Meet Carlos Martin Pineyrua – Bold Journey Magazine

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carlos Martin Pineyrua a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos Martin, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
“Purpose” has been a recurring word throughout my life—starting from my childhood, through my teenage years, and into adulthood. As someone who identifies as an introvert, I can say that my purpose emerged naturally, almost organically. To me, life without purpose would feel like existing in a state of inertia. Every night, I reflect on the work I’m doing, and every morning, I wake up with a renewed sense of energy. I can’t even imagine what life would be like without it. My personal definition of purpose is simple: it’s what makes you rise from bed with a smile on your face every morning. It’s an internal wellspring of energy—no magic formula, no expensive treatments, just a source that comes from within. For me, photography is that purpose. It’s a 24/7 flow of creative thought and exploration. Of course, life isn’t always easy. During difficult times, I’ve found that my purpose acts as a lifeline—something to hold on to when everything else feels uncertain. It might not always spark immediate creativity or productivity, but it’s a shelter, a steadying force until the storm passes. And I think that’s important to remember in the world of photography: you don’t have to be shooting all the time to stay connected to your purpose. Sometimes, the work lies in the pause—the time spent reflecting, thinking, and recalibrating. Photography teaches me to stop, to observe, to learn, and to try again.
This journey has led me to focus as much on studying the masters of fashion photography as on the act of shooting itself. Icons like Patrick Demarchelier, Peter Lindbergh, Mario Testino, Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, and George Hurrell have all shaped my approach to the craft. My collection of nearly fifty books by these photographers is more than just a resource—it’s like having a mentor. I didn’t learn from them through a conversation or seminar, but through the repeated observation of their work. It’s a form of silent, visual education. Over time, this has expanded my creative vocabulary and shaped my vision, informing my approach to every project. All that visual information, absorbed and internalized, has become part of my own creative palette.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where my father, a social events photographer, first introduced me to the magic of capturing moments. I was just 8 years old when I borrowed his Pentax K1000 to photograph our family’s first car, a Fiat 1600, before it was sold. That moment marked the beginning of my journey, and even now, 36 years later, I vividly remember choosing black-and-white film at the photo store—a conscious decision to do something different. At the time, color film was the most popular choice, but I felt drawn to the nostalgia and melancholy of black and white, even before I could fully articulate why. Looking back, it was an early glimpse of how I wanted to approach photography—finding meaning in the details and the emotion of a moment. After completing high school in Buenos Aires, I became fascinated by the power of photography to document and preserve communities. One of my most meaningful experiences was photographing the vibrant Okinawa community in Buenos Aires, where I saw how images could capture culture, history, and identity. As the world transitioned from analog to digital, I moved seamlessly between the two, refining my craft along the way.
In 2017, my journey took me to Los Angeles, California, a city that broadened my cultural horizons and deepened my technical expertise. Living and working there, I was able to hone my style and sharpen my focus on fashion photography, which I see as a dynamic blend of art, storytelling, and innovation.
Today, as an Argentine-American fashion photographer, my work is dedicated to elevating the standards of an industry that moves at an exhilarating pace. While the field of photography is vast, my primary focus is on runway and fashion photography—an area I first fell in love with in 2015, when I had the opportunity to cover a major runway event. The energy of the runway is something like no other, and I was instantly hooked. The adrenaline, the speed, the precision—it all comes together in a way that feels both thrilling and rewarding.
When I’m shooting runway shows, I use a combination of digital and analog tools. I capture the high-speed action with my DSLR camera, but I also rely on my beloved Nikon F5, a 35mm film camera, to give my work a sense of immediacy and intimacy. Shooting with film adds an extra layer of excitement to the process—each roll gives me just 36 chances to capture. There’s an element of urgency in shooting film, as I strive for the perfect shot, unaltered and without the luxury of cropping. It’s not just about speed, though; shooting in manual mode forces me to think on my feet, adjusting to changing light conditions and staying focused on the composition. Between the two mediums, I aim for a seamless blend of technique, intuition, and artistry.
