Photography is at its best when collaboration feels like play – especially when the studio soundtrack is an unreleased reggaeton banger. That’s exactly the energy Fito Blanko brought to Studio 311 for his latest publicity shoot, seven distinct sets that swung from minimalist monochrome to Versace-drenched futurism, all crafted to launch his upcoming album in style.
Fito and I go way back. Our last collaboration was a fashion editorial (in Mob Journal) that pushed both of us creatively, so naturally, we agreed to raise the bar again. The brief was simple: deliver a suite of promo images versatile enough for album art, socials, press kits, and whatever surprises the release cycle throws at him. In simple terms? Multiple lighting moods, quick wardrobe swaps, and room for spontaneous ideas.
For my setup, my workhorse Canon EOS R3 stayed tethered via my new 31ft Tether Tools TetherPro cable into Capture One, paired with the RF 24‑105mm and RF 70‑200mm for flexibility. Lighting duties went to Broncolor and this time we had a secret weapon in the studio – Will Prentice from Broncolor Canada rolled in with the new Satos pack and Pulso L heads. This system delivers up to 3200 watts of hybrid power that switches seamlessly between strobe and continuous light.
Depending on the set, we rotated through some of my favourite modifiers: the Octabox 150 for softness, Para 88 for punchy contrast, Para 222 for a bigger punch and fill, and a strip box for razor‑edge kickers from behind. The final sets were even more stripped-down – just P70 reflectors blasting light for that graphic silhouette vibe. Later sets got a splash of colour with gelled strobes in orange and green, adding edge to our “street-style” and “alien abduction” looks.
Having a high‑energy artist in front of the camera makes experimentation effortless – especially when it’s Fito. The moment he previewed two fresh songs, the entire studio shifted gears. The vibes and everyone’s adrenaline poured into those final frames, fuelling the creative process. No technical hiccups. No rigid shot list. Just a collaborative flow where everyone from my assistant, to the hair and makeup artist, to the lighting tech added their own layer. The Satos system proved to be an incredible tool as well being powerful, consistent, and able to keep pace with our ideas without missing a beat.
Today’s promo imagery needs legs – from banner art and Spotify canvas loops to vertical reels and print spreads. By building seven cohesive yet distinct looks in a single session, Fito walks away with a content bank ready to drip out through the entire release cycle, while keeping a visual through-line of bold colour, sharp fashion, and unmistakable personality.
Shoots like this are exactly why I love what I do and why I love studio work. The controlled chaos of lights, good music, and rapid-fire ideas crystallizing into visuals that speak before the first note plays. Huge thanks to my fellow Latino brother Fito Blanko for trusting my vision and process, to Will Prentice and Broncolor Canada for the Satos wizardry, and to my outstanding crew for keeping the creative engine humming.
Stay tuned for Fito’s new album dropping soon and if those preview tracks were any indication of what he’s cooking in the studio, these photos are just the opening act.
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By: Giancarlo Pawelec
9 Davies Avenue – Suite 311, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4M 2A6 | (647) 932-7337 | info@pawelecphoto.com
