Hi, I am San Herman López, but you can call me San or Sanzei. Currently, I reside in the breathtaking state of Washington. My journey through art began when I was just a child, and it has been a constant source of inspiration and growth for me.

Around 2015, I made a decision that would shape my creative path profoundly: I decided to dive headfirst into honing my photography skills. Little did I know just how transformative this decision would be.

Photography has become my sanctuary, a meditative practice that allows me to find solace and meaning in the world around me. It is not just about capturing images; it's about delving into the essence of existence, about seizing those fleeting moments that often go unnoticed.

My camera has become an extension of myself, a tool for personal growth, and a means to express how I see the world. Every click of the shutter is a step further into the intricate tapestry of existence, a testament to my unceasing journey of artistic and personal enlightenment.

I invite you to join me on this visual voyage as I continue to explore our world. I hope to inspire others to embark on a journey of discovery, to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to appreciate the timeless dance within the canvas of reality.

Follow me on Instagram @sanzeiphotography.

Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico - Photo by Anita 2017

Rattlesnake Lake, WA - Photo by Lucia Calero 2022

The Beginning…

My two first art and photography influences were my parents. They both planted the artistic seeds that allowed two of my three brothers and me to endure within the arts.

Around the age of 8, my mother handed me a 35mm film camera. This little simple film box drove me to better observe and explore everything around me; I began to pay close attention to light, shadows, and how they affected my surroundings. My creativity flourished further as I started photographing from unusual angles and perspectives. The process intrigued me, the idea of capturing time and special moments felt necessary. One day while fiddling with the 35mm camera, my beautiful mother began to pose for me. Her amazing smile and confident stances slowly became silly and absurd. We both began to laugh; it was lovely. In my pre-teen years, she often asked me to take pictures of her, and I always looked forward to those days. These are some of my fondest memories of my mom, memories that still influence my journey today. I miss her. I hope she knows how instrumental she was in who I am today.

Then

As a lifelong artist, photography has been one of the main crafts I’ve used to evolve. For example in the 90’s I often rode around the city with my friends photographing every moment with my Canon Rebel X. It became an extension of me as I learned many basic techniques and methods. Although it was fun and exciting photographing life, photographing on film was hard for me to maintain. You see, for an art student who only ate tomato sandwiches and ramen noodles for dinner, 35mm film was a bit too expensive to buy and develop. Unfortunately, I had to put the camera down until I was in a better financial space. Now that I think about it, I’m sure I still have undeveloped rolls around here somewhere. - When digital cameras came around, I was again intrigued, no cost on film? That’s Great, Right! Yes, but by then, I was all in on the art and graphic design world. So I rarely had the time I needed to develop my skills properly. Family and friends always supported my photography, sometimes buying me gear, even if I didn’t need it. But, it let me know that they believed in me and my passion.

Throughout the years, I continued to treat photography mainly as a hobby. Eventually, I met someone who not only believed in me but went ahead and booked a show for me. The idea of dealing with people and discussing my art had always been somewhat tricky for me. But, she believed in me, so I tentatively said okay. In late 2015, I decided to make photography a priority, not just another thing I did on the side. So forward I went, all of the techniques and methods I have developed within the arts, I now implemented into my photography. And for anyone that says photography is not art. Just like any other form of art, photography requires thought, vision, technique, repetition, and, most important to me, it requires time to nurture. I understand the amount of work needed to master my craft. To me going out to photograph is only part of the experience. Post-processing is the final defining stamp in which I can truly make it my own.

“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” – Ansel Adams

Now

Me at Rattlesnake Lake - Photo by Anita 2021

At the moment, Landscapes are my main focus, but I enjoy other forms of photography like street, wildlife, and portrait. In South Florida, I was somewhat limited to beaches and forced to work in harsh environments. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit, but getting up for sunrises or chasing good light is not an easy task. During the pandemic I decided to move to the Pacific Northwest, yes I know. Why?! Simply put life is complicated and here I feel re-inspired.

The lands here are amazing and truly inspiring. Moving to the Pacific Northwest and dealing with new environments - I believe will allow me to take another step in my artistic evolution.

Would you like to commission me for your unique Fine Art Photography?

Email Me.