creating content for them, which I’m very thankful for. What I’m definitely missing the most is the opportunity to travel. I had two big trips lined up that I know would’ve been essential for creating new personal work. Right now, I’m scrolling through the archives of past trips and trying to discover a shot here and there that I can work with. I’m aware that I’m very lucky to say that travel is the only thing I’m missing.
What are your goals for the future?
Just keep evolving, get better, take on new challenges and discover new creative potentials.
Now just a few short answers for our section called Insiders Select:
Favourite artists and studios…
I have a problem with picking favourites, I think I’d rather pick favourite artworks than artists. But let’s say Magritte and Rodney Smith.
Favourite galleries and spaces…
Although it’s not a physical gallery, I’m going to pick Subject Matter Art (who I work with) because I love what they’re doing and what/who they stand for. Also Museum Serralves in Porto, because it quickly became one of my favourite places to spend the whole day.
Where do you go to look at great art/photography?
Right now, I go online. I’d love to visit Fotografiska in Stockholm and Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Photography.
Favourite art/photography magazines or websites…
This isn’t happiness and Aesthetica Magazine.
Favourite Photography gear/gadgets…
I recently got a DJI Osmo mobile gimbal and it’s super fun.
Finally, what advice can you offer to a photographer who is starting out that you wish someone had once given you?
Talk back to your brain, not every negative thought is a reality.
Words by Srishti Jindal
