Josu Ortega

Cinematographer and Photographer Barcelona, Spain

Josu Ortega is a cinematographer and photographer born and raised in Mungia in the Basque Country and currently located in Barcelona. At six years old Josu's family moved to the countryside and he lived there surrounded by nature and animals. At 21 he decided to move to Barcelona. Josu studied and worked as a graphic designer until he decided to fully switch to photography.

Website Instagram Contact

Produced by Alabama Studios 
Directed by Josu Ortega 
Production manager: Pablo Bordas 
Talent: Lily Help, Elena León, Arcadi De Miguel
Assistant: Gorka Porres 
Styling: Helena Seidel 

When I arrived in Barcelona, I studied graphic design and then worked as a designer for several years. My last job as a designer was for a fashion brand, and that's when I started to discover more of this world. I have always been a fan of photography and video. Eventually, with some help from my friends, I decided to leave design and focus only on cinematography and photography. I trained more in this field, invested in good materials, and created a portfolio. That was probably one of the best decisions of my life since I love what I do now.

Short film for Can Pep Rey with Shannon Cheung
Produced by Alabama Studios
Directed by Josu Ortega

If I'm not taking photos or filming, I'm skating. I've been doing it for more than half my life. I consider myself obsessed with learning and understanding. Many of the influences in my work and life come from art. Little by little, life has led me to work more in the world of fashion. It's something that I love and want to continue doing.

As a director of photography, I like to adapt to the style that each project needs or requests. It's something I've learned from design. I always tend to romanticize and stylize everything. I believe in beauty above almost everything. Second only to ideas. That's why my work is usually quite conceptual and artistic as well.

Starring: Julia Nar
Produced by Inary Studio
Directed and edited by Gorka Porres
DOP: Josu Ortega & Javier Haro
Assitant: Arcadi de Miguel
MUAH: Bea Ros Anguera
Set Design: Arian Valcarcel & Martin Cascu
Sound Design: Jose Plaza
Colourist: Javier Garcia

I always am mindful to have a concept behind my work. Something a little bit more philosophical than a narrative, something subtle. I feel that I am no one to impose ideas on other people, but I am the one to raise questions and invite to reflect. I don't think I have a specific theme that I like to explore. My interests change at the same time with changes in my personality or my mood. I love that each project could become an excuse to explore different topics that make me learn and grow as an individual. My style always tends to be quite romantic and lonely. I explore ideas people try to avoid, which in my opinion are important to embrace. 

Directed by Ana Floubet and Josu Ortega
Starring: Bikôkô 
MUAH Sara Cela 
Sound by Phoac
Assisted by Anna Mendiola
and Joana Reventós

Discover more cinematographers based in the same location