I’m Berenice Min, an artist from the Canary Islands now residing in Guadalajara, Spain. Photography has been my passion since childhood, but it truly blossomed when I became a mother 16 years ago, with my daughters becoming my main inspiration. I have a deep love for art, photography, painting, and the creative process. Personally, I’m a humble and family-oriented individual, and I feel fortunate in both my personal and professional life.

How would you define your style?

As I mentioned earlier, everything began with my daughters. They are my muses and a constant source of inspiration. They convey so much to me. I often say that they are the true artists, while I simply reflect through myself what they make me feel from behind the camera.

Tell us about your winning creation.

I had been wanting to create a series of photographs with a unique touch for a while, so we decided to try bodypainting. Everything happened spontaneously, without a specific plan in mind. He suggested it, and the outcome was beyond satisfying. This particular session with my daughters is one of my favorites. Winning, I believe, signifies that I successfully reached the Agora community and conveyed the message I wanted to express through this photograph. The eyes truly are the window to people’s souls.

Why do you like Agora Awards? 

I think that Agora is one of the best platforms for sharing photos and participating in contests that exist. As a global platform, it has successfully created a diverse and inclusive community where numerous ethnicities and cultures coexist and share, something that I truly love about being part of this community. I can only express my gratitude to everyone who has made this award possible. It serves as motivation to keep pushing forward.

Who are you?

My name is Victor de Valles. I am from the Pyrenees in Spain, but currently, I am living on Menorca Island. I have a passion for nature, sports, and photography, especially when combining them and capturing underwater moments. My ultimate aspiration is to make a living from my photos, as I thoroughly enjoy the entire process of creating them.

How would you define your style?

I love visiting beautiful places that have something special, searching for the best perspective, and envisioning the ideal moments or conditions to capture. When I am shooting in an underwater cave, like in the photo with sunbeams, I feel serene and calm. I often find myself alone or in good company, simply enjoying the moment and striving to capture its essence. This is what I aim to convey—I believe that pursuing stunning landscapes or moments in nature is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling endeavors. It is challenging, yet incredibly satisfying once you achieve it.

Tell us about your winning creation.

When I take my photos, I primarily shoot self-portraits, which means I don’t know exactly what I’m capturing until I see it on the camera after checking. Sometimes, I am pleasantly surprised by photos like this one, where by chance, I achieve a better result than expected. I didn’t intentionally aim to capture the reflection of the sun in my mask.

Why do you like Agora Awards? 

What I appreciate most about Agora is the opportunity to be rewarded for my work and the recognition of my vision in my photos. It’s incredibly satisfying to receive appreciation for the effort I put into my work.