Hunters and Gatti: Masters of Fashion Photography

Fashion photography is a field where creativity and skill come together to create images that grab your attention and stick with you. Among the many talented people working in this space, Hunters and Gatti stand out as a pair whose work has made a real difference. Made up of Cristian Borillo and Martin Cespedes, this duo has built a reputation for producing some of the most eye-catching and memorable photos in the industry. In this post, we’ll take a close look at their journey, what makes their style unique, the big names they’ve worked with, and how they’ve influenced fashion photography over the years. I’ve been impressed by their ability to turn a simple shoot into something extraordinary, and I think you’ll see why as we go along.

How They Got Started

Hunters and Gatti isn’t just a catchy name—it’s the partnership of two friends from Catalonia, Spain: Cristian Borillo and Martin Cespedes. Both born in the early 1980s, they grew up in a region known for its artistic heritage, which likely played a role in their creative paths. They met over a decade ago while working as art directors in advertising, a job that had them designing campaigns for big fashion brands like Burberry and Diesel. Back then, they weren’t behind the camera—they were the ones coming up with the ideas, sketching out concepts, and guiding the visual direction for ads. It was a solid gig, but they wanted more.

Their shift to photography didn’t happen overnight. After years of collaborating as art directors, they started their own agency focused on fashion clients. That gave them a chance to experiment with the full process—everything from planning a shoot to seeing it through. Around 2008, they decided to take the leap and pick up cameras themselves, turning their ideas into images they controlled from start to finish. Based in New York with an office in Barcelona, they brought their advertising know-how into photography, blending it with a fresh perspective. It was a smart move—within a few years, their work was showing up in magazines and brand campaigns, and people started paying attention.

What’s interesting about their start is how they didn’t come from traditional photography backgrounds. They weren’t trained in darkrooms or photo schools—they learned by doing, drawing on their art direction experience. Cristian has said in interviews that they wanted to create something personal, something that went beyond the usual client briefs. Martin’s knack for bold visuals paired with Cristian’s eye for detail gave them a foundation to build on. That mix of teamwork and ambition is what launched Hunters and Gatti into the fashion world, and they’ve been growing ever since.

What Makes Their Style Stand Out

If you’ve seen a Hunters and Gatti photo, you’d probably recognize it even without their name attached. Their style is distinct, built on a few key elements that show up again and again. First off, they love bold compositions—think strong lines, unusual angles, and poses that feel alive. They’re not afraid to fill the frame with energy, whether it’s a model mid-step or fabric swirling around them. I’ve flipped through spreads they’ve done for magazines like *Vogue*, and there’s always this sense of movement that pulls you in.

Color is another big part of their look. They go for vibrant, saturated tones—bright reds, deep blacks, electric blues—that make their images pop off the page. A shoot they did for *Flaunt* magazine comes to mind, with models in colorful outfits against stark backgrounds, the hues jumping out like they’re lit from within. But they balance that boldness with softer touches too—sometimes it’s a muted palette with just one striking color to draw your eye. Lighting ties it all together; they use dynamic setups, often with dramatic shadows or soft glows, to give their shots a cinematic feel. It’s like they’re staging a movie scene, not just snapping a picture.

Their work has this polished sophistication that feels high-end, but it’s never stiff. There’s a playfulness to it—a hint of drama or intrigue that keeps you looking. Whether it’s a fashion editorial or an ad campaign, they craft each image with care, making sure every detail, from the model’s expression to the fold of a dress, adds to the story. That attention to artistry is what sets them apart in a field where a lot of photos can start to look the same after a while.

Working with the Best in Fashion

Hunters and Gatti have made a name for themselves by teaming up with some of the biggest players in the fashion game. Their photos have appeared in top magazines like *Vogue* (including international editions), *Harper’s Bazaar*, and *Vanity Fair*, places where only the best get showcased. They’ve shot editorials that highlight the latest couture collections, capturing the textures of silk or the shimmer of sequins in ways that make you want to reach out and touch them. A spread they did for *Vogue España* with model Bambi Northwood-Blyth stands out—her sharp features and the sleek outfits were framed with their signature flair, turning a simple fashion story into something unforgettable.

