© Oskar Manso, Spain, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
The joyful squawks of people on the crowded streets, the reporters deliberating the best angles to capture the San Fermin celebrations and the lucky partygoers on the balconies - you can almost hear Oskar Manso's image through the screen. Manso, a photographer based in Spain, was shortlisted in the Travel category in last year's Sony World Photography Awards Open competition. His photograph of the Spanish celebration was also voted as August's WPO Pic of the Month on our Instagram. We chat with Oskar to learn more about his background as a photographer and delve into the story behind his photograph.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Oskar Manso, I am from Vitoria-Spain, I started in photography when my son was born and I couldn't stop taking photos of him with a compact camera. After a while I won a contest and with the prize I bought my first SLR camera. Since then I have been learning everything self-taught, taking all kinds of photos until I found my discipline, the people, the human factor is essential in my photographs, I need to transmit emotions.
Your photograph of a busy street during local celebrations in Spain won August’s Pic of the Month. What’s the story behind your image?
I have to say that I was privileged since, thanks to my partner, I had the great luck to be on the balcony of the town hall experiencing that impressive moment: the launch of the rocket announcing the San Fermin festivities. The truth is that I started taking photos as if there were no tomorrow, it was overwhelming to see so many people dressed in white with red scarves. While taking overhead photos I noticed the scene that appears in the award- winning photo of the month where you can see all the international press workers in one building and the rest of the celebration on the other. It seemed like an interesting counterpoint to me.
What were some of the unique challenges of shooting such a packed event and how did you overcome them?
As I mentioned before, I was lucky enough to be on the balcony of the town hall, so the challenge was to take photos without missing out on experiencing that moment. You were shortlisted in this year's Travel category in the Open competition.
What advice do you have for photographers thinking about submitting their work to the Sony World Photography Awards?
That they do it without thinking twice, that they do not take it as a competition but as a showcase to show their photographs to the world, art must be shown. Even though you never expect to receive a mention like the one I have received, I am a simple amateur, anything can happen and that is the case, so I encourage everyone to apply.
You took up photography because...
Because it is my form of expression par excellence, I tell things that I couldn't otherwise. My purpose for some years now has been to use my passion, photography, to tell stories and try to awaken in those who contemplate them, the same sensations that emerge in me when I am in the middle of the creative process, and above all, to transmit my passion for this art through my works.
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your work?
Honestly, no one famous has been, it was seeing and seeing and seeing a large amount of photographs that has enriched me. If I had to name someone important, I would say Chema Madoz, Eugenio Recuenco, Annie Leibovitz.
What’s next for your photography?
Currently I don't have any close project in sight, I have several ideas in my head but they're long term. I am collecting photographs and taking new ones in collaboration with another person to make a book.
Discover more of Oskar Manso's works on his Instagram.
