La Réserve Magazine Rethinking Luxury

What made you get involved in photography?
During my first trip to Paris (I was living in Lisbon at the time), my father lent me his old Leica to bring back some pictures. I had never touched a camera before and it grabbed me instantly. I simultaneously fell in love with photography, with this perfect object I was able to use, and with Paris! This adventure influenced everything I have subsequently achieved in my life, starting with my studies in design and photography and my subsequent move to Paris.

Have you remained true to Leica?
Like many photographers, I am a Leica addict. It is rare that technology has been this inspiring. The excellence of the optics and the lenses brings a softness and unique poetry to the images. It allows you to play with blurring or, on the contrary, to obtain a perfect level of sharpness. And they are small-sized cameras, so easy to use and carry around when exploring urban areas.

What themes inspire you?
I am a somewhat different kind of ‘street photographer’. My stamping ground is mainly the street, but I am not looking to capture the moment in all its obvious reality. I confine myself to situations that are captivating because of their graphic or architectural dimensions; for their potential in terms of contrasts, shadows, lights, reflections… I also like visiting exhibitions, observing the fascinating tension and the occasionally strange relationship between spectators and artworks. No matter what the subject, my artistic intervention involves presenting the image that has developed in my imagination based on actual reality. And if that means waiting for the light to reach the desired intensity, or for someone to move into my field of vision to ensure that the photograph corresponds exactly with what is in my head, I simply exercise my patience until that happens.

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www.luiscavaco.fr / Instagram @ilovemyleica

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Based on an interview by Michèle Wouters