The G-Creative

From RUFA to the World – A Magical Week at Rome

Hey there,

I hope you’re having a great summer. Mine has been surreal 😉

Last July, I had the opportunity to attend a Summer Lab in RUFA – Rome University of Fine Arts, located in Garbatella (a neighbourhood in the suburbs of Rome – 10 minutes by metro to the city center).

A word is enough to describe it all: LOVELY.

To be honest, even though my expectation was learning a lot, and did not believed I would learn A LOT! More than foundations of how to take the best use of my camera, was the environment, the People, the Faculty itself. Simply Marvelous…Or quoting the. character Flora from “The Haunting of Bly Manor”: Perfectly Splendid!

Since Day 1, with all the Meet & Greet at the University, get along with the colleagues, the staff, and the Professor to an intensive and immersive week rounding the depths of Rome. This experience was a universe apart from the previous ones that I had in Rome. This was not about visiting the mainstream Rome, the city that everyone knows.

On the contrary, was to immerse fully in this beautiful city. Go to places I never been or heard about before: Esquilino, San Lorenzo, Testaccio, Pigneto, Garbatella. As the course stated: “A Portrait of a City”. I would like to call it the “Hidden Face” of Rome. So pretty, away from the crowd, so magical, so fair. No words are enough to describe such compelling experience.

To summarise, this week was a solid candidate to the best experience of my life. A totally hidden gem. That being said, at last, thank you, Instagram, to put this ad in the front of my face.

Roma, ti Amo!

Lots of Love,

Gustavo

(Another) City Break in Copenhagen: An Ode to Joy

Hey everyone!

Last week, I went my fifth time to Copenhagen. I can’t get bored with this fantastic city. After four times, there were still new things to do 🙂

The first one were the workouts in the Fitness X of Frederiksberg. It is such an enormous gym, with a great vibe and environment to training. The Reffen Copenhagen Street Food, a spot with a variety of gastronomic options from all around the world (props to Fuego).

Finally, I took a visit to the FC Kobenhavn stadium. A modern facility, with a huge store, full of merch, and a wonderful park nearby.

In one of the nights, we made a little visit to MovieHouse Hellerup, a cinema with a nostalgic vibe and a very comfy environment. All the cinema’s concept is amazing. The movie: F1 starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, among many others. A great cinema experience.

As usual, find below a gallery with some of the best moments of this compelling city break.

Stay tuned for the next trips/experiences!

Lots of love,

Gustavo

Porto Primavera Sound 2025: A Stage of Surprises

Hey All,

Hope you are well.

These last days, the city of Porto was fulfilled with music, via Porto Primavera Sound. A 4-day festival with various stages, performances and artists.

From Charli XCX to The Dare, with Beach House and Fontaines D.C. in between. There were many good surprises.

Firstly, Charli XCX (and the BRAT summer) has performed a good show, with a lot of dance moves and choreography in the stage (which was added the vibrancy of the crowd).

Then, many “new” artists (that I was not aware of) given a very compelling time. First, Fontaines D.C., with enjoyable lyrics and sound. Central Cee gave a huge show, with a lot of vibrant lyrics and presence in the stage. With a similar approach, Denzel Curry delivered an amazing performance, full of life and bits. Last, but not the least, The Dare provided a very good moment: a mix of great lyrics and ambiance.

In general, the festival was wonderful time (better than the previous year, from my POV) ❤️

What about you, have you had the chance to go there? As usual, you can find below a gallery with the highlights.

All the Best,

XOXO,

Gustavo

1 Year of GUTS Tour

Hey there,

Long time no see! Apologies for my long absence 🙏😊 Last year has been an authentic roll coaster.

Today’s post I’m celebrating/remembering that has been already a year since I had the opportunity to watch a live performance from Olivia Rodrigo, regarding the launch of her second album, GUTS 💜

Back then, Olivia was doing a World Tour across all continents: North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Brazil. A total of 102 shows (insane 🤩).

I went to watch her at Copenhagen, on the 30th of May 2024. It was a marvelous 2-hour experience. All the atmosphere surrounding the stage, her intense and flammable presence, the wardrobe, the dancers, the accessories, all great! Moreover, I can’t forget that huge moon “flying” across the room, with Olivia sitting there, glowing with her magnificent voice. Just flawless!