For the development of my film, I continue to work hands-on, developing each roll at home using C-41, E-6, or black-and-white chemicals. It’s a meticulous process that allows me to maintain a personal connection to my work, and it’s also a way to preserve the tactile, hands-on nature of the craft that initially drew me to photography. While the digital age has brought new tools and opportunities, film remains an integral part of my creative process, offering a timeless quality to my images that I can’t replicate elsewhere.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I can pinpoint three key areas of knowledge that have had the most impact on my journey as a photographer. 1. Printed Material.
 Books and fashion magazines have been invaluable sources of inspiration for me, especially photography books. There’s something about holding a physical book or flipping through the pages of a magazine that allows for deeper reflection and connection to the work. For any aspiring photographer, I would highly recommend building a collection of photography books. These materials not only provide insight into the work of iconic photographers but also allow you to study their techniques, compositions, and approaches to light. They serve as both a resource and a guide throughout your creative journey.
2. Practice. The saying “practice makes perfect” holds true—there is no substitute for consistent practice. Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and start shooting, whether it’s asking a friend or family member to model for you, or even stepping out into the streets to capture everyday life. It might sound intimidating at first, especially if you’re drawn to something like runway photography, but it’s an essential first step in honing your technique. Every situation you encounter is an opportunity to learn. In photography, it’s important to ask yourself questions: “Did I use the correct exposure? What about ISO and aperture? Does the composition convey the message I want?” Building self-criticism is crucial, but it’s also important to be kind to yourself in the process. Trust the journey and focus on your growth rather than perfection. With time, you’ll see your technique improve, and the process itself will become the most rewarding part of the experience.
3. Recognizing Feedback.
When someone outside your immediate circle of friends and family responds positively to your work, it’s a sign that you’re on the right track. Photography can often feel like navigating a compass without knowing which direction you’re headed, but genuine feedback from others—especially from people with a fresh perspective—can be a great indicator of progress. For example, after a year of participating in Photo Vogue, one of the most important digital platforms associated with Vogue editorial, having my work selected gave me a tremendous boost in confidence. Receiving external validation is both humbling and motivating—it reinforces the idea of “trusting the process” and staying focused on the long-term growth of your craft.
Persistence, Resilience, and Courage. 
I see these three qualities as fundamental pillars in photography, much like the Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO settings that help you achieve a properly exposed image. Without persistence, you can’t continue to improve. Without resilience, you won’t be able to navigate the inevitable challenges in any creative field. And without courage, you might never take the leap into new, unexplored territories. These qualities are essential for pushing forward and staying true to your vision, no matter the obstacles.
In 2023, I decided to push myself further and seek a breakthrough in my career. Today, access to high-quality digital cameras is more widespread, but when digital DSLRs and film cameras were first introduced, the costs were prohibitively high. I felt the need to distinguish myself in the crowded fashion industry and challenge myself in new ways. That’s when I pursued and achieved my Certification as a Professional Photographer, officially recognized by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), one of the largest and most respected photography associations in the world. Passing both the theory and practical exams gave me not only the certification but also the confidence to continue evolving and elevating my work.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Nowadays, feeling overwhelmed is something we all experience. In a world that constantly demands our attention, it’s easy to slip into a state of emergency mode, where our inner peace feels unbalanced. During these times, I’ve learned to slow down—sometimes to a full stop—and apply what I call my “Funnel Technique.” So, what is this technique? Let me explain. Imagine a bottle with a funnel at its opening. If you try to fill that bottle with water from a bucket—representing our worries and problems—without a funnel, the water will spill over, creating a mess. But with the funnel in place, the water flows slowly, in an organized manner. In this analogy, the funnel represents a filter through which we can prioritize our challenges. Instead of letting everything overwhelm us at once, we decide what should pass through first, and what can wait. It’s about regaining control and understanding that not everything requires immediate action. The funnel allows us to manage the flow of our thoughts and worries, one drop at a time.

Contact Info: