Víctor Sánchez
© Víctor Sánchez
Víctor is originally from a mountainous region in Northern Spain and has always been fascinated by the world of photography. His journey began during his childhood, capturing moments during family events with his father’s camera. Soon, he was given his very own point-and-shoot camera, and he could not feel prouder of developing and showing the results to family members, even if most showed a not-so-great composition or had part of one of his fingers showing in the photograph.
When Víctor turned 18, he saved enough to buy his first DSLR, which he used primarily for portrait and travel photography. Over time, his interests broadened to include landscape, wildlife, travel, and street. The latter has become a captivating type of photography for him, offering a raw and spontaneous glimpse into everyday life.
Víctor moved to England for work, initially settling in the picturesque Southwest, where he lived in Plymouth for over a decade. Two years ago, he relocated to London. The city’s dynamic streets and diverse culture have further fuelled his passion for street photography.
Víctor’s diverse portfolio reflects his continuous exploration, development and love for capturing the essence of the world around him.
© Víctor Sánchez
London Photo Show Exhibition
What inspired you to curate this particular collection of photographs for your exhibition?
I will be displaying two photos from a series inspired by two nights I spent photographing in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Shinjuku has an incredible blend of modern life and traditional culture, with its neon lights, bustling streets, and a sense of organised chaos that is captivating. I was fascinated by how the city's energy changes from day to night and how people move through this urban landscape. The unique contrasts of light, shadow and reflections, the vibrant colours, and the diversity of the people passing through Shinjuku’s streets are what drove me to capture these moments.
Could you share some insights into the creative process behind these photographs?
The creative process behind these photographs was a mix of spontaneity and patience. Over the two nights I spent wandering in Shinjuku, I immersed myself in the district’s contrasts - particularly the juxtaposition of bustling modern flashy streets with old, narrow alleys filled with tiny bars. These streets, often hidden away from the neon-lit main roads, have a completely different atmosphere. I let the environment guide me, capturing mundane, quiet moments in these narrow alleyways where the city's hustle felt more distant. The combination of rich textures, from old wooden structures to modern signage, framed the scenes and created a sense of timelessness. My goal was to capture both the lively and tranquil sides of Shinjuku—the energetic flow of people in busy areas alongside the quieter, more intimate spaces tucked away in its streets.
What emotions or messages do you hope viewers will take away from experiencing your exhibition?
I hope viewers will experience a sense of contrast and duality. Shinjuku is a place where the ultra-modern meets the traditional, and where chaotic, neon-lit streets coexist with quiet, narrow alleys lined with small, cosy bars. I want to evoke a feeling of discovery—of wandering through the city and finding unexpected moments of stillness and intimacy amid the urban rush.
© Víctor Sánchez
Are there any specific stories or moments from your photography that you would like to highlight in this exhibition?
One moment that stands out from my time in Shinjuku was photographing the streets filled with people rushing to catch the last train. The flow of bodies, their shadows against the bright neon signs, and the sense of urgency was palpable. Capturing that energy, while also finding moments of stillness amid the crowd, was a powerful experience for me.
How do you see your photography evolving in the future, and how might that influence your future exhibitions?
I see my photography evolving to explore deeper storytelling, perhaps focusing more on thematic series or documentary photography. I’m also intrigued by the idea of incorporating more candid portraits to bring a stronger human element into my work.
What has been your experience with UPC in regards to this exhibition?
My experience with UPC has been really positive. They've been supportive throughout the process, giving me the space to explore my creative vision while also offering valuable input on curation and presentation. Their encouragement has pushed me to think about how to best showcase my work in a cohesive and impactful way.