Nijar's Two Sides Posted On 24th June 2025 To Magazine & Stories
The Essence Of My Home
Hello everyone! Today, I want to open the doors of my soul and share the essence of my home: Las Negras and Cabo de Gata. A piece of land that not only saw me born and grow, but also shaped me as a person and as a photographer. Through my lens, I want to show you the magic that emanates from every corner of this paradise in southern Spain, but I also want to reveal the wounds and contradictions that afflict it. I am a native of Las Negras, a small village in the heart of Cabo de Gata, Níjar. Almost three decades of my life have passed here, and my love for this land strengthens with every sunrise I contemplate from my window. However, I cannot close my eyes to the challenges that threaten its future.
DELTA 100 | MAMIYA RB67
Coexists With A Scar
Cabo de Gata is an Eden of pristine beaches, hidden coves and white fishing villages that shine under the Mediterranean sun. The light that bathes these landscapes is a daily spectacle, a symphony of colors that inspires each of my photographs. But this idyllic beauty coexists with a scar that stretches across the horizon: the greenhouses that surround the coast like a plastic belt. Tons of plastic that, at first sight, clash with the purity of the environment. However, as a son of this land, I understand the vital importance of these greenhouses for our economy. They are the livelihood of thousands of Almeria families, the guardians of our agricultural tradition, and the suppliers of European pantries, which are filled with our fruits and vegetables.
HP5+ | MAMIYA RB67
HP5+ | MAMIYA RB67
Tourism
Summer tourist overcrowding is another challenge that hits us hard. Our villages, accustomed to winter tranquility, are invaded by a tide of visitors that saturates our streets and beaches. Daily life becomes chaotic, and pressure on natural resources intensifies.
DELTA 100 | MAMIYA RB67
A Terrible Fear
Real estate speculation, fueled by the rise of tourism, has driven up housing prices, turning our homes into an unaffordable luxury for many natives. Summers that become unbearable, strolling through our streets is a struggle, as is sitting down to eat in local restaurants. A terrible fear invades me, that of losing the right to live in my own land, displaced by the voracious tourist rental market. And I cannot remain silent about the degradation of our beaches, formerly havens of peace and beauty. The massive influx of tourists, coupled with a lack of environmental awareness, is eroding these fragile ecosystems. Garbage accumulates, the seabed suffers, and the essence of our coastal paradise slowly fades away.
DELTA 100 | BRONICA-ETRSi
Both Sides of This Coin
As a photographer and native, I feel the responsibility to show both sides of this coin. We cannot simplify reality in black and white, in "ugly" or "pretty". The greenhouses, despite their visual impact, are pillars of our economy. Tourism, despite its shadows, is a crucial source of income.
FP4+ | MAMIYA RB67
What do you think of this reality?
My photographic project delves into this complexity, into this duality that defines Cabo de Gata, Níjar. I want to generate an open and honest dialogue about the future of our land, about the need to find a sustainable balance between economic development, environmental conservation and the quality of life of residents. What do you think of this reality? Have you had the opportunity to visit Cabo de Gata? I invite you to share your reflections and follow my work on social media. Together, we can build a more prosperous and sustainable future for this land we deeply love.
FP4+ | MAMIYA RB67
I hope this story has allowed you to glimpse the beauty and contradictions of my home, through my eyes as a photographer and native. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
DELTA 100 | BRONICA-ETRSi
Images ©Adrián Piedra Griffin
About The Author
Adrián Piedra Griffin
My name is Adrián Piedra Griffin. I was born and raised in Las Negras, Níjar. With an Irish mother and a Spanish father, I am a great lover of the mountains, cooking, and good food.
My passion for photography began in childhood, when my parents gave me the disposable cameras they sold in their store. I really enjoyed taking photos on the beach. As an adult, I grew tired of digital photography, and for the past few years, I’ve been shooting almost exclusively with film. I could say that my favorite film is Ilford Delta 100; for me, it’s simply perfect. Both when I used digital and now that I only shoot film, I have always worked in black and white, I love its simplicity and complexity.
I like slow and calm photography. Today, I shoot almost all of my work with a Mamiya RB67.
Regarding my professional life, I am currently a camera operator in a drone filming company. Before that, I held various jobs.