BLACKRAPID SPOTLIGHT: João Carlos

João Carlos – João Carlos Photography

Fashion, Advertising, Portrait

João Carlos, is a creative visionary based in Lisbon, Portugal. Specializing in fashion, advertising, and portrait photography, I bring stories to life through my lens, blending traditional techniques with a modern, innovative approach.

Passionate about exploring the intersection of culture and art, my photography is not just about capturing images, but about creating a narrative that resonates with the viewer. With each click, I aim to reveal the unseen beauty and the unique essence of every moment.

Do You Have a Good Photo Tip for Us?

Use a single, strong light source to mimic the effect of natural sunlight. This creates deep shadows and highlights, emphasizing the three-dimensional form of the subject.

One Minute/One Light Portrait with Actors Michael Imperioli and John Ventimiglia from The Sopranos

Recently, I had the privilege of photographing two former cast members from the five-time Golden Globe Award-winning TV show “The Sopranos.” These actors were Michael Imperioli and John Ventimiglia, who visited Lisbon for the premiere of a new film, “Cabaret Maxime,” directed by Bruno Almeida.

The Photoshoot

At the film premiere, I set up a mini studio and had just one minute to shoot each subject in a highly complex environment. My setup included a portable 6×7′ Westcott backdrop with black and white sides, choosing the black side for its suitability for non-full-body portraits.

Dealing with actors often requires sensitivity, as they can be shy in front of the camera. My primary challenge was the limited time I had with each actor, making it difficult to get camera-shy subjects comfortable and open quickly.

The Role of the BLACKRAPID Strap

A key component in my gear was the BLACKRAPID camera strap. This strap played a crucial role in enabling quick transitions between different shooting setups. Its design allowed me to move swiftly and capture a variety of angles and compositions within the tight time-frame, adding dynamism to the photo shoot.

What’s In Your Bag?

Camera: Fujifilm GFX 50S
Lens: Fujifilm GF 120mm F4 Macro
Flash: Profoto B1
Softbox: Westcott Rapid Beauty Dish
Camera Strap: Blackrapid
Trigger: Profoto Air Remote
Background: Westcott Illuminator Background
Memory Card: 128GB Sandisk Extreme Pro SD
Bag: ThinkTank Naked Shape Shifter V2

Everything except the backdrop, was compactly packed in my ThinkTank Naked Shape Shifter V2 backpack, ensuring easy and efficient transportation. This experience of photographing the stars of “The Sopranos” was not only a test of quick technical skill but also an opportunity to capture the essence of these renowned actors in a matter of minutes.