I am extremely pleased to present to you the book of touching portraits of the esteemed residents of Competa, which was created as part of the Competa Photodays and in close collaboration with the Academia Fotografia y Diseno.
The rich cultural beauty and authentic flair of Competa as well as the warm welcome by the community and the mayor Rosa Luz Fernández have deeply inspired me as a photographer. Each of the classic black and white portraits you will find in this book tells an individual story and shows the diversity and personality of this picturesque village in the mountains of Andalusia.
The excellent collaboration with the dedicated students of the LIK Academy of Photography and Design as part of the EU Photo Student Days has given this project a continuous creative momentum. Their fresh enthusiasm and innovative approaches have helped to make this project a tribute to the art of photography and the promotion of creative exchange.
Special thanks are due to the municipality of Competa and especially to Mayor Rosa Luz Fernández for her open support and trust in this special endeavor. Her vision and leadership have enriched this project and made it possible to capture the essence and spirit of Competa in an incomparable way.
All photos in 2022 were taken by my hand as a professional photographer, while those of 2024 were taken by the talented students of the LIK Academy of Photography and Design Vienna. This collaborative approach adds an extra dimension to the project and shows the diversity of creative talent that has gone into the portrayals of the residents of Competa.
Each of the portraits reflects the deep connection and pride of the residents of Competa. May this book serve not only as an artistic document, but also as a tribute to the beauty, community and unique joie de vivre of Competa.
Sincerely yours,
Eric Berger