Meet Pia Riverola


Born in Barcelona, and now based between Mexico DF and Los Angeles Pia Riverola is one of our favourite photographers. Passionate about travel and nature, she has an eye for detail and colour and a special sensitivity for capturing the wonders of the planet. Here, we speak with her about light, inspiration and creativity.

Meet Pia Riverola

Meet Pia Riverola


Meet Pia Riverola

Born in Barcelona, and now based between Mexico DF and Los Angeles Pia Riverola is one of our favourite photographers. Passionate about travel and nature, she has an eye for detail and colour and a special sensitivity for capturing the wonders of the planet. Here, we speak with her about light, inspiration and creativity.


ROWSE

1. What does creativity mean to you? 

PIA
For me creativity is a very intrinsic thought, an act that comes from perceiving and expressing my reality or imagination in many different ways, sometimes by the most random and everyday things, sometimes by emotions and sensations, and sometimes even triggered from texture, colour or light. It normally happens spontaneously and many times comes off from curiosity and contemplation.
"I love light and textures on deserted areas and colours and lushness from wilderness. I always feel very drowned towards uninhabited areas and discovering remote locations. One of my lately favourite one has been Peru, exploring the secret valley of the Incas, Cusco and the Salinas de Maras was one of the most beautiful and unexpected places I’ve ever seen”.
ROWSE

2. You have a longstanding relationship with nature. Which landscapes have inspired you the most? 

PIA
I enjoy any kind of landscape really, I love light and textures on deserted areas, colours and lushness from wilderness. I always feel very dragged towards more uninhabited and non-touristic areas, love discovering remote locations. One of my lately favourite one has been Peru, exploring the secret valley of the Incas, Cusco and the Salinas de Maras was one of the most beautiful and unexpected places I’ve ever seen.
ROWSE

3. Tell us your skincare story… We’re keen to know what led you to integrate plant-based products into your daily routine. 

PIA
I have always had atopic skin so I have to strictly stick to very gentle products to my skin type, the ones that work the best are organic and natural products that won’t be aggressive on my skin. I try to avoid any kind of makeup besides lipstick, and always wear sunscreen to protect it.
ROWSE

4. What’s in your washbag while travelling? 

PIA
I try to keep it as minimal as I can, specially if I have to travel on a carry-on bag (most of the times) but I always carry with me day and night oils, sunscreen and a couple serums. I try to keep my face as moist and hydrated as I can, specially if I’m flying for long hours, which makes my skin really dry and uneasy.
ROWSE

5. In new places, how do you build relationships with the local community?

PIA
I try to always wonder around and meet as many locals as possible. Before starting a photo story on anyone, I love seeing and being a part of their daily routines, even if it’s for a short period of time, to actually understand their way of living and what they do as real as possible. I really enjoy when I feel integrated and can exchange my stories with theirs and so creating a bond that then allows my work and the whole experience to coexist naturally.
ROWSE

6. What’s the first thing you do after a long trip? What does self-care mean to you? 

PIA
I try to get back on my daily routines, I love walking and exploring as much as I can, even if it’s on my own city, I also try to get back on cooking at home, mostly raw and with as many local produce as are available to me. I love being in touch with nature and luckily, Los Angeles, allows me to do so, I go on hikes and try to exercise as much as possible. I mostly try to be as much time as I can outside in the sun, even if it’s working from my porch, so I can regulate my melatonin levels.
ROWSE

7. What are you working on next? 

PIA
I’m working on a self-published photo book at the moment. I've been working on it for some time now and its finally coming together.
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