In a remarkable turn of events, photographer Jorge Perez Ortiz has transformed a life-altering accident into a powerful artistic statement with his series, The Swimmers, captured using an iPhone 16 Pro Max. The project, now published as a book by Alep Publishing, emerged from a harrowing experience that reshaped his perspective on the human body and its capabilities.
A Life-Changing Incident at Sea
Three years ago, Ortiz was aboard a small wooden boat journeying from Cartagena, Colombia, to nearby islands when the sea conditions deteriorated abruptly. A forceful wave struck the vessel, causing Ortiz, who was seated at the bow, to be lifted and slammed down onto his seat with immense force. The impact resulted in a fractured vertebra, necessitating immediate hospitalisation and emergency surgery.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ortiz shares, "I've always been captivated by the power of water and the sense of freedom and escape one feels when diving into it, but until that point, I'd never considered the other side of this freedom and the risks it carries." This profound realisation marked the beginning of a new chapter in his creative journey.
Inspired Recovery and Artistic Exploration
Upon returning to his home in Barcelona, the accident and subsequent recovery period ignited a deep-seated inspiration for Ortiz. He embarked on a photographic series titled The Swimmers, driven by a renewed appreciation for life and the body's resilience. "What happened sparked a newfound appreciation for life and for the resilience of the body," he explains. "With the support of a coach, I began swimming, and I felt compelled to document this world with my camera."
While the majority of the series was shot on medium format film, Ortiz occasionally utilised his iPhone 16 Pro Max to assist in setting up compositions. One standout image from the collection was captured entirely on his smartphone at a pool that was famously used during Barcelona's 1992 Olympic Games. The backdrop features iconic landmarks such as the city's cathedral and the Torre Glòries skyscraper, adding a layer of historical and architectural context to the scene.
Capturing Authentic Athleticism
The swimmers featured in the photograph are members of two prominent Barcelona-based teams, Sabadell and Mediterranean. Ortiz provided them with general positioning instructions but emphasised that their poses were entirely spontaneous and undirected. "I was really surprised by the confidence they showed in front of the camera and the powerful energy they transmitted," he remarks. "This project is a tribute to hard work and unwavering dedication."
This approach allowed for an authentic portrayal of the athletes' raw energy and focus, highlighting the synergy between human effort and technological innovation. The use of the iPhone 16 Pro Max in this context underscores the evolving capabilities of mobile photography in capturing professional-grade artistic moments.
Through The Swimmers, Ortiz not only documents a personal journey of recovery but also celebrates the broader themes of perseverance and the beauty of physical endeavour. His work serves as a testament to how adversity can fuel creativity, resulting in compelling visual narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
