PROFILE: Marco Govel

Name/Pseudonym:
Marco Govel

Website:
www.marcogovel.com

Location:
Asturias, Spanien

Do you ever leave the house without a camera?
Definitely. Photography is my passion, but there are things in life that I love more, like my family. Whenever I go for a walk with my wife and two daughters, the camera stays at home.

At what age did you use a camera for the first time?
I’m not a 100% sure but I remember to be the personal photographer on our families vacations. I always took my fathers camera and could not wait to get home to see the results of my work. I bought my first own camera at the age of 18.

How did you work as a photographer and how long did it take for you to live off photography?
Even though my relation to photography has always been positive, my career path was a bit bumpy at the beginning. 2012 I lost my job due to the economic crisis. At the point, I decided to give a career in photography a shot.

In the beginning, it was hard as I did not earn a lot of money, but after two years I felt the rewards were growing to a proper amount. Today I am proud to say that I live as I imagined. I still think about this decision every day, and it makes me very happy.

Do you prefer zoom or fixed focal length?
That is easy: fixed focal length. Of course, zooms have their upsides, but the quality of a fixed lens is unbeaten. I always like to say: „the best zoom is your own legs.“

Which topics do you prefer to photograph?
I feel comfortable with portraying active people, especially in sports. I assume myself to be a social person and therefore I always try to build up a healthy relationship with my models – no matter if the camera is pointed at them or not. So yes, call me a lifestyle photographer.

And which ones do you dislike? And why?
I think that would be fashion. I’m just not a big fan of studios and prefer to shoot outside with natural light.

What was the biggest highlight of your photographer career?
To be honest, it did not happen yet. I want to develop myself continually and learn new things. When you reach a highlight, it seems like it is all going down from there. I don’t like that thought.

Is there a distinctive look in your pictures?
Photographers should always aim to develop their own style. Their pictures should be recognizable without having their names on them. Personally, I like the sunlight and also work with background lighting.

Without which aid or tool would you never want to photograph again?
My 35mm fixed focal length.

What was your motivation to work with Westend61?
At this point, I have been working with Westend61 for a couple of years, and it is apparent that I feel very comfortable. The agency has an excellent relationship with their photographers. It is like one big family.

Instagram:
@marcogovel

Facebook:
Marco Govel

Sebastian Bentzin

For over ten years Sebastian works in the digital media field. The Hamburg-based social media manager combines his professional background with his interest in photography contributing to the Westend61 outlets.