To allow you to feel a little of the magic of the concert, I let you some of the best moments of the night. Enjoy!

See you on the next post! 😉 In case you want to see more of this unforgettable experience, you can access to my Instagram account: @thegcreative.

Stay tuned!

Gustavo

Corporate Portraits: The Art of getting by

Hey, dear Community!

I hope to find you well.

NEW UPDATE! Some weeks ago, I had the opportunity to make a photography session focused on a new scope on my project: corporate pictures. These ones would be used for LinkedIn purposes.

Due to my previous works in Portrait Photography, I was contacted to dinamize a portraits´ photo session. Since the weather adversities of that day, namely the strong wind, I needed to choose a proper isolator. The solution was a freshly opened Gym in a near-by beach location: the Zone Boutique Gym. Its plain colour facade was the ideal answer!: grey tone colours were truly useful to enhance and highlight the Model.

Although, we had not much time because of the tight schedule of both of us. Nevertheless, the final result was pretty decent. Give it a look!

Have a wonderful week 😉

Lots of care,

Gustavo

Pictures of Girls #2 – Mars´ Beach Book

Hey, everyone! I hope you are doing well.

Today marked another important step for The G-Creative project. I had the opportunity to develop a book with an aspiring Portuguese model: Margarida, aka @theperksofbeingmars. It took place on a beach in Miramar (Porto – Portugal).

The main colours used during this photoshoot were White and Beige; tones that really connect with the sand and the sea. Coast vibes! (quoting Anderson .Paak 😉 )

Giving you a little background about the Model herself: Margarida and I studied in the same facilities in our Bachelor´s Degree in Vila do Conde (near by Porto). I was enrolled in Hospitality, while she was attending Multimedia. She´s been developing her path on the Multimedia, Design and Marketing fields since then. Recently, apart from her full-time job, she is trying to pursue her ambitions/dreams as a model.

This session was very enriching, since we had the opportunity to know more about each other, and exchange ideas and topics regarding Fine Arts. With today´s work, I noticed that my skills as a Photographer are growing in a very satisfatory way.

That being said, I share with you some of the highlights of today´s morning…

See you soon! Lots of love, xoxo

Gustavo

NYE 2023: A Level Up in Portraits

Hello everyone!

How are you? Firstly, let me wish to you a wonderful 2024! I hope that all of your dreams come to life.

2023 ended in the best way possible!: with two photoshoots in the last day of the year. One in the so glamorous and splendid Oporto Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club, where I had the chance to cover a Tennis practice match, during the morning.

The other one was a coverage of a NYE party. So dashing and cozy: the party, the “models”, the food, the music, all of it! I had the chance to meet new people, make new friends. In conclusion, was very niceeeee! 😉

Bellow, you may find some of the high moments of the night….Keep in touch through my Instagram account.

Lots of love, xoxo

Gustavo

Weekend Getaway #5: Copenhagen

Hello to you all, and Hej København!

From Thursday until today, I have been in Copenhagen, by the third time, to visit my brother, who works in one of the subsidiaries of a multinational food company, Danish Crown, named DAT-Schaub.

Since he lives in one of the suburbs of the capital city, Frederiksberg, I stayed in his flat. Though, there were zero concerns regarding the journey to Copenhagen City’s Centre: Metro did the trick 😜

Day 1: Flight from Porto (OPO) to Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). There, we caught the plane to Copenhagen Airport (CPH).

We arrived to the city centre at 4 P.M. Btw, it was almost night in Copenhagen, due to the Winter. I left my mother and sister at one of the Wakeup Hotels around the city. After that, my brother took us from the hotel to his apartment in Frederiksberg. It is a cozy suburb, full of shops, light sources, beautiful architectural style.

Day 2: Morning walk from Frederiksberg to Copenhagen Train Station. Despite the freezing weather, it was a very nice walk. We spend this day visiting the Christmas markets around the town, tasting some of the traditional seasonal food, as well as watching the dashing decorations.

In the afternoon we went to the incredible Nyhavn to see the Christmas decorations and it’s amazing canal.

Day 3: It was shopping time. We were headed to Copenhagen centre to buy some stuff concerning souvenirs, sneakers and accessories against the cold weather.

