We are delighted to present the overall ‘Spirit of Tango’ Award 2017 to the Tango Photographer, Marcos Angeloni, for the image ‘Essence’.

Marcos said: “I am really happy for having won this Award! Thank you!”

The Judges said: “The image has an unusual quality of stillness, a very nice use of the blackout or black backdrop technique, as the dancers emerge from the inky canvas into the light like creatures from another world. The photographer has captured a moment of poignant, unchecked and uncomplicated emotion here that compels the observer to feel respect for the dancers’ intimacy. Neither can we dispute the composition which, from every angle, allows the eye to glide easily from one detail to the next in circular. These three elements in combination made us return to this image again and again. A beautiful portrayal of tango.”

May we introduce you to Marcos!

WHERE ARE YOU COMING FROM?

I live in Cologne, Germany but I grew up in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHIC GENRE?

I love to photograph Portraits, in unusual situations and remote locations. I also love to do Documentary Photography while I am traveling.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

My style is based on giving each picture a concept, a feeling, that appears at the moment I’m taking the photo.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR ARE NOT TAKING PICTURES?

I dream of realising my travels. Traveling is the thing that takes the rest of my time. It is something I would like to do for the rest of my life.

WHY DID YOU START SHOOTING TANGO?

It was kind of incidental. I just wanted to start dancing Tango again. Then I found a group of young people (“En Tus Brazos, Köln”) giving free classes in a very charming atmosphere here in Cologne. I ended up taking pictures of every meeting.

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER?

For me the most important thing is to bring a message with my pictures.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAMERA?

A Film Samsung (1993). My father bought it for the family and the camera was always kept safe in a closet. For me, it was always incredible to open the closet and take this little black camera out.

WHAT CAMERA DO YOU USE NOW?

A Canon 5d Mark iii

WHAT CATCHES YOUR EYE AND COMPELS YOU TO TAKE A SHOT?

Details and the meaning of the movement in front of my camera.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ARE STILL LEARNING?

To embrace my life as it comes.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS JUST STARTING OUT?

I can only say to try to combine the power of your eyes with your feelings. The camera doesn’t matter. YOU have the power!

WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FOR A TANGO PHOTOGRAPHER?

I think it is the fight with the ambient light. I am not the kind of photographer who uses flash. I try to be invisible when I am taking pictures. The goal is to not disturb the people dancing and let the magic happen with gestures and movements.. and then clack!

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Lots of photographers inspire me, but I would have to say Sebastiao Salgado, a Brazilian social documentary photographer and photojournalist recognised worldwide for his work during the war. He started as a documentary photographer in the war and eventually became involved in environmental  photography.

Congratulations once again Marcos! It is a beautiful image and worthy winner.