Documenting Life on Tour Through Mario López's Lens

In this interview, we sit down with the talented photographer Mario López, aka Novadys Perfekt. Based in Valencia, Mario captures authentic moments, both on and off stage, working with various artists and documenting their journeys. From the magic of film to his experience on tour with artist Russ, Mario shares his creative process, the challenges of capturing life on the road, and the personal significance behind his work.

Hello Mario, welcome to our magazine! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Helloooo! I'm Mario López, though many know me as Novadys Perfekt. I'm a photographer based in Valencia, and I mainly work with analogue photography. Lately, I’ve been collaborating with various artists, capturing unique moments both on and off stage.

When did your photography journey begin, and when did analogue photography become a part of it?

My passion for photography started years ago, but it was in 2018/2019 that I decided to pursue it professionally. From the very beginning, I was drawn to the analogue process—the waiting, the texture, and the unique character of each photo. It’s not just about the final result but also about the experience, the uncertainty, and the magic of developing film. Over time, this format became the core of my work, especially in tour projects, where each image holds both documentary and emotional value.

Being from Valencia, how has the city influenced your photographic style and artistic choices?

Valencia is a beautiful city, always with unique light and colors. It's increasingly becoming a creative hub, which has allowed me to connect with amazing people and develop projects with local talent.

Your portraits seem to capture authentic and spontaneous moments. What is your approach to making your subjects feel comfortable and creating the right atmosphere for this type of shot?

For me, the most important thing is to build trust and connection with the person I'm photographing. I don’t like to force poses; I prefer to let everything flow naturally. The key is to observe and shoot at just the right moment when the expression is genuine. Also, working with film makes everything more relaxed, without the pressure of checking the photo instantly.

You had the opportunity to follow the artist Russ on his tour. How did this collaboration start, and what were the challenges and rewards of documenting life on the road?

It was an incredible experience! Russ and I connected through Instagram—he liked my work, and soon his team and I started organizing everything to document the European tour in a more organic and authentic way. During the tour, my challenge was to always be ready for any special moment, as everything happens quickly, and there are no second chances. On both a personal and professional level, it was very enriching because it allowed me to travel, meet amazing people, and experience the adrenaline of constant movement.

What camera did you use for this project?

For this tour, I carried several cameras, but my favorite was the Nikon F80 + Grip and three lenses. I also used a compact camera, the Yashica T4, for more spontaneous moments, and a disposable camera for a side project where I could only take one photo per day. This side project turned into a special series where each image holds a unique meaning.

Can you tell us more about that project? How did it come about, and what does it mean to you?

I had a FUJICOLOR disposable camera from Japan and wanted to do something special with it. After thinking it over, I came up with the idea of taking one photo per day, which would give it more value and create a unique memory. I used it as a kind of diary, shooting only when I saw the perfect moment, had a free moment, or simply remembered to take a picture. Afterward, I would write down the date and a note about the moment in a small notebook. And here you have it—24 photos, in 24 days, capturing 24 unique moments.

To see more of his work, make sure you follow Novadys Perfekt on Instagram.

written by ludovicazen on 2025-03-03 #gear #people #music #spain #tour Share Article