Konstantin Karpeev (Marty Rush) is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer specializing in fashion and luxury content. With a signature minimalist, clean, and premium visual style, he has worked with brands like Vogue, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Prada, and Bulgari.
As the founder of Marty Rush LLC, he creates high-end editorial shoots, brand campaigns, and music videos. His work features top talents, including Zoe Saldana, Priyanka Chopra, Gisele Bündchen, Miranda Kerr, Jessica Alba, and Renée Zellweger.
How many years have you been a judge?
This is my first year!
What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
My first major project in the industry was filming celebrities on the red carpet at the GQ Man of the Year 2018 event. At that time, it was the most significant project for me and became a turning point in my career, especially in the fashion industry.
Since I had very little time to create these videos, I had to apply all the skills I had at that moment. This project not only challenged me technically and creatively but also showed me the direction I wanted to grow in. It highlighted my strengths and made me realize that this was truly what I wanted to do.
What project are you most proud to have worked on?
One of the projects I’m most proud of is the Gaia Herbs campaign with Gisele Bündchen. Working with such a global icon on a meaningful project was an incredible experience.
I also take great pride in my collaborations with GQ and Vogue, which have helped shape my approach to visual storytelling.
When it comes to fashion campaigns, my personal favorite is the one I shot for Lime in Greece. It has a certain lightness to it—everything in it, from the music to the model’s presence on camera, feels delicate and almost intangible. There’s a subtle, dreamy quality to it, almost like a modern fairy tale. That sense of effortlessness and elegance is something I want to bring into the world through my work.
How do you unwind from work mode?
I have a lot of hobbies that help me unwind from work mode. I love going to concerts and music festivals, which always bring a fresh wave of energy and inspiration. I also practice Muay Thai, skateboard, and enjoy hiking—Los Angeles is the perfect place for that. The city offers so many ways to step away from work, clear your mind, and come back feeling recharged.
What do you look for to determine excellence in video?
For me, excellence in video and television comes down to a few key elements: strong visual storytelling, emotional resonance, and technical precision. A great piece of work should not just look good but evoke a feeling—whether it’s through the way light interacts with a subject, the pacing of the edit, or the authenticity of a performance.
I also pay close attention to how intentional every creative choice is. Whether it’s the camera movement, framing, or sound design, everything should serve the story and contribute to the overall experience. If a video can create a mood, transport the viewer, and leave a lasting impression, that’s what defines excellence for me.
Do you have any specific practices you lean on to fuel your creativity?
Music is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Often, when I hear a certain track, I immediately start visualizing scenes in my head. I even have a dedicated playlist on Spotify called “Movie”, where I save tracks that inspire me—those with a cinematic feel that spark creative ideas.
Of course, another major source of inspiration is the work of my peers. I constantly watch fashion campaigns, fashion short films, and cinematographers’ and directors’ works. Seeing other artists’ approaches, especially when I find something that resonates with me emotionally, fuels my creativity and pushes me to explore new ideas.
What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?
I’m a cinematographer specializing in fashion and luxury content, focusing on creating visually refined and cinematic storytelling for editorial shoots, brand campaigns, and music videos.
What I love most about my job is the ability to shape emotions through visuals—how lighting, framing, and movement can bring a story to life. I also enjoy the collaborative process, working with talented teams to push creative boundaries and make something visually striking.
When did you know that this career is what you wanted to do?
I’ve loved doing this since I was a kid. When I was around 12, my friends and I would go out for walks, bring cameras with us, and shoot our own little films. Each of us would then edit our own versions, and it was always so much fun to see how differently we interpreted the same footage.
Looking back, it’s funny because, in many ways, I’m still doing the exact same thing—just on a much bigger scale. The only difference is that now I get paid for it!
In your experience, what is a significant change happening in the video and television industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?
One of the most significant changes in the video and television industry is the rapid advancement of AI technology. Rather than seeing it as a threat, I believe it’s essential to approach AI as a powerful tool that can help streamline workflows and enhance creative execution.
AI can assist in everything from previsualization and editing to VFX and even ideation, allowing creators to focus more on the artistic side of storytelling. The key is to learn how to integrate it effectively into your process—using it to accelerate production without replacing the human touch that makes great work stand out.
Ultimately, embracing AI as a creative enabler rather than a replacement for originality is the best way to navigate this shift and stay ahead in the industry.
What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?
Right now, I’m working on two video projects simultaneously. Both feature major film stars and are being created for major fashion publications. Unfortunately, I can’t share details just yet, but once they’re released, I’d be happy to share insights about the creative process behind them.
