Interview: Maya Torres on Listening to Landscapes — Presenting Sensory Portfolios

Interview: Maya Torres on Listening to Landscapes — Presenting Sensory Portfolios

Hook: As portfolios become multisensory, photographers and sound designers need new presentation strategies. I spoke with Maya Torres about how she curates work that asks visitors to listen as well as look.

Why multisensory portfolios matter

Visual work that includes audio or spatial data creates richer context and better emotional memory. Maya argues that a multisensory approach helps buyers and curators understand the conditions and intent behind an image.

"Photos without context are windows. When you add sound, you give the window a weather report." — Maya Torres

Highlights from the interview

On curation and story

Maya: "I always think in narrative vignettes. Each project has 4–6 moments where I layer a short sound clip with an image. It’s enough to suggest atmosphere without forcing listeners to stay for a long track."

On technical constraints

Maya: "Delivery is the hard part — site performance, cross-device audio handling, and print rights. We’ve used compact formats and progressive downloads to keep pages snappy. I also recommend integrating story-led product pages for any prints we sell; product-page techniques are helpful here, see Product Page Masterclass."

On discovery and partnerships

Maya: "Curators often discover my work through niche newsletters and curated lists. The evolution of discovery is important — algorithms alone don’t surface everything; human curators still matter. The thinking in The Evolution of Book Discovery in 2026 translates well: algorithmic recommendations plus human curation is the winning combo."

Practical advice from Maya for portfolio owners

• Add short sound cues (8–20 seconds) to key images rather than full tracks.
• Offer a print with an accompanying QR card that links to the field recording to create a tactile-digital bridge.
• Use simple onboarding to capture email when visitors play audio — those listeners are highly engaged prospects.

Operational and legal considerations

Rights management changes when audio is included. Maya recommends clear licensing terms and packaging language, and to consult trusted fulfillment partners when shipping audio-accompanying prints. Review fulfillment and packaging choices in research such as Packaging & Fulfillment Partners for Makers in 2026 to align supply chain expectations with artistic goals.

Predictions from Maya

• Hybrid exhibition formats will become more common — galleries that host micro-events and pop-ups tied to a digital soundscape.
• Creators will ship small physical artifacts (e.g., printed sound-cards) with purchases to create stronger emotional links.
• Discovery will remain hybrid: newsletters, curated lists, and algorithmic placements working together — see the December highlights and wins captured in roundups like Newsletter Brief: December Highlights and Practical Wins.

Closing

Maya’s approach is pragmatic: small audio moments that amplify visual storytelling without overburdening the user experience. For creators looking to present sensory work in portfolios, begin with a single project and test listening engagement before rolling it out sitewide.