Mario Madau for Fairmont Mayakoba

Warm sun, soft sand, and blue ocean. It may sound like a vacation, but for Canada-based photographer Mario Madau, it’s just another day at work. He recently made his way south to shoot for the Fairmont Mayakoba resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

The project called for the creation of a short video showing off the capabilities of the resort, alongside comparable stills. With an end goal in mind, Mario and his team started on the usual preparations. They sifted through books for models and actors, planned wardrobes, booked flights, and coordinated with the hotel staff.

It was amazing; the Fairmont staff were all at the top of their game. When we planned things ahead of time, it all got done. We had no problems there.  It was as if the whole crew there knew that we were doing something important and they wanted to help and be part of it.

Before he knew it, Mario was standing on a Mexican beach, camera in hand.

Despite the idyllic setting, the crew still encountered their challenges. The client wanted to hire the actors from Mexico City, and the crew stumbled upon a language barrier. Luckily, their makeup artist was able to play translator, and they got back on track.

They had hoped the weather would grant them sunshine for the shoot. Unfortunately, hurricane Harry had other plans. While they didn’t bear the full brunt of the storm, the rain poured, forcing them inside.

The wind was so bad at one point that the sand was being blown inland toward us. We tried to shoot in between the gusts, but ultimately had to call it a day. I didn’t want my cameras and lens to get destroyed. We also sent up a drone and almost lost it in the wind.

After the rain subsided, they were finally able to venture outdoors and capture the rest of the visuals. The weather may have calmed, but one person on set was showing off a stormy attitude.

The family we were filming on the beach consisted of mom, dad and two kids, a boy and girl maybe 9 and 10 respectively.  For some reason, the little girl took a disliking to the actor playing her father and decided, while my camera was rolling, to kick him in the crotch.

Working with child actors can be unpredictable, to say the least. But Mario kept his cool, de-escalating the situation and adjusting the shot list to keep the scowling girl separate from her so-called father.

When all was said and done, Mario had conquered every challenge the project had thrown his way. Watching the video, you would never guess the photographer had battled language barriers, temperamental actors, and even a hurricane.

Instead, you just ask yourself, “When can I take my next vacation?”

See more of Mario’s photography on his website.

Credits
Client: Fairmont Mayakoba
Producer: Wally Krysciak, West Productions

Further Reading
Read more articles about Mario Madau.
Read more articles about Hospitality photography.

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