For LZF co-founder Marivi Calvo the design of a photo shoot is truly a labour of love. The combination of Marivi’s creative mind and meticulous planning ensures she fervently keeps her eyes on the prize. In a world where ‘instant’ is the norm, for Marivi the old adage ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ may hold more sway than ever.
Marivi has a distinct way of approaching her craft and alongside her team, she designs and directs a photo shoot from its inception to its conclusion. Months in the planning, she selects the shoot’s location and photographers scout the venue, marking out the ideal placement of tripods in order to capture the best photo. Moreover, the composition of every photograph is depicted as a three-dimensional render. With a keen eye for detail, Marivi complements LZF’s lighting features with her choice of props, specifying furniture and objets d’art. Where models are used, she will make certain their clothes and style fit the scene.
Prep complete, the stage is set. The charming Palacio de Casavells in the medieval town of Monells, Girona, is the chosen venue. Rather than stand amid the creative chaos, with a team of twenty people, Marivi chooses to direct the photo shoot remotely. Five kilometres from the venue, in her rustic ‘mobile office’, she has ensconced herself in front of three screens: the first offers a live view of the photograph as it will be shot; the second shares photographer Santiago Relanzón’s computer screen, providing a view of the images as they are taken; the third shows the original three-dimensional renders as a point of reference. Working in this way, Marivi maintains a real-time holistic perspective within a focused environment, allowing her to direct the photo shoot with an air of self-possession.
A mammoth undertaking, the Palacio de Casavells shoot was LZF’s biggest production to date. Across five long days, the entire creative process was deftly managed remotely by Marivi, culminating in the production of thirty-four spectacular images.
Writen by Gerard McGuickin
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