“Through my photos, I try to convey feelings of introspection, nostalgia, and a genuine connection with others,” Héctor Faya Rodríguez.
Héctor Faya Rodríguez’s journey as a photographer began in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, where his mother’s passion for photography left a lasting impression. He recalls how she treated cameras and photographs as treasures, yet within their home, the camera was more of a silent observer than a tool for creation. Surrounded by art, culture, and a love for imagery, Héctor’s early experiences planted a seed of creativity that would later flourish in his adult life.
In February 2024, he found a deep calling to photography during a workshop in São Paulo, Brazil. For Héctor, photography became a way to express emotions and ideas that words could not convey, shifting his focus from himself to the stories of others. This marked the beginning of his remarkable ability to connect with the world through his lens.
“My mom always considered photography something very special and kept her cameras and photos like treasures. However, at home, the camera was more an object to observe than to use. I don’t feel that Torreón was a central influence in my development as a photographer since I started this journey late. It was in Brazil, specifically in São Paulo in February 2024, where I really began to photograph. My development in photography emerged more as a way to express things I hadn’t been able to communicate otherwise, and as a new way of seeing the world, where others became more important to me than my own perspective,” he reflects.
His passion for photography crystallized during a street photography course in São Paulo with Víctor Lima. “That day was revealing,” Héctor recalls. “I learned not just the basics of photography but also the privilege of observing and connecting with my surroundings.” It was a profound moment that changed everything for him, igniting a passion he would carry forward.
“I realized that photography would be one of my paths,” he shares. “Although I had held cameras before, I never understood how to use them manually until that day when I discovered the experience of going out into the street as an observer. Many times, we walk hurriedly, without stopping to see. But that time, I learned the privilege of observing and connecting, and since then, I haven’t put down the camera.”
For Héctor, photography has become a means of eternalizing fleeting moments that evoke deep feelings. It’s about “capturing moments, eternalizing instances that make me feel something,” he explains. “It’s a way to provoke emotions in others, inviting them to connect with what lies beneath. When a photograph achieves this, it transcends the documentary and becomes a kind of fiction, an invitation to delve into and explore the story that lies behind it.”
Diving deeper into his craft, two main themes emerge: the public and the private. He is captivated by the public realm’s many converging stories, while the private sphere inspires him to capture emotional portraits that reflect personal moments and feelings.
“I primarily photograph for myself because I enjoy going out and observing. In the public space, I’m interested in capturing the convergence of stories and people. In the private realm, emotional portraits become a form of introspection. It’s something I want to continue exploring,” he reflects.
Regarding technique and equipment, Héctor works with a Sony camera and a Fuji camera. “I maintain a minimalist approach regarding equipment. I don’t use lamps, flash, or many lenses. I love working with natural light, especially at sunrise or before sunset on sunny days. If it’s cloudy, the soft light at any time of the day fits well with my style. These choices reflect my preference for a simple and direct style, allowing me to focus on the story and the emotion rather than relying on a lot of equipment,” he details.
Looking back, support from his family played a vital role in Héctor’s journey. His parents encouraged his artistic inclinations by gifting him cameras and fostering a love for art, music, and literature. He fondly remembers how family trips exposed him to culture and creativity. “The trips we took as a family brought me closer to art and culture, and that environment enriched my imagination,” he recalls.
“In this adult stage, the essential support comes from my wife, Bárbara, and my children, who sometimes accompany me on my photo outings,” he shares, clarifying that he does not pursue photography professionally. “Besides being a photographer, I’m a law professor and a professional in public policy, so I have an interest in social and political issues. However, I don’t do documentary or protest photography. My work seeks to create awareness about less evident aspects of life—more mundane and human emotions—rather than documenting a tangible reality. I try to invite the viewer to see what lies beyond what is explicitly shown.”
When describing his photographic style, Héctor shares, “My photographic identity is based on capturing the authenticity and emotional depth of moments, especially in interaction with others. I aim for my work to have a sense of intimacy and connection, both in street photography and portraits. For me, each image is a window into a larger story, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface and reflect on otherness.”
“My appreciation for light and shadows and my interest in shared experiences drive me to capture realities with an attempt at creativity and empathy. That is my aspiration,” he adds, noting his inspiration from many greats. “I feel very inspired by the work of artists who explore the human experience from different perspectives, such as Saul Leiter, Gustavo Minas, Graciela Iturbide, Juan Carlos Reyes, Daido Moriyama, Joseph Koudelka, and Alex Webb.”
Revisiting his journey and the impact of mentors on his craft, he reflects, “I don’t believe in the concept of being completely self-taught. Many of us haven’t learned in formal schools but have had role models or people who have helped us. In my case, I’ve learned from people like Víctor Lima, Sebastián Belaustegui, Gustavo Minas, Juan Carlos Reyes, and even Alex Webb. The influence of these mentors has been fundamental to my style and approach to photography. My training in law and government helped me because it connected me to society, although many of the jobs I had in those sectors distanced me from creativity, pushing me to rediscover it later.”
Héctor’s photography reflects a nuanced vision of his experiences. “My work seeks to create awareness about less evident aspects of life,” he states, emphasizing his desire to reveal the emotions that often lie beneath the surface of reality. “For me, each image is a window into a larger story.” His appreciation for light and shadow transmits feelings of introspection and nostalgia.
“Photography has taught me the importance of patience and deep observation. It has shown me that every person and every moment holds intrinsic value, and sometimes what matters most isn’t what’s at the center of attention, but what exists in the periphery. I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of the transient and to understand that human connections, even if fleeting, can leave a profound mark.
“Through my photos, I seek to convey feelings of introspection, nostalgia, and a genuine connection with others. I hope that every photograph becomes a space for feeling and remembering, reminding us that even though a moment may be fleeting, its essence endures,” Héctor Faya Rodríguez.
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Soledad Quartucci | CEO, Latina Republic
Latina Republic envisions a world where the beauty and resilience of Latin American and Caribbean cultures are recognized and celebrated globally. By amplifying the voices of artists and cultural custodians, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the region’s challenges and triumphs. Our goal is to inspire a greater appreciation for the arts as a tool for empathy, unity, and transformative social change. Through our efforts, we seek to provide essential insights for addressing regional challenges, ultimately enriching the global cultural landscape while highlighting the victories and hardships of everyday life in Latin America.
