Just A Dream

Photography By Carlos Darder

Los Angeles photographer Carlos Darder released his fanzine, “Heaven or Los Angeles”, documenting his first year living in the city. Carlos talks about the good and bad feelings the zine reflects, being surrounded by people who inspire him, and how if you want to be good at something, do it daily.

Los Angeles, USA

How did you begin your journey as a photographer?

I have always been taking pictures. My mum was a photographer and it’s always been something we would do at home. I started taking pictures almost every day when I became 17 years old and started partying; I would do photo journeys of the night and then I started to do my diary!

What have you learned along the way?

That if you want become good at something you have to do it daily !

What type of projects have you worked on in the past?

Lots of self portraits, a lot of diary pictures, 3 more fanzines, and some editorials.

You are sharing your recent project, the fanzine, "Heaven or Los Angeles". What is it about?

It’s about moving from my home in Majorca, Spain and living the first year in Los Angeles. Everything that comes along the way, good feelings and bad feelings.

What is the story behind how this zine came to life?

I knew that I wanted to release a fanzine about my love for L.A. but the main reason was from a dream I had where I died and felt death. The meaning of it was that my past died and I have a new life now. Thats how I came up with the cover and most of the content! Life is a dream.

What were some highs and lows in making the zine?

The highs were designing it and lows definitely finding a place to print the fanzine.

Who are some of the people you featured? Why do they inspire you?

My husband, my best friend Langley, Alicia, my brother and good friends I have!

I always try to surround myself by people I love and inspire me.

How does "Heaven or Los Angeles" reflect your growth as a photographer? How is it different from previous projects?

It’s probably more direct and I thought less about the content. The fanzine has pics of things i have seen/lived and didn’t really try to find a meaning behind it.