Gus Cantavero is a Denver based commercial photographer and filmmaker. He works with his wife Gillian who handles the production styling of the shoots. Together they run a commercial photography and video studio based in Denver, CO where they create imagery for advertising, still life, product, interviews, portraiture, fashion, e-commerce, and catalog.

Gus started out as a photographer at 15 and has been working professionally as a commercial filmmaker and photographer for over 20 years. He has produced hundreds of shoots for commercial and editorial photography and promotional films for agencies, businesses, corporations, universities, and non-profits. In 2013 he released his first self-produced, feature-length documentary "A Drop of Water", a story about a Christian orphanage in Cambodia. In 2017 he was Director of Photography for his first narrative short film, "I'm Sorry, I Love You" and then his first feature romantic comedy, "About Hope".

Gillian is a production stylist and has been an artist for over 20 years. Her background is in design with a passion for sculpture, painting, and style. She starts pre-production by discussing goals with the client and then works on conceptualizing and visualizing its aesthetic. She then sources props and products to enhance the look and feel of the storyline or creates it from scratch. She brings meticulous attention to detail and a love of the creative process.

Gus and Gillian are based in Denver, CO. They love the outdoors, hiking, great food, traveling, and exploring new places.

Process

Gus and Gillian work together to help concept and execute your video project to ensure your story is told in an effective and visually inspiring way. Gillian brings high quality and tasteful styling to enhance the settings and Gus directs and executes the storytelling and technical aspects. Available in Colorado and the surrounding region we specialize in studio and location production for product, still life, advertising, non-profit, university and small business marketing.

Why clients choose us

Our clients choose to work with us because we’re a small studio with big results. We take care to communicate goals, budget and expectations and ensure our clients are satisfied with the results. We always go above and beyond to exceed expectations. Unlike bigger corporately owned studios you will get individual attention and you know who is creating your work. With larger studios you may not even know who is shooting your work and may not get the chance to request revisions. We can send results live during the shoot and accommodate most requests so be sure to send inspiration images! With over 20 years of experience working on a wide variety of subjects we can make almost anything happen!

Budget

We always go the extra step to work with our client’s budgets and make sure that we can provide a solution that fits. We have a passion for small business which means we understand the unique challenges you experience. If you’re trying to launch your product or redesign your business website and need top quality imagery, don’t hesitate to reach out and see what we can create together.

Basic equipment list

Cameras

  • Canon c70 4k

  • Fujifilm X-H2s

  • Fujifilm GFX 50r medium format stills

Lenses

  • DZO Film 20-55 t/2.8 cinezoom

  • EF mount: Canon 24-70 f4 IS, 70-200 f4 IS, Sigma 18-35 1.8, Sigma 50-100 1.8.

  • RF mount: 16mm 2.8, 35mm f1.8

  • Fujifilm XF: 16-55 f/2.8, 50-140 f2.8, Mitakon 35mm f/0.95

  • Fujifilm GFX (medium format stills) 23mm f4, 45mm 2.8, 32-64 f4, 50-100 f4

Grip & Lighting

  • Easyrig minimax stabilizer

  • Zhiyun Crane 3s gimbal with ring and easyrig connection

  • Lighting kit with (1) Aputure Nova 300c RBGW panel (1) Aputure 300dII fresnel, (3) Aputure 120d fresnels, (1) Aputure mini 20c bi-color, (1) 2’ Quasar Science RGB tube and (2) 2’ Quasar crossfade tubes.

  • Rhino motion 3-axis automated 42” steel slider with heavy duty slider stands

  • Assorted light modifiers, scrims and grip equipment

  • (5) Westcott battery powered photography strobes