Meet Pedro Aguilar, London-based photographer and artist passionate about all aspects of image-making. He has collaborated with many international brands and advertising agencies, as a photographer as well as offering a full creative-postproduction service from his studio in West London.
You’ve had an incredible journey, from growing up in Linares to studying Fine Art in Seville and Brighton, and ultimately building your career in London. How have these experiences, both in your upbringing and education, influenced your perspective and approach as a photographer and artist?
Growing up in Andalusia, I was immersed in religious art and traditional flamenco music from an early age— two influences I still cherish today. However, I was also fortunate to encounter individuals who introduced me to modern and contemporary art. I've always had a curious nature, and I consider myself lucky to have been shaped by such diverse artistic influences.
My years in Seville were especially formative for me as an artist. I received a traditional education, spending my early university days drawing from Greek statues, live models, and studying anatomy. At the same time, I was introduced to new tools like Photoshop, which expanded my creative possibilities.
Moving to the UK was another transformative experience. I had the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world and discover photography as my main form of expression, which ultimately became my profession.
Can you tell us about the creative process behind your recent solo show in Spain? How does your work in drawing and painting complement or contrast with your photography?
When I draw or paint, I never create with an audience in mind, so my work is deeply personal. Much of it consists of self-portraits, so you could say it's largely an exploration of identity. My processes very intuitive—I embrace accidents and unexpected moments that guide me toward the final image. While my style is free and spontaneous, you can still see traces of traditional art techniques, blended with influences like TV cartoons.
You've worked with many high-profile brands like Nike, Levi's, and Unilever. What do you consider essential when capturing the essence of a brand while maintaining your own artistic vision?
I believe it’s about getting the client to embrace your vision. When a client approaches you, it’s usually because they’ve already seen and love your work. However, it’s also essential to collaborate with the creative team. In advertising commissions, by the time the brief reaches you, it’s open to the result of a creative process that began long before your involvement. Your role is to enhance the concept with your talent, not to completely reshape it.
Your work has been featured in Lürzer's Archive Best 200 Advertising Photographers Worldwide twice. What do you think sets your photography apart in such a competitive field?
I've been fortunate to collaborate with incredibly talented individuals, from art directors to skilled makeup artists, stylists, and producers. In advertising photography, success is all about having a great team. I also think my background as an artist has set my work apart from other photographers. I believe that the more diverse your interests are and the more you learn—whether or not it directly relates to your career—the better you become, both as an artist and as a person.
As someone who has successfully navigated the worlds of both fine art and commercial photography, where do you see your creative journey heading next? Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
I’m eager to showcase some of my personal work and have been developing various projects over the years. Now feels like the right time to start reaching out to galleries. Additionally, I’m working on an exciting new art and fashion project for the launch of a new advertising agency in Madrid.
In your experience, what role do global creative platforms and communities play in helping photographers like yourself stay connected to industry trends and potential collaborations?
In today’s oversaturated world of image-sharing, it’s crucial to be seen by the right people in the industry. That’s why I’ve been a member of Production Paradise for several years. It has helped me reach a broader audience beyond my usual industry contacts, and it’s also been a valuable source of inspiration.
We thank Pedro Aguilar for his time and insight! You can see more of their work on their Production Paradise member page and website.
