In the vibrant pulse of Mexico City, where chaos and beauty intertwine their destinies, we find a photographer who walks the streets like a modern flâneur, Luis Herrera. His lens captures not only images, but also stories: scenes of love and drama that emerge from the everyday, transforming into visual poetry. For him, every corner of the city is a stage where human warmth defies the coldness of the environment, reminding us that, in spite of everything, affection is always rewarded. From fleeting relationships in neighborhood grocery stores to shared memories in a cantina, his work is a testament to those who continue to search for beauty in a world in constant transformation. In this conversation, we explore his unique approach and how the dynamics of CDMX fuel his creativity, revealing an artist who, like his images, lives immersed in an emotional state that brings his art to life.
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How does the city influence your photographic style and approach?
I am a person who naturally walks a lot, "a dog's paw" or more sophisticated, a Flâneur. I am especially attracted to couples on the street and as an incurable romantic, the moment I see a love or dramatic scene between two people, I start imagining stories, phrases and poems with which I then look for details or words that I can turn into images.
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What stories are you looking to tell with your photos of CDMX?
Those who continue to give their all for a stranger and for their friends, those who have not yet been frightened by the terrible things about the city, the people and the world. Love is repaid with love.
The other day I went to some groceries in my new house and the girl in the store served me as if we had known each other for years, she was kind and cute, I left the store with a smile, and then the things around me began to seem beautiful, from those emotions is that I decide to start creating.
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How has your perception of CDMX changed since you started photographing it?
New buildings, new subway lines, cable bus, bars close, bars open, everything changes but Chinese food restaurants never go away, maybe all love stories should start in Chinese food.
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Do you have a routine or ritual when you go out to photograph the city?
Running is something that has changed my mind in a radical way. It took me over a year and a half since I started running to start taking running photos, but now that I do it and feel comfortable, one of my mantras is to repeat to myself "I am Runner. I am an Artist. I am a running artist." I love the feeling that gives me.
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What is your favorite space in CDMX?
La Cineteca forever.
What do you think makes CDMX visually unique compared to other cities?
The freedom we have to make it beautiful, romantic, absurd and ugly. Mexico City does not exist, Mexico City is an emotional state.
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How do you see the relationship between the chaos of the city and its beauty?
I don't know how we manage to get out unscathed day after day, it's violent and kind at the same time. When you need to get somewhere and there is no cab, no uber, no eco bici and they still close the Metrobus for a march, you really want to break something, but when you are just a spectator of that tragedy it makes you laugh, everything funny is ugly (I was once told that and until now I understand it) the link between the chaos and the beauty of this city is laughter.
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What emotions does CDMX inspire in you when you are behind the camera?
I feel like I'm going to fall in love again.
Top 3 must-see places in the city
National Cinematheque
Chinese Books
Cantina el compadre.