Piece description from the artist
Location: Snoqualmie, Washington 2022
In my second year in the Pacific Northwest, I finally secured an Eagle photo. The Guardian Eagle or Aguila Custos is hopefully the first of many. On two other occasions, I saw Eagles, once by my home and another time while driving towards Snoqualmie Path. I could not get to my camera on time in both situations, but I was excited to have spotted them. I noticed they were always very high up on the trees, and they never stayed very long in one spot.
Months later, I began exploring one of the many lakes near my home. So camera in hand, I started looking at all the highest trees hoping to spot any birds of prey. To my surprise, I spotted what looked like a bald eagle. Yes! It was far away, so I had to move quickly to get closer. As I got closer, I saw it clearly, but I noticed three guys flying drones directly beneath where the eagle was perched. Knowing my time was limited, I began photographing. I found a spot directly under and was able to secure this photo. It took me a moment to realize that several people were standing next to me, also looking up. I continued to photograph, but now I could hear the drone. And just like that, the eagle flew away.
Shortly after, I went up to the guys with the drone and mentioned that an eagle was just above them. They were looking around, and one of the guys said we didn't notice. To which I thought, maybe that was a good thing.
*Composite photo: I like to associate my bird photography with clouds, so I often use interesting skies I photograph to composite a more pleasing image.
Santos "Sanzei" López is a fine art photographer for whom the camera is the culmination of a lifelong visual journey. His artistic practice was ignited in childhood with a simple 35mm film camera, a gift from his mother, who became his first subject and instilled in him the belief that photography could capture profound joy and connection.
This foundation evolved through decades of work as a graphic artist and graffiti writer, disciplines that permanently shaped his eye for composition, bold geometry, and layered texture. In 2015, he made a definitive commitment to photography, channeling this multidisciplinary vision into a focused pursuit of the definitive image.
Sanzei’s work transforms the contrasting landscapes of South Florida’s coasts and the Pacific Northwest into contemplative art. He approaches beaches, cityscapes, and mountain vistas as complex graphic arrangements, seeking the precise interplay of light, shadow, and form that transcends documentation to evoke feeling and narrative. His fine art pieces are featured on leading platforms like TurningArt.
Instagram: @SanzeiPhotography
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