Taking photographs in Spain
Award winning Travel photographer, Michelle Chaplow gives advice on photographing in Spain

Spain is a vast country, and after living and working as a photographer in here for over 17 years, it's impossible to generalise about one individual and uniform Spain. It's a country of such rich traditions and contrasts, but ask a foreigner to tell you about Spain, and they will invariably think of beaches, flamenco, orange trees and white villages. Yes, that's one part of Spain, but in general terms it only relates to the region of Andalucia.

All Spanish regions vary in landscape, traditions, climate and gastronomy. In terms of landscape you have everything from the lush green pastures of Asturias to the desserts of Almeria. Traditions vary from region to region the running of the bulls in Pamplona to the throwing of tomatoes in Valencia. The rain and clouds in Northern Spain contrast the almost tropical Canary Islands.

There's a rich gastronomic culture in Spain, everything from the Paella of Valencia, to the nations Chocolate and churro breakfast. Spain is like several countries all rolled into one, which makes it both challenging and exiting to a photographer.

Communicating whilst photographing In Spain
In terms of Language there are six living languages, Castellano, Galian, Basque, and Catalan and, in Mallorca and Valencia region, there are two languages that are derivatives of Catalan. Spain is comprised of 17 autonomous regions and 51 provinces.

The good news is that Castellano is spoken everywhere and also most Spanish children learn English at School. One thing I have noticed is that the Spanish are shy when it comes to speaking languages other than Spanish. Friends and colleagues have told me that they feel "ridiculous" speaking English, even when they have a good command of it as a second language. I'm sure that this will eventually change as the younger, internet savvy generations are extremely keen to learn.

Spanish Reportage
The Spanish people are extremely hospitable and humane. In my travels, one of the endearing ingredients of the Spanish people is their ability to embrace the whole family in their activities, none should be left out. A warm welcome awaits children, the elderly, the tourist and the visitor. In my experience as a photographer in Spain, if people can collaborate with you, they will.

As you can imagine there is a huge difference between photographing a country shepard in a small Alpujaran village to a cosmopolitan business man late for a meeting in the capital. To photograph people you need time and the ability to win their confidence, the ability to reflect trust in the image. The photographer also needs to be relaxed. A nervous photographer will pass on those vibes to the subject. Personally I firmly believe that the most beautiful portraits are environmental portraits. People are so much more relaxed in their own surroundings. A musician with his or her instrument, a potter at work, a dancer dancing, an old lady resting on her doorstep, these images go one step further in portraying that essential connection between humans and their environment.

Model Released Images
Editorial images of festivals in Spain and general street life, if published in an editorial context, have no need for a model release. However if published in an advertising context, then yes, a model release is required.

Ten years ago you could photograph more or less anybody and anything, now, like the rest of Europe, people have woken up to Model and property release issues.

What to Wear when photographing
Comfortable shoes, a hat for the summer, I have a general rule that I dress according to the environment. If it's a corporate portrait, I will wear a comfortable suit, in a natural park walking clothes, in a night club, evening gear. I believe that this helps you "fit in" and reduces the barrier between the lens and the subject. Comfort is the key and the ability to have freedom of movement.

The light in Spain
Contrary to popular belief the sun doesn't shine every day. I've been on various assignments for clients in the States and The U. K. who are amazed that a week can go by with cloudy Northern European weather.

When it rains in Spain, it's that full on passionate rain, no half measures or persistent drizzle here. As a general rule, in mainland Spain, the beach season is from Easter to late September. The light in Spain can be very intense, which means that photographers can use a slower film and obtain not only great saturation, but a superbly fine grain. Fuji Velvia is my favourite film, it gives beautiful warm tones capturing that scrumptious late afternoon and evening sun. Nowadays all of my work is digital, the same rules apply to digital photography a lower ISO gives a better quality, crisper image.

Enjoy photographing in Spain!

Michelle Chaplow
Travel and Editorial Photographer in Spain

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