Case study · Cover and editorial photography · 2023

GQ cover with Madalena Costa.

GQ Portugal · Photography

Abstract

From concept to delivery, putting together a production in 72h with the athlete Madalena Costa, for the cover and editorial of GQ Portugal magazine.

72 h from concept to delivery

§ 1 The concept

Think

To convey Madalena’s essence. Her dedication, the seriousness with which she approaches her sport, and the intensity she puts into her everyday life, portraying her in her own environment, where she trains, and her gym.

§ 2 Final work

Create

GQ cover with Madalena Costa seen from behind, her skates over her shoulder, on a dark-blue background. — Fig. 1 The cover: GQ MOTY Awards 23, Breakthrough Award.

Three stacked copies of the GQ MOTY Awards Issue, with Madalena Costa on the cover. — Fig. 2 The printed magazine.

Madalena Costa facing the camera, with a skate hanging over her shoulder and her hand on her waist. — Fig. 3 The editorial.

Madalena Costa sitting on a bench, lacing up her skates. — Fig. 3 The editorial.

§ 3 Behind the scenes

Create

Madalena Costa sitting lacing up her skates, under a softbox, with the photographer in silhouette in the foreground. — Fig. 4 Behind-the-scenes photographs: the session in the gym’s changing room, with the lighting and the photographer in view.

Madalena Costa standing, her skates over her shoulder, looking back, seen between the photographer’s silhouette and the softbox. — Fig. 4 Behind-the-scenes photographs: the session in the gym’s changing room, with the lighting and the photographer in view.

§ 4 People involved

José Santana, Editor
Nuno Serrão, Photography
urbanistas, Production
Madalena Costa, Talent
Nina Machado, Hair and make-up
Andreia Encarnação, Production assistants
Ana Bettencourt, Behind-the-scenes photos
Fisioclinic, Thanks

urbanistas thinks, experiments and creates

§ 1 The concept

§ 2 Final work

§ 3 Behind the scenes

§ 4 People involved

Contacts