Hey all, today we introduce “Manuel Bruque” who have been staff photographer, for more than 20 years, for the Agencia EFE, a news wire agency, based in Valencia Spain
So lets go ahead and see what he have to say about his experiences etc…
Hello and thanks for your time to snaptured.com, please introduce yourself to our viewers
Hello, I’m Manuel Bruque staff photographer, for more than 20 years, for the Agencia EFE, a news wire agency, based in Valencia Spain (350 kms. south Barcelona). EFE is the fourth wire agency along with Reuters, AFP and AP, and the first in Spanish. I cover from politics to sports, and everything in between.
You have a fantastic and inspiring portfolio Can you tell us how you got started in photography?
I’ve always love photography. So when I decided quitting university I started freelancing with a local newspaper. One day, October 1994, I followed an ambulance that went to a car accident, 3 nurses died. I was the only photographer there. That got me the opportunity to start working for EFE.
Valencia (Comunitat Valenciana), 25/03/2016. Cientos de personas han participado esta mañana en la playa de La Malvarrosa de Valencia en la tradicional procesión del Santo Cristo del Salvador y los mas devotos se acercan a tocar la imagen. EFE/Manuel Bruque.
What took you to be at this level? As a successful photographer, be in any genre of photography…
Well, I’m almost self-taught photographer. So taking pictures every day is what helps you improving. Now I try to push myself with new challenges, remote cameras, off camera flash, and always reading and watching other’s work.
Valencia (Comunitat Valenciana), 29/02/2016. El Ayuntamiento de Valencia ha disparado este mediodÃa una mascletà especial, en la plaza del Ayuntamiento de Valencia, para promover y apoyar la candidatura de las Fallas a Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Humanidad de la Unesco. EFE/Manuel Bruque.
What difficulties you face in the field of your photography?
Working in a wire service, speed is our first rule. So always got enough battery in your phone and your laptop around.
What motivates you to take pictures?
After 20 years, many assignments become not very motivating, as you’ve covered them each year. But there’s always a chance to get a different photo. Introducing new elements, trying to create something appealing from a not so appealing situation.
Cheste – Valencia (Comunidad Valenciana), 7/11/2015. El piloto español del equipo Movistar – Yamaha, Jorge Lorenzo, saldrá desde la 1ª posición. EFE/Manuel Bruque
Cheste – Valencia (Comunidad Valenciana), 6/11/2015. El piloto español del equipo Repsol – Honda, Marc Márquez, . EFE/Manuel Bruque.
Typical question, which image is your very best till now? We know all of your images are best but we want to know that one best image
I’m not a photographer that looks a lot to its past images. I’m glad with the pictures I took in las Fallas, our local festival in march, specially when you’ve been covering it year after year.
What gear you usually? Your cams lens etc…
I work with Canon gear. EOS 1DX and DX mark II, three zoom lenses (16-35, 24-70 and 70-200), 200-400 or 400 for sports, mainly soccer. Pocket Wizard Plus III for my remotes, and ST-E3 for my 600 EX when off camera.
València (Comunidad Valenciana), 18/03/2017. La falla del Ayuntamiento de València, la mas alta de la historia obra del artista Manolo García, se ve rodeada por el humo durante la mascletá de hoy disparada por la pirotecnia Martí. EFE/Manuel Bruque.
What other genre of photography you do, and what genre you love to do most?
I love climbing, so I usually use my climbing mates for some vertical shots. I love sport photography, from cycling (I’ve covered six times the Tour de France and La Vuelta), to basketball. You name it.
Do you like to do indoor/studio or outdoor Photography?
As much outdoor as I could, as I spent most of my working time covering indoor events
València (Comunidad Valenciana), 20/03/2017. Con la cremá de la falla del Ayuntamiento Valencia cierra sus Fallas 2017, ahora luciendo su nuevo título de Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Humanidad, con el tradicional ritual del fuego en el que sus 770 fallas han sido pasto de las llamas, tras llenar de arte y sátira toda la ciudad durante cinco días de fiesta, turismo, devoción, pirotecnia y buen tiempo. EFE/Manuel Bruque.
Which programs you use for editing purpose?
Photo Mechanic for browsing, Photoshop for editing and a proprietary software for captioning and sending. If using my iPhone, Photogene 4 for editing, captioning and sending.
What is the best advice you can give for the young upcoming photographers?
Shoot a lot, understand your gear, train your eye, look other’s work, be your first critic.
Ribarroja – Valencia (Comunitat Valenciana), 3/02/2016. Los ciclistas durante la disputa de la tercera etapa de la 68ª Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana entre las localidades valencianas de Canals y Ribarroja de Turia de 161 kms. EFE/Manuel Bruque.
Finally, what is your goal for life? As a photographer
Try to deliver both aesthetic and informative images. After 20 years in business I love my work, and feel as a privileged person, doing what I love most with my friends/colleagues.
Connect with Manu Bruque on Social Media
Twitter / Facebook / Website / Instagram