Beyond magazines, they’ve worked with major brands too. Hugo Boss, Guess by Marciano, Massimo Dutti, Kenneth Cole, and Carolina Herrera have all tapped them for campaigns. Their ads for Diesel are a great example—edgy, vibrant shots that match the brand’s rebellious vibe, with models in leather jackets posed against gritty urban backdrops. They’ve also done work for Swarovski, where their knack for lighting made the jewelry sparkle just right. These collaborations show how versatile they are—they can shift from high fashion to accessible labels without losing their touch.

Celebrities are part of the mix too. They’ve photographed stars like Penélope Cruz, whose sultry gaze they captured for a Hugo Boss campaign, and Jennifer Lopez, who glowed in a Carolina Herrera shoot. Their portraits have this way of showing both the glamour and the personality of their subjects—Cruz looked powerful yet approachable, while Lopez radiated confidence. Working with these icons has only boosted their reputation, proving they can handle the pressure of shooting for the biggest names in the business.

Pushing Boundaries with New Ideas

One thing that keeps Hunters and Gatti ahead of the curve is how they experiment with their craft. They’re not content to stick with the same old techniques—they’re always trying something new. A big part of that is their use of mixed media. Around 2013, they started painting over their photographs, adding splashes of acrylic or abstract strokes to give the images a second life. It’s a cool twist—fashion photos usually fade away once the next issue drops, but by layering paint, they turn them into unique pieces that feel more like gallery art than magazine pages.

I saw this in action at their first art exhibition in New York, held at the OPENHOUSE Gallery in November 2013. They showed off these painted-over shots alongside their regular work, and it was a hit. Cristian explained in an interview that the paint lets them revisit the mood of a shoot and add a personal layer—maybe a bold red slash to match a model’s energy or a soft wash to deepen the vibe. It’s not random; it’s a deliberate way to make each photo one-of-a-kind. They’ve kept this up in projects like their book *Carne*, where they explored themes of flesh and skin with raw, textured visuals.

They’ve also played with digital tools and video. Their online magazine, *HG Issue*, launched around the same time, mixes fashion with art, featuring exclusive shoots and collaborations with other creatives. They’ve done short films too, like a moody clip for a Guess campaign that felt more like a trailer than an ad. Technology-wise, they’re not stuck in the past—they use high-end cameras and editing software to get that crisp, cinematic look. But they balance it with analog touches, like shooting on film for certain jobs to keep that organic warmth. It’s this willingness to mix things up that keeps their work exciting.

The Impact They’ve Left Behind

Hunters and Gatti have been at it for over a decade now, and their influence is clear. They’ve helped shift fashion photography toward a more artistic direction, where it’s not just about selling clothes but telling a story. Their bold compositions and vibrant colors have popped up in other photographers’ work—flip through a recent *Vogue* and you’ll see echoes of their style in the way shots are framed or lit. They’ve shown that you can take a commercial gig and still make it feel personal, which is a big deal in an industry that’s often all about the client’s vision.

Their mixed-media approach has inspired others too. That idea of painting on photos has caught on with younger artists looking to stand out, especially in a digital age where everyone’s posting online. Their exhibitions—like that  New York show or their “Affordable Care” display at Art Basel Miami with *Flaunt*—have blurred the line between fashion and fine art, getting people to see photography in a new way. They’ve worked alongside names like David LaChapelle at those events, putting them in the same league as the field’s heavy hitters.

Beyond the visuals, they’ve built a legacy of collaboration. By running their own production team, they’ve kept control over their projects, from concept to final edit. That independence lets them take risks—whether it’s a painted editorial or a niche art book like *Carne*. They’ve said it’s about finding their own identity, not just following what magazines or brands want. That mindset resonates with anyone trying to carve out a creative space, and it’s kept them relevant as trends come and go.

