Where Are They Now?: Carlota Serarols

Carlota from Barcelona won our MTV Breaks photographer opportunity last year, which meant she came with us to capture the best moments of MTV EMA 2016 in Rotterdam. Her mentor, Gareth Cattermole from Getty, gave her all his top tips and guided her through taking pictures of all the biggest stars on the red carpet and at the awards show itself.

When Carlota won, she was new to the professional photography scene. But how has she been doing since she got her Break?

How did you feel when you found out you won?

I felt very happy and fortunate. I remember that when I received your call I was a little shocked, but when I hung up I started jumping and called my parents to tell them the big news! It was a big achievement for me (in a professional and personal way). 

Tell us about your experience at the MTV EMA 2016 – what was it like working with Getty?

The experience was absolutely amazing. My mentor Gary was so kind - he helped me a lot and gave me so much great advice. He showed me how the photography world works in the best possible way, by taking photos.

One of the bits of advice I remember the most is the importance of light: he showed me a lot of ways to play with it, and the results were magic. 

My favourite moment at the MTV EMA was feeling the adrenaline of the red carpet and sharing that moment with other photography professionals from around the world. I think I was the youngest photographer on the red carpet, but I felt good and everyone was very helpful. Also, taking pictures of artists like Shawn Mendes, Martin Garrix, DNCE and One Republic was a dream come true.

What did you learn from coming with us to MTV EMA? 

To never give up and to trust in myself. Because if you don't believe in yourself, nobody will believe in you. Also to gain confidence by studying, practising, reading, making mistakes... you can learn from everything.

The MTV Breaks MTV EMA experience gave me the motivation to improve myself, to work harder at my goals and to acknowledge that photography is my life and that i want to become a pro. This was a unique opportunity, one of the best things that has happened to me ever, and I recommend that amateur photographers apply for it, because opportunity only knocks once!

What have you been up to since?

The first thing I did was start a photography course in Barcelona to improve my skills. This year I've been working in video and photography related to fashion (fashion weeks, shootings etc). Since May I've been working at an audiovisual production company in Barcelona, making videos and taking photos.

Where can you see yourself in 5 years time?

Wherever, but with a camera in my hands.

Check out all the amazing work Carlota's been doing on her website by clicking here.

To find out how YOU could apply to be our photographer winner at this year's MTV EMA in London, click here. Hurry - applications close on 25th September!