In Conversation: Álvaro Gracia. Geometry and color as a visual language

In the world of contemporary photography, few artists manage to combine conceptual power and aesthetic beauty with such subtlety as Álvaro Gracia.

His lens highlights the masterful use of color combinations, geometric composition, and a profound visual sensibility that transcends the image to become an experience for anyone who opens any magazine and observes his talent. Álvaro fuses fashion and art, establishing himself as a true influence in contemporary photography.

Álvaro Gracia's work has been featured in international publications such as Harper's Bazaar Spain (where he graced the cover with Revolución Alaska), Vogue Philippines, Mojeh Magazine for Chanel AW23, Schön! Magazine for Gold, and Behind the Blinds for the series The State I Am In.

His mastery of color and geometric composition has been key to creating images that are not only visually striking but also charged with emotion and meaning. Ultimately, Álvaro Gracia shows us that photography is a balance between structure, light, idea, and color, a language born from personal sensitivity and evolving over time. His work invites us to pause, analyze, and look beyond the moment, recognizing a unique emotional narrative in each image.

We spoke with him and delved into the world of photography that champions a possible synesthesia between art and fashion.

How important is geometry, or the geometric elements within a photograph, in its composition?

I prefer to speak from my personal experience, rather than from a general perspective of photography. One of my goals is to create an immediate visual impact. Nowadays, when everything is consumed quickly and we're constantly scrolling, it's important for an image to transcend immediacy.

In that sense, geometry is a very powerful visual tool. I use it intuitively to construct images. I don't always resort to complex lighting schemes, so I rely heavily on geometric structure: poses, styling, silhouettes, the environment... All of this allows me to create a visual narrative that fits my style.

Photographed by Álvaro Gracia for the December 2024/January 2025 issue of Vogue Philippines. Styling: Enol Blasco

How has your style as a photographer evolved throughout your career?

Wow... The truth is, if you saw a photo of me from years ago, you probably wouldn't even recognize it as mine. I've changed a lot, and I think that's a natural part of the process. Sometimes I see people obsess over finding 'their style,' when style isn't something you search for; it's something innate that comes from you, that evolves over time, and that shouldn't be overly influenced by others. You don't wake up one day and decide, 'This is going to be my style.' Or at least, I don't experience it that way.

In my case, at first I was primarily fascinated by human beauty, the face, the physical. Over time, fashion, styling, and shapes took on a much greater role and are now indispensable narrative tools for me.

Today I feel that my style is much more connected to my childhood, to my sensibilities, and has a deeper emotional charge.

1 and 2. Photography by Álvaro Gracia for the March 25 issue of Harper's Bazaar Arabia. This shoot celebrates the Spring-Summer 2025 haute couture collections. Model: Blanca Padilla

What is the most important factor when creating your compositions, the light or the idea?

Without a doubt, the idea. As I've already said, I'm not a particularly technical photographer, nor do I do this out of a fascination with light. I'm much more interested in beauty, the conceptual, the imaginary, the possibility of impact, of creating something.

Light, of course, is a fundamental tool, but without an intention behind it, without a clear idea, it remains just that: a well-lit photo. For me, photography is a form of visual and emotional expression, and everything should revolve around the message I want to convey. Light comes later, serving that intention.

Couture S/S 23 for Vogue Arabia. Photographer: Álvaro Gracia. Stylist: Enol Blasco.

Photographed by Álvaro Gracia for the December 2024/January 2025 issue of Vogue Philippines. Styling: Enol Blasco

What is your particular vision of color in fashion photography?

Color is essential to my work. I'm passionate about color. I love combining tones and using contrasting colors. It's an element that goes beyond aesthetics; it has a very powerful emotional and symbolic charge. Through color, you can evoke sensations, build atmospheres, and enhance the narrative of each image. I use it a lot.

"TAKE COVER." Photographer: Álvaro Gracia. Styling: Enol Blasco. Vogue Philippines, November 2024

How do colors influence your daily life?

I wouldn't say that colors influence my daily life as much as they do my work. Personally, there are colors I simply don't use, and others I gravitate toward.

Yes, I feel that certain colors calm me—for example, warm tones, like those of a sunset.

Curiously, there are colors I love to use in my photography, but they aren't part of my everyday life. It's as if they exist on two distinct levels: the creative and the personal.