A Closer Look at Their Work

Let’s talk about some specific examples that show what they’re all about. Their Hugo Boss campaign with Penélope Cruz is a classic—black-and-white shots with sharp contrasts, her poised in tailored suits that scream power. The lighting was soft but dramatic, highlighting her features against a minimalist set. It’s the kind of image that feels timeless, like it could’ve been shot in the ‘50s or today. Then there’s their *Esquire* shoot with a model in a leather jacket—vibrant colors, a gritty street vibe, and that signature movement as she strides toward the camera. It’s bold and alive, pure Hunters and Gatti.

Their *Carne* project is another standout. Released as a book, it dives into the idea of flesh—not just meat, but skin, texture, humanity. The photos are raw, with close-ups of models layered with paint or shot in stark light. It’s less about fashion and more about art, but it still ties back to their roots. They’ve said it’s a universal theme, something that’s been in painting and sculpture forever, and they wanted to bring it to photography. It’s a bit out there, sure—some vegetarians might squirm at first—but once you get the concept, it’s a fascinating take on beauty.

Their *HG Issue* platform is worth a look too. It’s an online space where they mix fashion with creative experiments—think editorials with guest artists or shoots that push storytelling over trends. A piece they did with model Candice Swanepoel for *Marie Claire* shows this off: bright colors, dynamic poses, and a playful edge that feels like their signature wrapped up in one. These projects show how they’re not just photographers—they’re creators who keep evolving.

Why They Matter to Me

I’ve always been drawn to photography that does more than just look good, and Hunters and Gatti fit that bill. Their work isn’t static—it’s got life, personality, and a sense of purpose. Flipping through their editorials or scrolling their site, I’m struck by how they make fashion feel approachable yet aspirational. That Diesel ad with the leather-clad model? It’s cool and gritty, something I could imagine seeing on the street, but it’s shot with this polish that lifts it up. Their painted photos, like the ones from that New York exhibit, make me want to grab a brush and try it myself—they’re that inspiring.

What gets me most is their teamwork. Cristian and Martin bring different strengths—Cristian’s detail-oriented, Martin’s big-picture—and together, they’ve built something bigger than either could alone. It’s a reminder that collaboration can lead to amazing things, especially in a field where solo artists often get the spotlight. Their passion comes through in every shot, whether it’s a high-budget campaign or a personal project, and that’s what keeps me coming back to their work.

Where They’re Headed

Hunters and Gatti aren’t slowing down. Based in New York with ties to Barcelona, they’re still shooting for top magazines and brands, always with an eye on what’s next. They’ve hinted at more art projects—maybe another book or exhibition—and their *HG Issue* platform keeps growing, bringing in new voices. Fashion’s changing fast, with digital media and sustainability shaking things up, and they’re adapting without losing what makes them them. I’d bet we’ll see more video work too, given how they’ve dipped into films for brands like Guess.

Their legacy is already solid, but it’s still unfolding. They’ve got the skills to keep pushing boundaries—maybe a tech-driven shoot with virtual reality, or a collection that digs deeper into art-fashion crossover. Whatever it is, it’ll have that Hunters and Gatti stamp: bold, colorful, and full of life. For anyone into photography or fashion, they’re worth keeping an eye on—check out their site, browse their *HG Issue* stuff, or catch their next big spread. They’re proof that creativity doesn’t have to fade—it can just keep getting better.

Wrapping It Up

In a world flooded with images, Hunters and Gatti manage to stand out. Cristian Borillo and Martin Cespedes have taken their art direction roots and turned them into a photography career that’s left a real mark. Their distinctive style—those vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and cinematic lighting—sets them apart, while their work with *Vogue*, *Harper’s Bazaar*, and brands like Hugo Boss shows their range. They’re not afraid to try new things, from painting on photos to building their own creative platform, and that’s kept them ahead of the game.

Their journey’s a mix of hard work, teamwork, and a love for what they do. They’ve inspired other photographers, blurred the lines between fashion and art, and given us images that stick with you long after you’ve seen them. As we look at their career so far, it’s clear they’re not just snapping pictures—they’re crafting stories that resonate. I’m excited to see where they go next, and I hope you’ll join me in following along. What’s your take on their work—any favorites? Let me know!