CubaPLUS Magazine

For Francisco González, “Panchito” in the world of photography, the art of the lens is an essential part of his life. “It’s my girlfriend, my salvation, my most comfortable means of expression, the place where I best carry out my work as a communicator,” he told CubaPLUS Magazine in an interview.

The acclaimed photographer, currently head of the photography department at the Prensa Latina news agency, began at a very young age, almost as a teenager, while serving General Military Service in Cuba. “My first steps were around 1985 or 1986.

The political officer of the unit where I was serving called me into his office to ask about my knowledge of painting and whether I could dedicate myself to photography. I knew almost nothing about it, but I said yes, and that’s how the adventure began, one that still continues today,” he recalled.

“It wasn’t a personal calling at first,” he explained. “Not long before, I had taken a photography course given by a professor from San Alejandro (the School of Art), but I didn’t really learn anything there, I didn’t even own a camera.

Then, during my military service, came the opportunity I mentioned, and soon I was taking photos. Little by little, it captivated me.”

Later he added: “I think my relationship with photography took on a very important dimension the first time I saw the process of developing black- and-white photos in the lab. The magic of the image emerging before me sent me into a state of excitement, and I think that was the moment I first realized I wanted to devote myself completely to this profession. The ability to freeze everyday moments and make them eternal became an obsession, one that gave me a unique sense of fulfillment.”

Although he often feels satisfied with his work, he admits that sometimes he thinks he could have done better. Still, for him, the moments of greatest satisfaction—and emotion—are always linked to ballet and sports photography.

“I have several favorite genres, all at the same level,” he clarified. “It’s a kind of polygamy of themes that attract me equally: ballet, sports, nature, urban life or daily life, portraiture, advertising photography. It’s very difficult for me to say I like one more than the others. I like them all the same.

Why? Very simple: each one is a completely different challenge that requires preparation, research, and  finding the psychological angle that allows you to express yourself—or convey an emotional state that establishes a dialogue with the people who view your photos. In other words, it’s about creating communication.”

Over the years, he has taken part in numerous group exhibitions and has received awards and honorable mentions in several competitions, along with other recognitions, including being named an outstanding photojournalist by Prensa Latina for several years.

When asked what advice he would give to young people starting out in photography, he said: “The most important thing is to find yourself, to reach the point where the camera feels like an extension of your body, and never stop studying.”

Panchito has several projects in mind, because, as he put it, “Cuba is a crucible of daily images, and in such turbulent times it’s hard not to have ideas for drawing the attention of passersby, even in today’s difficult circumstances.”

“I feel immense satisfaction in being able to do what I love, to dedicate myself to it professionally. Many people in the world don’t have that privilege. But my goals and dreams will end only with my life. I still haven’t taken my best photo—that will be the goal of my next assignment, of tomorrow’s work, which will try to surpass what I did today,” he said.

And if he were born again, would he still be a photographer? “Yes, absolutely!” he reaffirmed.

Contact

(+53) 5268 2963

panchito64glez@gmail.com