by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 7th of November 2025

We’re delighted to announce Raceala Elena as a new Head Curator joining the team at 1x.

Many of you will remember her insightful interview, where she shared her passion for artistic excellence, her deep understanding of visual storytelling, and her belief in the power of photography to connect emotion and vision.  
Elena kindly took the time to respond to a few questions, focusing particularly on her role as Head Curator.

In what ways has your artistic journey shaped your curatorial philosophy?
Over time, curatorial practice has taught me to value both the process and the perspective. I have discovered that every detail matters, and that striking the right balance between intuition and analysis transforms a simple image into an authentic experience for the viewer.
I have learned to perceive light, texture, presence and absence much more easily, as well as silence and effervescence. I have also learned to capture essence and emotion, and technique and message.
Ultimately, my curatorial philosophy mirrors my photographic philosophy: to select images that encourage contemplation and depict worlds that exist or could exist, revealing both the visible and the invisible.

‘The road’

‘Integrated’

What inspires you most about photographers in the 1x community?
The photographers in the 1x community are a huge source of inspiration for many photographers, including myself. They present places and people, familiar spaces from different angles, nature and real or imaginary worlds from unimaginable perspectives. Their images surprise with their authenticity and creativity, provoking deep emotions.

‘Passing through’

‘Walking with the fog’

'Undercover'

What do you think makes a photograph excellent?
For me, a truly good photograph is one that you keep going back to look at. It conveys more than it shows, combining aesthetic, technical and emotional elements in an authentic way. It tells a story, expresses a story, documents a moment or makes an artistic statement.
While the rules of composition, exposure and technique can contribute to an excellent photograph, a photograph that truly has something to convey also knows when to break those rules.

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Untitled

What makes an image timeless?
In my opinion, an image can be considered timeless if the viewer can see themselves in it, regardless of time or space.
From this perspective, the timelessness of a photograph lies not only in its visual aspect, but also in its ability to trigger memories or provoke questions that transcend the limits of time. A timeless image 'speaks' to each viewer personally; it has a composition that transcends passing trends, capturing the essence of a moment with refined simplicity and avoiding unnecessary details. Like a painting that can never be fully deciphered, a timeless image allows the viewer to always discover new meanings and details.

‘Long day’s journey into tomorrow’

 ‘Childhood’

How can technical perfection be balanced with emotional impact?
The key to achieving this balance is recognising that technique is a language, not the message itself. While technical mastery gives me control and precision, it is emotion that brings the image to life.
When taking a photograph, I ask myself what the moment needs. Some images require rigour, composition and correct exposure because their power lies in clarity. Others require imperfection; blurring, grain or shadows can convey more emotion than a technically flawless image ever could.

Urban illusion

‘Stories from Annecy’ 

‘Tech’

How do you approach the challenge of selecting works from so many outstanding submissions?
With so many excellent photographers on 1x, this selection process is particularly meticulous. Selecting the best photos requires finesse and balance in terms of aesthetics, concept and theme.
In my view, a selected photo should capture the viewer's attention, appear authentic, and evoke emotion. While I evaluate composition, light, colour and technique, I select based on originality and creativity. I select photos that offer a fresh perspective or unique interpretation of the theme or moment, avoiding overused concepts.
I believe that an image can 'breathe' visual authenticity, even if it is not technically perfect.

‘The veil’

‘New Identity’

With her refined eye, dedication to creative authenticity, and years of experience within the 1x community, Elena will help to uphold and expand the artistic standards that make 1x unique.