Nata Leto
Destination Photography with Robert Marcillas
Robert Marcillas
They say that Spanish people are a very romantic and passionate nation. They express their emotions and thoughts in a very honest and lively way. No wonder we are so mesmerized by the photos taken by Robert Marcillas, a young and incredibly talented photographer from a small town between Barcelona and Tarragona. Robert grew up surrounded by vineyards and olive roads, with a big passion for mountains and forests. He used to draw to express himself, then at 17 he picked up his first camera and discovered photography. He enjoys freezing moments, so each photo brings his subjects exactly to the memory, smell and emotions of that exact day.
Robert had a smooth transitions from portrait and boudoir photography to destination shootings, and has gladly shared with our team some insights about this exciting and adventurous side of the industry. So here is his story..
When did you start your photography journey and how long have you been in this business?
I started taking pictures when I was 17, and now I am 22. So, even though there has been a camera in my life for 5 years now, I started exploring photography as a job and lifestyle only a year ago.
Did you start with destination photography right away? If not, how did you end up traveling for photoshoots?
Not at all! This is something that has come along. I started with portrait photography and boudoir, then my style has gradually changed to something more open air. That’s when several brand marks got interested in my type of photography and asked to shoot their products in more remote locations – and that’s how it began. Currently I enjoy driving my car and traveling thousands of km for a photoshoot. In fact, I have a project with my girlfriend, for which we travel and take photos only in spectacular places and fantastic, breathtaking landscapes. You can see it here.
Was it difficult at the beginning? Do you have any stories when something went wrong and you had to adapt?
Like everything, beginnings are difficult, but in fact it’s only the beginning! A strange anecdote we had a few weeks ago in the city of Porto, we went to search for the apartment were we were meant to shoot. We got to the street we needed, and kept going around searching for number 15, which was nowhere to be found. We saw 24, 76, 129 and finally 150. It took us half an hour going back and forth to finally realize that nr. 15 was right under our noses this who time. We got a bit stressed out since none of us had a phone available, so we couldn’t call, but thankfully all turned out great. The thing was that in Porto you have a different way of houses and street numbering. Conclusion – always do your research before and be prepared for anything.
What do you recommend in this type of situations? Should the photographer keep calm and pretend everything is ok?
When something happens which was not originally planned, what you want to do is stay calm. Getting nervous only cause mistrust and discomfort for your clients, anything can be resolved! You must be honest with the people around you but don’t get them stressed out or panicking.
Do you have any favorite destinations you have traveled to?
My favourite places are Montrebei Canyon and Siurana. These are spectacular sights, with large lakes surrounded by high mountains. Another view that impressed me a lot are the mountain peaks in Central Europe in snow season .. those are AWESOME!
What things a beginner destination photographer should think about, including essential gear items?
The most important thing is to know where you are going, what are you going to do there and how will you do it. You can not go to a new location blindly, without knowing what you are getting into. Expect the best and prepare for the worst. Take into consideration weather, time of the shoot (light & shadow wise), will you be alone or will you have someone to help you with the process. Make sure you have all key factors in place, though I always enjoy the “improved by chance” plans.
What is essential and I always carry with me when traveling for photoshoot?
- My 5DIII with 35mm and 50mm
- a GoPro4
- Batteries and cards
- a intervalometer
- the Tripode
- Cell batteries
- A notepad for taking notes
- A map
- Macbook Pro 13 ‘
- Good shoes and my levi’s Tucker <3
As Robert mentioned, beginnings are difficult, but that’s how many exciting adventures start. So do your homework, plan ahead, and be ready to embrace the unexpected! Your intuition, passion and creativity will lead the way!
If you want to be featured on our blog and share your story with the Flo Community, let’s talk!
With Love,
Flothemes Team
