AUCKLAND, Today: Proof Agency photographer Bas van Est is enjoying seeing the Kathmandu campaign he shot in Cuba – land of sugarcane rum and the finest cigars (both banned in Trump’s America). This campaign is now live at all Kathmandu stores in Australia and New Zealand.
“Pre-dawn horseback recces in the countryside, blisteringly hot days in Havana, rum in coconuts for hydration and mountains of wardrobe are just a few of the reasons why my recent shoot with Kathmandu in Cuba was memorable,” he told M+AD.
“All in all an absolutely incredible and challenging journey with a great team and some seriously hard working talent.”
Van Est’s love of surf and adventure is clear to see in his images. His work combines a solid technical expertise honed through countless hours in the studio with a lot of passion. His understanding of light (both introduced and natural) and ability to capture the decisive moment are key to his emotive images.
“Without any cellphone or internet access, splitting into teams to cover both stills and video proved to be extremely hectic.”
“It was my second time in Cuba and I still consider it one of the most beautiful and photogenic countries I’ve ever been to.
“You would think with all the right prep and talent this shoot would be a walk in the park … not quite.
“A well-oiled production comes down to the right communication and support to sustain the crews energy levels in 32+ degree 14-hour days but I think we all underestimated the fact that everything happens at its own pace in Cuba.
Snacks are hard to come by and without any cellphone or internet access, splitting into teams to cover both stills and video proved to be extremely hectic. Not to mention the attention to detail required for a massive wardrobe for stills, and interconnected scenes for video.
“All whilst covering three cities, an organic farmers valley on horseback and a national park all in nine days was very ambitious.
“Looking back at this trip I can’t believe we pulled this shoot off in the way we did but I’m extremely stoked it was received by the team as one of the best shoots to date.
“The campaign completely took over every store in Australia and New Zealand, a good result after everyone’s hard work.
“I have a few other stories but I’ll have to tell you over a beer some time.
“Go Kathmandu!”
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