Spotlights and cameras off. Xàbia is once again saying goodbye to a part of its commercial history. After 43 years of uninterrupted service, the Juan Catalá photography studio is finally shutting down its lights and cameras, closing the doors of a business that for more than four decades witnessed the most important moments in the lives of families, couples, children, and local festivals.
The story of this studio begins in October 1982, when a young photographer, camera in hand, joined the world of photography in Xàbia, his hometown, coinciding with the then local photographer, Ángeles Bas.
Juan created a space to capture the memories of Xàbia and those who wanted to immortalize weddings, births, celebrations, and everyday moments that in turn became unforgettable memories. But this studio, which began as Studio 17, hasn't just been a space where memories that would last a lifetime have been created.
Over time, technology has changed the way we capture our memories. Digital cameras, mobile phones, and social media have reduced the need to go to a professional studio. The instant photography of that era has given way to an era of immediacy, where images are captured and viewed in seconds. However, the work of photographers like Juan, Ángeles, Aguado, Pomera, and Paulino cannot be replaced so easily. There was something special about waiting for those photos. It was a craft, not just pressing a button and it was done. You had to develop, select, etc. Plus, there were no holidays, because the more holidays, the more work.
Over these more than four decades, Juan Catalá has witnessed the changes in Xàbia, its festivals, and thousands of anecdotes.
And now, with this old business closing for a well-deserved retirement; and with the revolution of digital cameras and cell phones changing the concept of photography, the work of photography highlights the importance of preserving memories, of moments that, even if they pass, remain in the images.
Those who trusted this professional photographer to capture their best moments are now left with two memories: the images themselves and the person who took them.
