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Relative reality

Lifestyle and product photography in Fuerteventura

By Georgios Vasilopoulos

January 16^th, 2022

Well overdue for a break away from the damp, cold, ideologically-divided island I call home, I couldn’t have been happier when I got a call from my best friend Federico, asking if I would assist him with a photography job. A recognised photographer in the cycling community and keen cyclist himself (see his Instagram account), he’d pitched his idea for the project to several companies in the cycling industry and was sent a selection of cycling goods with which to make product and lifestyle photos—including a bicycle model suited for gravel riding.

Fuerteventura—a desert paradise I wrote about recently—was the perfect location, and the photos of Federico modelling the swag weren’t going to take themselves so, of course, I immediately booked my plane ticket.

Now, I knew I would be asked to model in some of the photographs, after word from a couple of the companies that they liked my not-quite-mainstream looks, but I took great comfort in the fact my stocky Viking build excluded me, by default, from mercilessly overstuffing the Lycra sausage casings known as cycling clothing, or attempting to balance myself on a bicycle like a blueberry on a pin. You see, I prefer being behind the lens, not in front. Fed, however—with his svelte proportions and permanent tan lines from 15,000 km of riding under the Italian sun in 2021—had these products covered.

In the lead-up to the flight, we researched key spots with suitable terrain but, in practice, some of the best spots were found simply by touring the island in the car. One particular pleasure of photography is making a space—next to a main road, for example—look like the middle of nowhere, although it’s not a challenge find places well away from other people on Fuerteventura.

While we shot throughout each day, we prioritised golden hour, where the constant winds and dust on the island made for the most incredibly diffused, almost magical light. The location is an absolute joy for anyone with any interest in photography.

I don’t like to talk about camera equipment, normally, because it’s largely irrelevant—even the tiny imaging sensor in a smartphone is capable of making stunning photographs in the right hands—but I cannot help but be astounded by the capabilities of the latest generations of cameras.

Fed’s Fujifilm X-Pro3 and my Nikon Z 6, both paired with quality lenses, shrugged off challenging conditions—shooting under the intense, direct midday sun, straight into the sun during golden hour, and in low light after sunset—without cracking a sweat.

The dynamic range of modern imaging sensors, particularly full frame sensors in cameras like the Z 6, would have been unimaginable even 10–15 years ago, enabling photographers of all skill levels to prioritise creative vision over technical ability. Yes, I realise some photographers will view that statement as blasphemy, but meh, whatever—we live in a world where Vietnamese Cajun cuisine exists and samosa burritos are a thing. Is being a purist actually important, or is it simply self-serving snobbery?

That said, I do understand the value of maintaining a strong technical and philosophical understanding of photography—an ongoing process—but these ‘rules’, in my opinion, should be viewed as a foundation on which to build your own style and carve your own path, making the photographs you want to make. But perhaps that’s a discussion for another article.

Today we are looking at photos which, at the end of the day, are meant to convey aspiration—photos of ‘people like me’ using products in the field, enjoying beautiful surroundings during the course of their perfect, active lifestyles.

Yes, I’m being somewhat cynical and tongue-in-cheek—the fact is, I loved doing this project, and the swag we were given to photograph included some beautifully handmade custom bags and an, arguably, very expensive and gorgeous gravel bicycle in a fetching shade of okra, which perfectly complimented the surroundings.

BACKPACK

A handmade, bespoke roll-top backpack which was beautifully crafted and a large enough to hold the day’s camera equipment or clothing for a weekend away, but small enough to meet airline under-seat stowage specification.

Camera strap

Handmade and the correct width to work with quick release anchor systems. Many people aren’t keen on the straps which come with their cameras—often with the manufacturer or camera model displayed in large, bright lettering—as they can be magnets for drawing the attention of snatch-grab thieves. This strap is functional, low-key and meticulously finished, equally complimenting Fed’s very pretty Fujifilm camera and my functional Nikon.

Eyewear and bike pack

The sunglasses came with a couple lenses for different conditions which could be easily swapped out. The bike pack was a good size for little bits like keys, a mobile phone and sunglasses and handmade to the same high standard as the backpack.

Bicycle

The gravel bicycle, in okra with carbon and red accents, was the star of the week—just the type of bike for Fuerteventura and its terrain, paradise for gravel riders. Fed enjoyed riding extensively on surfaces ranging from dirt to gravel to tarmac. This is not a bike for casual, fair-weather riders, but one designed to be used and abused regularly in nearly all conditions.

General shots

Behind the cameras

The trip wasn’t all work—there was plenty of time to enjoy ourselves exploring the island and taking a few snaps along the way, while scouting locations.