Artists never stop experimenting - constantly searching for new tools and mediums to express their creativity! Raúl Cantú found selective focus photography combined with infrared to be the perfect combination to bring his dreamlike worlds to life.
Raúl Cantú with Sol 45
My name is Raúl Cantú, and I live in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. When I was young, I saw the potential in computers to generate images and have been using technology as an anchor in my creative production. I have experimented extensively with software and hardware, from fractals to immersions in generative art, and of course, I use multiple tools to create and edit my images.
Raúl Cantú with Sol 45
Raúl Cantú with Sol 45
In 2011, I began taking photographs and using them as a tool for my creative expression. I consider myself an experimenter and my incursion in different photographic techniques has always been present. I’ve worked on diverse photographic projects from high-speed photography, light painting, macro-photography, multiple exposures, bokeh experimentation, and infrared photography among others.
Raúl Cantú with Sweet 35
Raúl Cantú with Sol 45
I like to photograph many things, but what I’m most attracted to are landscapes and portraits. It is in the search process where the encounter happens, first with the selective focus, and then with infrared photography. I like to visualize parallel, dreamlike worlds, where reality is different from the one we see. Selective focus combined with infrared photography has become an excellent combination to explore and carry out my vision.
Raúl Cantú with Sweet 35
Raúl Cantú with Sweet 35
As a landscape photographer, traditionally the first thing you look for is sharpness. However, when you're expressing yourself as an artist, this isn't necessarily relevant. The combination of Lensbaby with the infrared spectrum means for me getting closer to a world of dreams, places that emerge from unrealities.
Raúl Cantú with Sweet 35
Raúl Cantú with Sweet 35
I’ve been using selective focus lenses for several years now, and have used many different optics. I quickly adapted to Lensbaby, as I believe it has been developed with artists in mind. Its functioning is responsive and achieves that magical effect present in my work. Lensbaby lenses are a subtle alternative that allows me to discover more poetic moments. For me, the creative process involves experimentation and is constant in my artistic production. I cannot separate what I feel and wish to convey from the tools that allow me those results.
Raúl Cantú with Sweet 35
Raúl Cantú with Sweet 35
I find inspiration in imagining alternative spaces to reality, and I get inspired in almost any place. I like everyday places to look different. I'm motivated to try and look for different results, and once I find something that transmits what I feel, I continue exploiting it and producing creative art.
Raúl Cantú with Sweet 35