We took a walk in the Botanical Garden of Copenhagen University. Amazing landscapes, nature and architecture. I took this opportunity to make a book to add to my portfolio, having as subjects my brother, mother and sister.

In the afternoon’s end, we just chill in my brother’s apartment.

Day 4: Rainy day. Flight back to Porto (OPO) with a stoppage in Frankfurt International Airport (FRA).

Until the next post! 🥰

Xoxo,

Gustavo

P.S. You can follow my daily routine as a photographer through my Instagram account: @thegcreative.

Around the Globe #5: Albania

Hello to all!

This Summer’s trip was to Albania. The main goal was to explore the Albanese Riviera, known for their incredible beaches and beautiful landscapes.

Day 1 – Flight from Porto Airport (OPO) to Tirana Airport (TIA). Arrived at the afternoon. We took a bus to the hotel that will be staying, located in Golem, the Hotel Elesio. It is a four-star hotel right in front of the beach. In the overall, the hotel was OK. Positive aspects: the cleanliness of the room and the proximity to the beach. Negative aspects: the poor quality and diversity of the food presented (at least, for the all inclusive, excluding the options from “A la Carte” menu).

Day 2 – Rest day at the hotel and time for sunbathing in the beach.

Day 3 – Since the purpose of the vacations was to explore the Riviera, we booked a car for 4 days. Trip from Golem to Himare (3 hours). It was another day at the beach. We stayed in a B&B. The staff there were very nice and the room was very spacious and clean. The breakfast was good as well.

Day 4 – Trip from Himare to Ksamil in the morning (2 hours). We stayed one hour relaxing in a beach and take lunch near by. In the afternoon, we went to Lukove (40 minutes approx.) and spent the rest of the afternoon in another beach. In the end of the day, we travelled back to the B&B.

Day 5 – Trip from Himare to Berat (another 3 hours), known as the “City of the Thousand Windows”. There, we explore the old town, which has an ancient architectural style and visited a walled castle. In the afternoon, we took a walk around the city. In the end of the afternoon, we returned to the hotel, in Golem (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).

Day 6 – This day started in the worst way possible: I was sick. Probably due to the fact the day before was very hot and I drank a cooled drink after the lunch, which could have stopped my digestion. I spent the majority of the day in bed. However, since we didn’t visit the capital city, Tirana, I made an effort and we go there in the late afternoon. Even we only stayed there for two hours, I enjoyed it.

Day 7 – Rest day at the hotel.

Sunset view from the beach nearby the hotel.

Day 8 – Return to Portugal.

In general, even I wasn’t used to do this type of vacations, i.e., spent a lot of time in car travels, going from a place to another, I liked it.

So, that being said, I looked forward to the next destination!

Stay in touch for the next post!

Gustavo

Weekend Getaway #4: Venice

Ciao bella Italia!

Since the first time I visited Italy, back in 2010, this country kept a special place in my heart.

After visiting cities like Rome, Florence, Siena, Cagliari, Pisa, Bergamo and Milano (this one for just an hour 🤣), it was time for Venice. Truly speaking, Venice always transmitted to me such intense vibes: love mixed with adventure through the canals, mainly. Moreover, it is believed that in a near future, there is the possibility of the city to sink.

Similarly with other trips, the duration of this one was basically three days. This being said, just let skip to it…

Day 1: Fly from Porto (OPO), with a stop in Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), to Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Arrived in Venice at the end of the afternoon, it was still time to do a little exploring around the city, cross the canal from one side to another by Gondola, and have a dinner near by the Rialto Bridge.

Day 2 – Boat trip to visit the three most famous islands of Venice: Burano, Murano and Torcello. In Burano, we visit a glass factory; a stop in Murano to lunch and see the views, and during the afternoon we went to Torcello to do a panoramic walk around the island.

Day 3 – In the morning, we visit the San Marcus’ Basilica. The views from the top were absolutely stunning.

In the afternoon, we visited the Doge Palace, where he’s also located the Bridge of Sighs (Curious name, right? Check this link to know the story behind the name).

This night was dedicated to enjoy the last steps in Venice (for now). Definitely an amazing and gorgeous city. Bellissima, as they said in Italian.

Day 4 – Return to Portugal.

See you in the next post!

Gustavo