Bolivia Through The Eyes Of A Local Photographer

Countless talented travel photographers have ventured through Bolivia, snapping incredible pictures of her stunning landscapes and captivating indigenous culture. But what does this enchanting country look like through the lens of a local? Culture Trip spoke to La Paz-based photographer Brayan Barboza Torrez to find out.

Barboza Torrez works as an industrial engineer from Monday to Friday and dedicates his weekends to nature and photography. As one of the primary organizers of the Free Trekking Bolivia group, he has a passion for sharing the incredible natural beauty of his country with fellow Bolivians and tourists alike.

Where or how did you learn the art of photography?

I learnt photography by shooting with a friend who had the same hobby. This was seven years ago.

What kind of professional work do you do?

The professional work I enjoy the most are tourist attractions. This is what I know best and these are the photos that are most often shared.

What kind of equipment do you use?

A Nikon SLR camera, depending on the objective.

What is your favorite lens? Why?

The 18-105 because it’s very versatile for the work I do. Its range of action gives me an approximation of 105 mm and I can also do wide shots with 18 mm.

What kind of tools do you use for post-processing?

The classic PS (Photoshop) and now the CC 2015 (Creative Cloud).

How did you learn to improve your photography skills?

Something very wise that a friend and great photographer once told me was, “If you want to take good photos, you need to look at photos.” So to improve my photos I try to look at other people’s photos as often as possible.

Where are the most interesting places in Bolivia that you have photographed?

Without a doubt the Salar de Uyuni and the Amazon.

What do you look for when photographing in the city or in nature?

To transmit the natural beauty that we have in Bolivia, including that of the cities.

What do you like to photograph in Bolivia?

All corners of the country, to make our beautiful country better known.

What is difficult about working as a photographer in Bolivia?

The problem is being able to reach different natural sites or cities and towns because there are not many good road connections in Bolivia.

Bad roads in Bolivia | © Gatol fotografia/Flickr

Thanks Brayan for your time and for sharing these amazing photos with us. Brayan can be reached through his Facebook page, Gatol Fotografia. Let’s take a look at a few more of his outstanding pictures.

A different perspective of La Paz.

Mi Teleferico, public transport in the sky.

Night falling in Cochabamba’s central plaza.

Welcome to Villa Tunari, an ethno/eco tourism paradise.

Villa Tunari | © Gatol fotografia/Flickr

Santa Cruz at dusk.

Born to be wild.

A young shoe shine boy at the presidential palace, perhaps hoping to speak with Evo Morales.

Technology on the altiplano.

Rowboats on Lake Achocalla.

Old age.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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