@stoptheroc: “I am satisfied if through my photography, I manage to make people pay more attention to the city we live in”

145,000 followers achieved with just 725 photos. Since he posted the first image back in 2012, he has gained an average of 200 followers per photo, and the engagement of each post (sum of likes, comments, and shares) is counted by the thousands. Not bad for a profile focused on architecture. These are some of the figures offered by Roc Isern through his main Instagram account,@stoptheroc. He also has another profile specialized in facades called @barcelonafacades, where he has amassed more than 60,000 followers. The secret to his success is a perfect combination of patience to take a photo at the right moment, even at the risk of having an unwanted encounter with various law enforcement forces, and a healthy preference for symmetry and ideal lighting as fundamental elements to achieve a perfect photo. Just by looking at one of his photos, you can understand the connection between architecture and photography that Adrià Goula told us about not so long ago. With all these ingredients, having a chat about these two disciplines was a must for us.

How did your career as a photographer begin?

I have not yet come to consider my relationship with photography as a career. In fact, it has been less than a year since I started taking on assignments as a photographer. My academic background is in architecture; I studied technical architecture and my entire professional career up to this point has been dedicated to architecture, more specifically to construction management.

When does photography emerge as a profession?

I don't think there was a specific moment. It's been an evolution. I've always liked photography, but I had never dedicated myself exclusively to architectural photography. It's true that before the existence of Instagram, my photography could be considered more conventional. I used to take advantage of my vacations and trips to photograph a bit of everything. But it is true that I've always had a preference for visiting cities and works of architects I knew.

Why did you choose Barcelona as one of the settings for your photography?

It's the city where I was born and have always lived. When my daughter was born 6 years ago, it coincided more or less with the time I started my Instagram account. My partner and I always loved to travel and we did it whenever we could, but obviously at that time priorities were different, so I took the opportunity to consider going out in Barcelona, a city well-regarded for its architecture, to photograph things I had seldom done in my life. And thus create content to satisfy my initial urge to post on Instagram.

Did you have to overcome obstacles for your work to be accepted because it deals with facades, constructions, and geometric figures?

No, on the contrary. From the beginning, I have always received very good feedback. I think it was also influenced by the fact that the community of us who like architecture has always been very loyal and especially kind in their comments on Instagram.

What are you looking for when you take a photograph?

For a site to attract me, the main factor is that it has good light and illumination, but I like large spaces, free of interference, that are clean or that there are no things that break the geometry of the space. I will be satisfied the day that people who see my photographs feel the urge to see that place or that, simply, thanks to the photos of the facades, people walking by will take notice, look up, and appreciate what surrounds us.

Why did you decide to separate the accounts @stoptheroc and @barcelonafacades?

Because there were times when I had many fronts and didn't want to overload my main account. So, I thought that the title and the idea of gradually adding stickers and textures had enough potential to have their own profile. When I started Instagram I also didn't have much mastery of the technique, I was improvising.

And now, what would you say is your technique and your ritual?

Facades don't hold many secrets because they are there, static. During the day, look for the best lighting. I like when there is direct sunlight because it creates shadows that reveal more details in the image. Find the best time. Take a completely centered position and capture it with a wide-angle lens.

Do you also use your phone to take some pictures?

No. But the post-production yes; With the tablet. I like to do everything in the mobile environment.

What is your unique selling point compared to other photographers?

I don't think I have a differentiating factor, because people do very good things. There's a lot of talent. But perhaps what characterizes me is being very perfectionist about the framing, making sure the lines are parallel, that the photo is visually appealing and you don't see that tilted horizon. When I see a photograph or have it in mind, I wait at the site as long as it takes to capture it, to complete the idea I have. I wait for something to happen or for someone to pass by. I like that kind of spontaneity.

Is it difficult to find the exact angle to take a good photo? What's the strangest or riskiest thing you've done to get it?

It's not that it's difficult, but the more experience you have, the better for intuiting which are the most photogenic angles, which also end up defining your photography style.

For instance, I have 3 very characteristic angles which are: Frontal shots (like a facade), from a central point and trying to create symmetry. A perspective where there is a fixation point in the center, highlighting the lines that converge at a point, also seeking symmetry. And also another similar symmetry but looking upwards (look up) such as an inner courtyard or a stairwell.

As for taking risks to get a photo, I haven't consciously done anything on purpose, but in Barcelona, while photographing the Les Corts police station, an off-duty mosso d'esquadra grabbed me firmly by the arm and took me inside to be identified. Another time, something similar happened while I was photographing a courthouse. More recently in New York, I was in a subway corridor and encountered a couple of police officers head-on while I was taking a photo, and they told me I couldn't. I went outside and waited until they left to go back in and finish the photo I had in mind.

What places do you like to photograph the most in Barcelona?

I like museums, the entrance of the Forum, the bright and white spaces. In Barcelona, there is a variety of places.

What do you think is the responsibility of an Instagrammer as influential as you?

Well, you're the one saying I'm so influential [laughs]. I don't think it's that big of a deal. The truth is that I don't feel any extra responsibility for being somewhat known on Instagram. If I've gotten this far, it's because I like what I do and I try to do it the best I can, and with respect to everything else, my intention is to keep improving and to be just as I am.

It is said that photography is capable of showing a part of the world that is little known to many, what part do you want to show through these images?

I am satisfied if through my photography, I create curiosity in some people so that they pay more attention to the city we live in and learn to appreciate the facades around us. Ultimately, to awaken an interest in architecture in general and to appreciate its values.

Do you think you are inspiring people with your work? In what way?

Not wanting to be pretentious, certainly yes, but just like the work of others influences me. Whether consciously or unconsciously, day by day, the good work of others also influences my learning, inspiration, and evolution as a photographer.

Are you now solely dedicated to photography professionally?

A year ago I became self-employed which allowed me to take on small photography commissions that I had and previously couldn't accept because I was working elsewhere and didn't have the necessary time. But I have also not neglected the technical architecture side, because, in fact, it's what I've dedicated my entire professional life to and I don't want to lose it. I'm actually happy because many opportunities have come my way as a photographer, since it was my hobby and I've turned it into something that I can benefit from.

Which Nuñez and Navarro buildings do you like the most?

I really like the restoration of the facade at The Corner hotel. Also the Hotel 1898 on Las Ramblas. All its history seems fascinating to me.