Never Doubt On The Day Of The Shoot
Lucas Garrido’s photography expands the boundaries of what seems to be possible when it comes to building the set, the experience is cinematic, and the vision - grandeur. When photographing In Gravitas, Lucas recreates classical imagery from Renaissance paintings in a modern approach. Numerous nude subjects, preoccupied with horses or appear to be resting in a natural environment, contribute to an atmosphere of a long-forgotten comfort, which seems never even existed.
SAU offers another take on paradise upon the earth with a stunning contrast through realism, reminding of disturbance that cannot be overwritten with natural elements only. Comfortably Numb, alludes to Pink Floyd’s eponymous song, demands to learn on a deep level an intrinsic characteristic of human nature carefully scanning through the crowd, which stands in a heavy fog, is present yet exists as if in a dream. The quest is to cross to the other side of the bodily experience, exploring what is yet to be found.
Lucas Garrido is a photographer originally from Barcelona, currently living and working in New York City. In this interview, we discuss with Lucas his journey during the last six years in the industry, his decision to move to New York four years ago, and the multicultural experience. We speak about the preference to shoot naked; Lucas shares some tips on managing large teams on set; we close the conversation with the unexpected behind the scenes story of the St. Germain, Barcelona 2018, photograph.
‘My career started from a very humble behind the scenes photographer position. Growing up in the advertisement industry - this path has gifted me with so many high moments.’
Photography
Being in this profession for over six years now, what were some of the high and low moments, most memorable to you?
There have been many of those. My career started from a very humble behind the scenes photographer position. Growing up in the advertisement industry - this path has gifted me with so many high moments. Moments in which you start seeing clearly people who trust you and moments that throw you in front of bigger challenges, which I like the most.
On the other hand, I could consider low moments, like those where you lose a job you were dying to shoot for, or when something unexpected happens and impacts the final results of the campaign. I also don't like my team to be struggling, and I could consider that as a low moment.
When did you realize you're successfully pursuing your dream?
Realizing that I'm successfully pursuing my dream is hard to recognize, or to even think about when I've only been six years in the industry. I had a good start, but I'm still miles away from that desired successful career!
On the other hand, I'm more than grateful to all people who have always believed in me to shoot their stuff, which has made me able to grow and improve :)
‘It's New York that gives me big job opportunities, constant learning, and great growth, but it's Barcelona that provides emotional fulfillment and work-life balance.’
Barcelona and New York
Born in Spain and deciding to work both in Barcelona and New York, what would you say are the differences in the approach to work and the availability of opportunities when comparing those capital cities?
It's like enjoying two different lives. It's New York that gives me big job opportunities, constant learning, and great growth, but it's Barcelona that provides emotional fulfillment and work-life balance.
It's no secret that New York (or North America in general) is a great hotspot, where big campaigns are born inside powerful creative agencies (run by incredibly talented creative minds). Making yourself available here puts you on another level.
On the other hand, I enjoy a lot coming back to Europe for work, there's also so much powerful stuff going on, and Barcelona will always be the perfect basecamp.
What traits does a professional need to possess to make it in New York, in your opinion?
It was four years ago when I decided to move to New York, and it was because I had the opportunity to work with North American people for quite a long time now. They were the ones who encouraged me to make a move, which honestly, I believe anyone can do, as long as they're determined. It takes constant work, a proactive mind, and tons of paperwork.
‘Shooting with your back covered by the ones who know you the most, and the ones you love the most too, anywhere at any time.’
Personal Approach
Each person has their strengths and preferences working in teams. How do you build your work on set with your team; and how does your approach change when working for a commissioned project with a client?
Let's see if I answer this one right...
When I'm shooting my personal work, I always do it with the most trusted people. And I always try my best to do the same on a commissioned job. I think there's a massive benefit when you're shooting with your back covered by the ones who know you the most, and the ones you love the most too, anywhere at any time.
‘There's also that extra fear the night before the shoot where you realize that if you fuck it up tomorrow, you can upset a bunch of people.’
Nudity & Multitudes
Let’s speak about photographing nude scenes, at times in a nude state yourself. How can this reciprocity assist in relations, trust, and mutual work on set?
I still don't know exactly why I give so much attention to naked people. I think it could be because that's what has always caught my eye from the photographers I always had as references. It's also hard for me to consider clothes in my most intimate work. On the other hand, soon I realized that I like to be naked too, and also be part of the scene.
You have several projects working with multitudes, an enormous amount of people. What would be some of the tips to stay in control of the situation, managing the set?
Yes, there are two of my personal works, in which I had quite a few people in a frame, and it's always an extra challenge, especially when it comes to briefing them, normally one by one. There's also that extra fear the night before the shoot where you realize that if you fuck it up tomorrow, you can upset a bunch of people. Other than that, I think once you have everyone on set, everything evolves very naturally.
My tips would be:
Get yourself people you know who trust you.
Feed & treat them well. Don't save money on that.
Make yourself clear.
If you trust what you're doing, they will commit.
Don't give space to a doubt on the day of the shoot.
The Burning Man
We cannot leave behind the photo of a man on fire standing in front of the old car, in a picturesque scene of the setting sun behind the sea. Tell about this image, the idea, and its realization.
I have quite a funny story about this day.
It’s comical how we ended up choosing one of the spookiest locations in Barcelona to take this picture. In my defense, I have to say there are no many other options as good and cinematic as this one in BCN.
This place is pretty recognizable for being a hotspot for those who haven’t got enough partying during the night and need to continue somewhere. So it’s a place that, at a certain time of the day, becomes a very hostile and conflicting area. But we didn’t think about it on the scout day, at 7 PM.
We found that out only on the shooting day, at 5.30 AM, when we were at the location getting ready and a crowd of 7-10 people swang by, not only because they were curious, but also with no good intentions, my guts were telling me...
It’s important to mention that we were a crew of 6 people, and the average age was 25. Having my friend fully naked didn’t help either...
Fortunately, by the time they arrived, we were 15 min away to start shooting, and by saying it, I mean setting this man on fire. We saw how they were so blown away by what they were witnessing that they just treated us with major respect and decided to stay as our public for the rest of the shoot.
We wrapped up gifted with applause and flattering comments by the best public you could have at 6.30 AM, in a far, isolated, area of Barcelona.
Giant Artists
You’re represented by Giant Artists, a production and talent management company. How did you meet or get in contact?
Yes! I started with them not so long ago. We were introduced by a common client.
What is the most important element in this relationship that enables your career to develop?
They are a great support. They take care of the heavy production part (budgets, conditions, logistics), which lets me focus way better on the creative side of the job.
Upcoming Projects
What are your plans for this year? What are you working on right now?
Having shot my last personal project In Gravitas very recently, I'm now enjoying sending some print copies to my beloved ones. Besides, I'm working on a couple of editorials.
