Leandro de Carvalho is a Director of Photography based in São Paulo, Brazil. Known for his authentic and natural style, he specializes in documentaries and real-life stories. His passion for storytelling began at an early age, inspired by his father – a lifelong photographer. “My biggest inspiration was my father,” Leandro says. “Even though he’s retired now, I learned most of what I know by working alongside him.”
Leandro first picked up a camera at 14 and hasn’t looked back since. Now 36, he still applies the same principles to every project. “My style is realistic. I always aim to capture images that feel genuine,” he explains. He often improvises on set, using natural and ambient light to shape each scene.
During pre-production, Leandro scouts each location and assesses the lighting to maintain visual consistency. His go-to gear includes Sony FX30 and FX3 cameras, prime lenses, LED lighting, and the Atomos Shinobi GO monitor. “An Atomos monitor is essential for exposure control,” he says. “It’s a key part of my setup, regardless of the production size.”