Mediterranean vibes

Barcelona has it all: beautiful architecture, a rich and unique culture, lots of museums and galleries, a bustling nightlife and it’s close to the sea. No wonder the city was high on the wish list of fashion photographer Viviana Galletta. ‘I always wanted to go to Barcelona, but never got around to it. A few weeks ago I had the chance to discover the city. Barcelona is beautiful and the people are very friendly. I especially like the lifestyle in southern Europe: people live life on the street.’ Viviana took the new LUMIX S1R with her to work on some inspiring photoshoots. ‘This camera blew me away, the image quality is amazing.’

She’s just returned from Barcelona for a three-day assignment. Being a fashion photographer is living life in the fast line. ‘I like it that way. I’ve only myself to blame for these busy schedules. Relaxing, sitting on the sofa is just not my thing. Photography is always on my mind; I want to keep on improving my work. So, whenever I have a moment of spare time I work on my photography, editing my photos or planning for the next shoot.’ As a fashion photographer, preparation is everything. ‘First of all, I think about what kind of mood I want to portray. I make a mood board and collect images that suit the style I want to create. 

I pick the clothing and think about the right locations. Then it’s a case of finding the right models, and seeing if I need a stylist and somebody for hair and make-up.’ In Barcelona, she did six shoots in four days and took care the styling herself. She didn’t have much time to prepare. ‘So the shoots were more spontaneous than is normally the case. I didn’t know all the locations beforehand.’ And there weren‘t any problems: ‘On the contrary, it worked quite well, which also has something to do with this camera. The LUMIX S1R is great. The image quality is stunning. Thanks to the full frame sensor, you get images with great detail. I was amazed when I saw the photos on a computer screen for the first time. As I kept on zooming in, more and more details revealed themselves. This is the quality I’ve been looking for.

 I was dancing inside.’ Detail is everything in fashion photography. The focus should be in the right place, on what is the most important: the clothing, make-up or accessories. As a viewer, you almost have to be able to feel the fabric. This camera helps the photographer achieve this goal – the Eye AF system makes sure the focus is on the eyes. ‘I’ve also photographed in low light conditions. The camera performs superbly in low light/high ISO conditions. And the colours are lifelike: I didn’t even have to edit the photos after the shoot.’ She likes the look and feel of the camera, although it’s slightly heavier than her previous cameras. ‘With this camera, you photograph as a pro. It’s still easy to handle, but it’s more robust. The buttons are all nicely within reach.’ 

Viviana Galletta worked herself as a model until she discovered her passion for photography. Thanks to a befriended photographer she learned all photography basics within a few weeks and elaborates them step by step. She started with portrait and people photography and realized quickly that she wanted to focus on fashion photography. With her modeling experience she knows the industry very well and works together with a makeup artist and stylist. Viviana now has been photographing for a several years. She now prefers a place behind the camera, to be able to realise her own creative ideas. ‘My photography continues to evolve. As a photographer, you’re never done with learning. Lately I’m taking a more artistic approach’. She wants to become one of the world’s top fashion photographers and works hard to achieve this goal. ‘You have to believe in yourself and your abilities. I always try to think positively and do things my way. It’s important to stay true to yourself.’

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