Bilbofoto: Creativity in Every Frame, Jealousy in Every Comment
Model @saryy_c
If you stumble upon his Instagram page, Pablo Alonso, better known as Bilbofoto, might seem like one of those photographers who’s got it all figured out. He works with stunning models, travels frequently, and has built an audience that admires his sensual, elegant portraits.
But spend five minutes talking to him, and you’ll realize he’s not just a guy with a camera living some fantasy life. He’s a serious artist with a meticulous approach to his work, a deep respect for his subjects, and an evolving vision that keeps pushing him forward.
We sat down for a long conversation, covering everything from creative ruts to Instagram’s ever-changing algorithm, the art of building trust with models, and the fine balance between artistic passion and making a living.
"oh, you’re a photographer? What kind of photos do you take?"
It’s the classic question every photographer gets when introducing themselves. And for someone like Pablo—whose portfolio ranges from fine art nudes to weddings to commercial shoots—the answer isn’t always straightforward.
“If I introduce myself and say, ‘Hi, I’m Pablo, I’m a photographer from Bilbao,’ the next question is always, ‘And what kind of photos do you take?’” he says. “It depends on the person asking. Some people look at my Instagram and only see lingerie and nudes. Others only see fashion and portrait work. It’s interesting how people focus on different aspects.”
This is him: Pablo Alonso a.k.a. Bilbofoto
That said, Pablo is selective about who he works with.“When you shoot with a professional model, you can focus entirely on the photography because they know how to pose and express emotion,” he explains. “With someone who isn’t a model, you have to guide them through everything—poses, expressions, even styling. I’ve had cases where a model comes straight from the hairdresser with a super-polished look, and I was aiming for something much more natural. And that’s on me—I should have communicated better.”
Lesson learned: Clear communication is everything.
Instagram Fame, Judgment, and the Algorithm Struggle
Instagram can be both a blessing and a curse for photographers. Once upon a time, Pablo’s work—especially the more sensual pieces—reached far and wide. But times have changed.
“Now, if I post a nude, it has to be very covered or censored. My reach isn’t what it used to be,” he admits. “Before, I would get a lot more engagement. Now, it’s less, but from people who actually appreciate the photography. And honestly, I like it better that way.”
Of course, the nature of his work means he’s no stranger to judgment.
“There have always been criticisms,” he says. “The worst is when a model leaves a session feeling amazing—empowered, confident, happy with the images—and then someone in her life makes her feel ashamed of them. What she thought was beautiful suddenly becomes something to hide.”
model @sara_mrtlla
And then there’s the other kind of judgment—the assumption that photographers who shoot women in lingerie or nude are just in it for the thrill.
“There will always be people who think we’re just guys getting lucky, taking pictures of beautiful women all day,” he laughs. “But I think more and more people are starting to see that it’s something deeper than that.”
Love, Collaboration, and Having a Muse
Speaking of something deeper, let’s talk about Sara.
If you follow Pablo, you’ve probably noticed that a certain striking brunette appears in his work more and more. That’s because Sara isn’t just a model—she’s his girlfriend.
“Since I met her, I feel so much more motivated,” he says. “I love her image, I love working with her. Honestly, I could post photos of her all day.”
model @sara_mrtlla
And, apparently, people have noticed.
“Sometimes people joke that my Instagram has become ‘Sara Foto’ instead of Bilbofoto,” he laughs. “I do try to balance it, but she really is the best model I’ve ever worked with.”
Beyond the photography, having someone who understands and supports his work has been a game-changer.
“We make a great team,” he says. “Before I met her, I felt a little stuck—not lost, but like I needed to evolve. She’s helped me grow so much, not just with her presence but with her perspective, her ideas, her feedback.”
But inspiration goes beyond just photography.
“I want to make a short film,” he reveals. “And eventually, a feature film about my father’s life. That’s a long-term goal, but it’s something I really want to do.”
Workshops, Trust, and the Basics of Being a Decent Human
One of the things Pablo enjoys most these days is sharing his experience with others through workshops. And if there’s one topic he emphasizes above all, it’s respect.
“The first thing I always talk about is how to approach models, how to build trust,” he says. “Because if you don’t understand that, it doesn’t matter how good your technique is.”
Sadly, not all photographers seem to grasp this.
“I’ve had workshop participants with attitudes that made me uncomfortable,” he admits. “And I always think, ‘If they say this kind of thing in a group setting, what are they like when they’re alone with a model?’”
His approach is simple: treat people like, well, people.
“I always look models in the eyes when I talk to them, never in a way that makes them uncomfortable,” he says. “If someone is changing near me, I turn away. It’s little things that build trust.”
It’s not rocket science. But apparently, some people still need to hear it.
Trying to control his ego: Pablo Alonso a.k.a. Bilbofoto
The Ego Factor: Learning to Take Criticism
At this point in the conversation, I started to feel like Pablo is a pretty grounded person. But I still wondered - what does working with gorgeous girls and being admired for it do this his ego?
Pablo laughed when I brought it up. "If I had millions of followers, maybe my ego would be bigger. But since that’s not the case…"
For him, ego isn’t about thinking he’s better than others—it’s about how he reacts to criticism. “If someone close to me—my partner, a friend—says they don’t like one of my photos, my first reaction is to get defensive. I’ll think, ‘No, this is a good shot.’ But after a couple of minutes, I reflect on it, and I realize… maybe they have a point.”
Unlike some photographers who guard their techniques like trade secrets, Pablo believes in sharing knowledge. “When I was starting out, I’d ask some photographers how they did certain shots, and they’d act like I was asking for the Coca-Cola formula. I don’t believe in that. If someone asks me something, I tell them.”
At the end of the day, his biggest lesson about ego? Learning to listen without taking things personally. It’s not always easy, but it’s what has helped him grow.
It’s All Part of the Process
Before wrapping up, I ask him a question every human being faces at some point:
If you could go back in time, would you do anything differently?
He pauses for a moment.
“Yeah, I’m sure I’ve wasted time on things that weren’t worth it,” he says. “Especially in moments where I felt stuck, creatively. But in the end, it’s all part of the process.”
And with that, our conversation comes to an end.
Pablo Alonso isn’t just a guy with a camera and a knack for working with beautiful models. He’s an artist who takes his work seriously, constantly refining his craft while staying true to his vision.
Is he judged? Sure.
Does he care? Less and less.
Is he going to stop doing what he loves? Not a chance.
And if his Instagram makes you jealous? Well, that’s your problem.
things to remember
Talking to Joakim made me think a lot about my own photography and what actually matters. If I had to sum up the biggest lessons, it would be these:
1. Respect isn’t optional—it's the foundation of great photography.
Whether you're shooting a fully dressed portrait or a fine art nude, trust and respect are everything. Clear communication before a session, making sure your subject feels comfortable, and treating them as a collaborator (not just a model) will make your work better—both technically and ethically.
2. Instagram won’t save you—consistency and adaptability will.
The algorithm changes, reach fluctuates, and complaining won’t help. If social media isn’t working in your favor, adjust your strategy, experiment with new formats (hello, reels!), and, most importantly, don’t rely on Instagram alone. Build a website, improve your SEO, and make sure your work exists beyond the feed.
3. Creative ruts happen—what you do next matters.
Every photographer hits a wall. The key is not to sit there waiting for inspiration to return. Take on personal projects, experiment with new styles, or just keep shooting, even if you feel stuck. Evolution comes from pushing through, not from waiting for the perfect moment.
Want to be a better photographer? Take notes from Pablo. And maybe — just maybe — stop complaining about the algorithm.
With lots of love,
Arnold
Founder of HEATWAVE
