Interview: Photographer Ana Dias (Portugal)

Can you tell us a little about you? I was born in Porto, Portugal in 1984. Having graduated in 2007 from the Oporto Superior School of Art. The passion for creating colorful scenes, filled with playful and glamorous characters comes from my background in plastic arts. The style is very influenced by the pop culture and the 50's pin-up girls and I always want to tell stories that makes people smile, and remind them that beauty is real. Currently, I work for several renowned brands, including PLAYBOY magazine.

How and when did you get into photography? I always have had a great fascination for art and, because of that, I graduated in Plastic Arts from the Oporto Superior Art School. My interest for photography derives from my interest in image and composition. I’ve had that passion ever since I was a child.

My passion for photography began when I was asked to pose as a photographic model. I loved the experience and wanted to try how it would feel like to be on the other side of the camera. Since then I haven’t stopped! Both, the Plastic Arts and Photography are ways of artistic expression that allow me to share what’s in my soul.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography means a lot to me! It’s the way I can express myself and my vision of the beauty.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers. I always try to create images that bring out the model’s sex appeal in a glamorous and fun way. I love colorful scenes, I love playful and lively characters, I love movement… there are so many aspects in my work that it’s hard to name just a few… but the most important thing is to make the model look appealing and perfect.

Also, my work is very positive and I always have good relations with my models.

Its very important that the models understand very well what's the point of the shoots, so that people to feel the good vibes and appreciate the beauty and power of the women's body.

Where do you get inspiration from? I got inspiration in every single thing: in a travel, in a movie, in a music, in the 80s... and also I get inspired by beauty. Especially feminine beauty. Think you in advance what you want in the picture? For me, a picture needs to tell a story, or needs to make you feel something… something exciting or something fun! It has to be powerful and have some meaning.

Studio, on location or both? I always prefer to shoot outside, with lots of sun and water.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional? I’m a professional.

What has been your most memorable session and why? I think one of my most memorable photoshoots was the first one I did for Playboy US. In 2015, I was invited by the director of Playboy to make a video show that was basically a diary of my life as a Playboy photographer. It was called “PLAYBOY ABROAD: Adventures with Photographer Ana Dias”, and it aired on Playboy.com. In each episode I had to shoot a different model, in a different city, somewhere in the world. That was the best thing that ever happened to me! And the first shoot for the first episode went so well! I really have great memories of that shoot.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I usually work with a Canon 5D camera, but I think that it is not very relevant for the end result. The body of the camera is not so important for me.

I’m a lot more picky when it comes to the lenses. I particularly like to work with lenses that are very luminous. I love natural light and I try to use it whenever I can. So if I have a sunny day, a beautiful model and a little bit of baby oil, I get the result I need. My favorite lens: Canon 50mm 1.4; Canon 100mm macro; Canon70-200mm 2.8.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business? I recommend working more and more, enjoying their work, and learning and growing with each project.

What do you think of our new magazine? I wish you guys all the success!

WEBSITE: www.anadiasphotography.com

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/anadiasphotography