
Celebrity Portraits Barcelona: Sira Martínez & Alex Codina
Celebrity photography is an art that goes beyond a simple portrait. It requires a special sensitivity — a unique ability to move past the public image and capture the true essence of a person. As a celebrity photographer specialized in creating soulful images, each session is an opportunity to tell an authentic story. My recent collaboration with elite equestrians Sira Martínez and Alex Codina for a feature in La Vanguardia, held at the iconic Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, is a clear example of this philosophy.
The Challenge of Photographing a Celebrity in Their Natural Environment
When working with a celebrity, trust is the foundation of everything. Sira Martínez, daughter of the renowned coach Luis Enrique, is not just known for her lineage — she is a top-level athlete, a show-jumping rider who has built her own name through discipline and talent. Alongside her, Alex Codina, another of Spain’s great equestrian promises. Both share a life devoted to horses and competition.
The challenge for a Celebrity Photographer was not only to capture their elegance, but the real connection they share with each other and with their passion: the equestrian world. The choice of the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona was no coincidence. Founded in 1897, this club is not just a prestigious setting; it breathes sporting history and tradition in every corner. It was the perfect canvas to frame the strength and sensitivity of Sira and Alex.
Building the Visual Narrative: Beyond the Pose
My goal as a celebrity photographer is to avoid the forced pose and seek moments of truth. Before the session, I took time to understand their dynamic — how they interact with one another, and above all, the almost mystical bond Sira shares with her horse. This connection phase is crucial. It allows the celebrity to relax and reveal more personal sides, far from media scrutiny.
The session took place among the stables, the training arenas, and the club’s gardens. I sought the natural light filtering through century-old trees, creating an intimate and timeless atmosphere. The portraits of Sira with her horse are not just images of an athlete; they are the chronicle of a bond built through hours of training and mutual trust. Capturing that gaze, that subtle gesture of complicity — that is what turns a good photo into a memorable one.
With Sira and Alex together, the energy was different. Their connection as a couple and as fellow athletes was tangible. My role as a Celebrity Photographer was to be a silent observer, anticipating those spontaneous laughs, those shared glances, those gestures of mutual support that define their relationship. These are the images that give depth to the story — showing the human being behind the public figure.
Technique in Service of Emotion
While human connection is the priority, photographic technique is the tool that brings the vision to life. The choice of lenses, the play with depth of field to isolate the subjects from their surroundings, and the mastery of light — these are decisions a celebrity photographer must make in seconds. Every shot was designed to highlight the natural elegance of the athletes, the power of the animal, and the sophistication of the setting.
The work was published by a prestigious outlet such as La Vanguardia, which stands as recognition of both its quality and journalistic relevance. For a client or art director looking for a Celebrity Photographer, seeing a feature published in a leading medium is proof of professionalism and the ability to handle high-visibility projects.
In short, photographing Sira Martínez and Alex Codina was a deeply enriching experience that encapsulates my vision of portrait photography. It’s about creating a space of trust where the celebrity can be their true self — allowing the photographer to capture authentic, meaningful moments. The result is a collection of images that not only document, but also move and tell a powerful story of passion, discipline, and love.
This is the added value that a celebrity photographer brings to every project: a unique vision that turns a portrait into a legacy.
Find Out More....

Celebrity Portraits Barcelona: Sira Martínez & Alex Codina
Celebrity photography is an art that goes beyond a simple portrait. It requires a special sensitivity — a unique ability to move beyond the public image and capture the essence of the person.

Captivating Portrait of Marie Colomb
Portrait of French actress Marie Colomb by Julio Bárcena in Barcelona. This editorial session reveals her expressive power and authenticity. From La cassette to Culte, her rise in cinema echoes the emotional force seen in each portrait. Her journey hints at future recognition by the Goya Awards.