Interview with Marcus Hausser, Advertising Photographer

Lifestyle - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

Marcus Hausser did not decide to become a photographer at a young age. He studied in different branches and worked in different fields of business so he gained experience in many different subjects before he became a photographer. This was returned to him as an advantage in furthering his photography career. He combined his knowledge that he learned while working with some of Brazil's most famous advertising photographers, with the experiences he lived before, and founded his own studio in São Paulo. He has progressed in the photography world step by step, and now he has 500 sqm studio, equipment and a team of experts. He continues to decorate his career with many international awards he has won. Marcus Hausser, who specializes in advertising photography, works in his studio in São Paulo to work out the best possible concept for his clients and offer them the best quality results. To better understand this process, I talked to Marcus Hausser about his career and the basics of advertising photography.

Marcus, before talking about photography, could you tell us about yourself? Who is Marcus Hausser?

I was born and raised in Sao Paulo.

I'm married and I have a 5-year-old daughter.

Before becoming a photographer, I used to work as a hot dog sales, in the biggest avenue in São Paulo (Paulista Avenue).

I quit an Advertising course at the University to work in a photography studio, which was a very emotional decision at the time, but that later showed to be the right one.

Photo by Marcus Hausser

How did you decide to pursue a career in photography? What inspired you?

I guess I was chosen by the photograph, I do not think it was love for the first sight. A friend of mine told me there was this very famous my choice. I mean, it photographer who was hiring. I started just as a kind of a 3rd assistant and a "doing everything guy". I fell in love with all the techniques of this photographer.

Could you tell us about your educational and professional career?

My career as a photographer is due to the years of assisting the bests advertising photographer in Brazil, who also are some of the best in the world.

Photo by Marcus Hausser

Why did you decide to establish your own studio? Could you tell us about your studio and your team?

To start my own career, not as an assistant, but already as a photographer, and have my own studio, it was a very hard decision. For have worked for those wonderful high-level professionals, I had a hard time to see my self as someone who could have the same career as them.

My studio is in São Paulo, and has a 500mts. I have my own equipment, and 4 employees. One photoshoot coordinator and her assistant, one first assistant, and one second assistant. Depending on the job, of course, we hire assistants and producers, and the staff can get around 20 people.

Photo by Marcus Hausser

What type of services do you offer to your clients?

When I get into a project, I really take it as the last job of my life. I work like my legacy would depend on that. My clients know that and they hire me expecting high quality. I always remind my team that money is a consequence of your hard and good work. I feel I don´t have to think about money when I agree with a project. I just think about making a very good job. It seems I am just saying that, but it is true. There is no second chance when working with a big agency or client. You always have to be concentrated on quality, only.

How did your interest in advertising photography has begun? What is the most special aspect of advertising photography for you?

I think that my major interest came up with the dynamism, capacity of adaptation and flexibility, besides the high level of photography techniques that the advertisement jobs request.

Photo by Marcus Hausser

How would you describe your photographic approach?

When we talk about advertisement photograph, we always get a briefing, a layout or a rough. I try to understand those and also study the commercial profile of the client. Then I study the way I would like to do the job, lights, angles etc, to do the best job.

Photo by Marcus Hausser

You have worked in numerous campaigns for many globally recognised brands. What kind of projects do you prefer to work on?

That´s very hard to answer. I really like the dynamic of a photoshoot with models, outdoor shoots and etc. The moment of the shoot with all this production is very special and fun too. But I have to confess that I love to be “locked” on my studio lighting up a car for example and creating a light concept, like a signature for the product.

Photo by Marcus Hausser

What are the advantages of being an award-winning photographer? Could you tell us about the awards that you won?

Besides recognition for the work done and the visibility that comes with an award, it makes me feel that I am on the right way.

I won as a photographer of the year twice for OneEyeland (2012 edition and 2016 edition). Those were very meaningful awards to me. OneEyeland is the number one source for famous photography. Art directors from all over the world use it to research from this website.

I was selected by Archive magazine as one of the 200 Best photographers of the world.

5 Lions Cannes

Prix De La Photographie Paris
2017
Advertising - Silver
Advertising - Bronze
Portrait - HonorableMention

Black & White Spiders Awards
2016
Abstract - 1st Place - OutstandingAchievement
Portrait - HonorableMention

InternationalColors Awards
2012 - 5th Annual Winners
Advertising - HonorableMention
Advertising - Nominees
Photojournalism - Nominees

2013 - 6th Annual Winners
Advertising - HonorableMention
Advertising - Nominees
People - Nominees

2017 - 10th Annual Winners
Advertising - 2nd Place - MeritofExcellence
Advertising - HonorableMention
Fashion - Nominees
Portrait - Nominees
Still Life - Nominees

International Photography Awards
2016
AdvertisingAutomotive - HonorableMention

Tokio Photo Awards
2016
People/Culture - Silver

Photo by Marcus Hausser

What are the key points that you pay attention to most before accepting a new project?

The partnership with the agency or client, the creativity level and the complexity of the project.

In your projects, do you work in a previously defined concept or do you prefer to create your own concept?

Both. Sometimes I have to work with a previously defined concept briefed by the art director or the creative director.

And sometimes I need to create the concept of the project, which is more challenging and also rewarding.

What do you think about the effect of a good photograph in the buyer's decision?

Fundamental. Advertising photography needs to create the right appeal for people to buy the advertised product. It needs beauty, quality, reliability etc.

Photo by Marcus Hausser

Is it possible for abroad clients to work with you on their products' photoshoots?

Sure. I work with abroad clients on several occasions. In Brazil, in addition to having lower costs for US and European clients for example, we also have a great diversity of model profiles and locations.

Which factors determine the project budget?

The quality.

How do you protect the rights of your photographs in this online era?

In Brazil, we have specific Laws for usage rights.

I have the usage rights in my photograph proposal and sometimes the agencies write a formal contract.

Rarely happens, but you can find some image still being used, even after the usage rights has ended. If this happens, my team contacts the agency and negotiates reuse.

Photo by Marcus Hausser

Could your clients use the photographs in any publication, catalog, packagings, website, billboards or other platforms where they want?

Usually, this must be approved by the parts before the project begins.

What advice would you give to photographers who want to pursue a career in advertising photography?

Do work with advertising photographers for some time, as an assistant. You must really understand about briefing, layouts, kind of clients, light concepts etc.

What is your favorite photograph that you have ever taken?

Photo by Marcus Hausser

What do you think about social media? How can our readers follow you?

It´s a good way to show my work and backstage, that's what my followers love.

What is next for you?

To be a film director. I’ve been doing some film Direction for advertisement films and this is a door that has been opening naturally to me and I am really thankful for all the opportunities.

Thank you Marcus for your time.

For more information, please click here to visit the website of Marcus Hausser

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Wednesday, March 13, 2019. All photos are the property of their respective owners.