Eduardo Oropeza is a visual artist from Puerto Vallarta whose work stands out for its refined attention to detail and ability to create immersive, atmospheric narratives. His photography captures authentic moments with a nostalgic undertone, drawing viewers into a world that feels both intimate and cinematic. His work has been recognized by brands like Apple and Kodak and featured in various digital media outlets dedicated to photography and the arts. He had his first solo exhibition in 2023 in Mexico City for his book Desiderium, and last year won the Analog Sparks: Life Style Photographer of the Year / Gold Winner in Life Style/Street displayed in Athens and Budapest. His images have also been published in Fisheye Magazine, The Flow Trip (formerly Whalebone Magazine), and Confusion Magazine, among others. Currently, he focuses on commercial campaigns for boutique hotels worldwide, bringing authentic travel experiences to life, as well as editorial projects for niche brands.

Hey Eduardo, thanks for chatting with us! What have you been up to lately?

Hey, thank you guys for having me. Lately, I’ve been back in my hometown, spending time with family and friends after traveling on and off for the past two and a half years. It was a much-needed pause—one that’s given me the space to reset, plan for future projects, and reconnect with myself.

Let’s start with some light questions. Are you more of a routine person or do you prefer to go with the flow when it comes to your day-to-day life and creative process?

I usually go with the flow while keeping a few things in check throughout the day. Being on the move and working as a freelance artist gives me a lot of freedom, which I really value. That said, there have been seasons where sticking to a routine has helped me stay more consistent with my creative output—but eventually, I always reach a point where I need to break out of the pattern to start thinking outside the box, if I may…

When you first picked up a camera, did you know it would become such a big part of your life, or was it more of a ‘let’s see where this goes’ kind of thing?

From the moment I picked up my dad’s film camera for a high school project and experienced the whole process, I knew this was how I wanted to express myself—through images. Photography and filmmaking have always felt like the most natural mediums for me, both in commercial work and personal projects, where I can fully bring my vision to life. I do enjoy painting too, but that’s always been more of a hobby.

Discover more of Eduardo’s #shotoniphone series here.

Your photos really have a way of making everyday moments feel special, like they’re seen through a different lens. What is it about those simple moments that catches your eye?

I’m constantly observing my surroundings as if they were scenes from a movie—it’s some kind of obsession now—whether it’s something happening on the street, in a park, while commuting, or inside an interesting space. I find myself searching for unusual ways to see ordinary things. Though sometimes, it’s simpler than that—it could also be just the way the light falls or a particular mix of colors that catches my eye and makes me want to capture that visual.

The way you use your phone for photos/videos in your #shotoniphone series feels like you’re documenting a story in real-time, with a rawness and intimacy that’s hard to replicate. How does shooting on your phone differ from using professional gear? Does it bring out a different side of you?

Shooting with my phone feels more instinctive—it allows me to capture moments as they happen, without overthinking or interrupting the flow. There’s a certain freedom in not having to set up a shot or carry gear around; it keeps things raw, less obstructive, immediate, and sometimes even more honest, because you often don’t draw much attention. It’s different from using professional cameras, where there’s more intent and control involved, but both approaches have their place. With my phone, it’s more about reacting to what’s in front of me, embracing the fleeting nature of a moment.

With film being so pricey these days, do you see phones as a viable alternative? Is it all about the gear or do you think it’s really the eye behind the lens that makes a photo stand out?

As I mentioned before, I think each medium has its place. For me, there’s no substitute for the way film captures color and light—the rendition is unique and unmatched. Also, for archival purposes, I lean more towards something tangible rather than just files on a drive or elsewhere. The process itself shapes your approach differently, in my opinion. That said, I believe it’s more about what works best for the person using it. Ultimately, it’s not the device that makes the photo or video stand out, but the message and intention behind it.

Speaking of phone shots, can you share the last photo/video you took with your phone? We’d love to see what caught your eye.

I recently came across some sea snails stuck to a rock by the shore, and I’ve always found the patterns in nature so intriguing. I captured a close-up shot and turned it into black and white to emphasize the shapes and lines more.

Is there a spot or hidden gem in Puerto Vallarta that’s your personal “getaway” when you need a break from everything?

It's pretty easy to find spots like that around here. I just drive a few kilometers either north or south, and I can find quieter, less-frequented places where I can embrace the closeness to the ocean. Feeling the breeze, watching the waves—it’s incredibly therapeutic. It helps clear my mind and sparks inspiration.

Puerto Vallarta

Have you ever been to Turkey, or is it somewhere you'd like to visit? We can totally see your #shotoniphone series capturing the fast-paced spots in Istanbul.

I haven’t been, but Turkey has always been an attractive place to me, especially Istanbul. I imagine there must be so many scenes to document—it seems like such a vibrant, full-of-life destination, with its people and everything happening around. My curiosity for the culture and the unknown makes it a place I’d love to visit someday.

What’s your plan for the rest of the year? What are you dreaming of?

I’d like to get involved in filmmaking productions and take on more editorial and commercial projects with my photography, all while still developing my personal work. I’m always looking to expand my vision and portfolio. If the opportunity arises, I’d also like to travel a bit—I can’t stay in one place for too long, I’ve got to keep it rolling!