Marta Bevacqua

Paris, France

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What does a typical day in your (work)day look like?

It really depends. What I like most about my job is that each day is different. There are the days of shootings, where I meet lots of new people every day, and do the most enjoyable part of being a photographer. Then, if I have strict deadlines, there are the days of postproduction. I then have to close myself into my world, with my music, and work all the day in front of the PC. Then again, there are days where I organize new shoots, appointments for various kinds of jobs and so on. So, actually, I can't really say how my usual day looks like; fact is that I don't think I ever have a "usual" day...

Do you enjoy working freelance? What are the best sides to it?

I answered this a little bit in the previous question; one of the best sides is that each day is different from the others. Also, I love the fact that I can organize my days and my life as I wish, having time - though but not always - to do other things, too. Of course, there are also some bad sides, but mostly I can say I really enjoy it!

The majority of your photographs take place outdoors, showing a strong connection to nature. Is this sort of portrayal something that developed over time or a preference you had early on?

It's absolutely something I've always done. I grew up in the country and I started taking photographs of trees, plants and flowers. Only after some time I started taking some portraits, and obviously I started to take them in nature, since I felt more comfortable that way. This was many years ago, and I never stopped to work in the woods and so on; so, I can say it's me, to be so connected to nature. 

What are the biggest difficulties you encountered when shooting outdoors?

Weather (if you shoot in winter, you need to be very careful to not make the model freeze), locations (sometimes the places are not as good or suitable as they appear to be in photos, so I always do a location "exploration" beforehand), and sometimes it's necessary to ask for permissions. Other times it's difficult to use dresses, because if you work with fashion designers, the dresses can get ruined by dirt or other things, and so on. I must admit: if I shoot fine art, it's ok. But with fashion photography, it's always very complicated and every time it is a real challenge!

Do you know the models personally, too? 

Not really, or, better, let me say, not all the models. It depends if they come from an agency or not.

How important is it for you to discuss the shoots with them?

Quite important; I usually invent stories to tell them, so they can understand "who they are", or portray.

What are the ups and downs of living in a city like Paris?

It's so full of everything, and that sometimes can be too much. There is a lot of movement, happenings, things to do - and that's great. But at the same time it's quite chaotic (but not as much as many other European cities). But I love it! It's my place!

What can we expect to find in your photo book? Do you plan on making a second one soon?

All of my biggest projects of 2014. And yes, I think I'll prepare a new one for the end of 2015 - or maybe even before...

If you could assemble a soundtrack for your work until now, which musicians would you include immediately?

Röyksopp, soundtracks of fantasy movies, Daft Punk and others. 

Which young artists do you follow currently? What do you like about their work?

I follow Zemotion (Zhang Jingna), whose work I like for the "painting" look of her pictures, Kiki Xue, for the deep atmospheres portrayed in his photos and a few other photographers, too!