Bagwell and Protasio

Capturing a City in Motion

By Daniela Cintron

Published April 1, 2025

Atlanta’s non-stop energy makes it easy for the creative duo Iain Bagwell and Victor Protasio, known as Bagwell + Protasio, to capture the city in motion. These two photographers blend editorial flair with commercial precision. Their visual storytelling brings the flavors, colors and culture of Atlanta to life, making them a fitting pair to contribute to the “Colors of Atlanta” documentary.

A Convergence of Creativity

For Bagwell and Protasio, Atlanta represents a convergence of cultures and creative expressions. 

Their combined vision allows them to push creative boundaries, merging the aesthetic freedom of editorial photography with the structure of commercial work.

Redefining Commercial Photography

In their commercial projects, they bring a fresh perspective, often surprising clients with unexpected but compelling visual narratives. 

“A lot of clients can be very rigid. They want something different but don’t know what they want,” Bagwell says.

Their approach is to give clients what they ask for and what they didn’t realize they needed, providing images that evoke emotion and transcend the ordinary.

“We try to really push what we’re shooting and present it in a different way that really speaks to the ingredient, the subject or the dish,” Protasio says. 

Through their mastery of light, color and texture, they transform culinary photography into an immersive experience where viewers can practically taste the flavors through the image.

Tailgating, Texture and Storytelling

When asked how they would encapsulate Atlanta in a single photograph, the duo turns to the city’s beloved pastime: tailgating. For them, the communal spirit of Atlanta United FC soccer matches perfectly symbolizes the city’s culture.

“Tailgating is such a Southern thing to do,” they say. “Even if you don’t want to tailgate, you’re going to end up in a tailgate eventually.”

Whether it’s elaborate hog roasts or gourmet spreads, tailgates reflect Atlanta’s culinary creativity and its sense of camaraderie. Their vision for this scene is clear: fire, smoke and motion.

Colors of Atlanta: A Visual Feast

As part of “Colors of Atlanta,” the two took their talents to the official supporters tailgate before an Atlanta United match. Roaming through the crowds, they captured the raw, flavorful moments that come with the rowdiness of the event. 

Their work reflects Atlanta’s diversity, where the familiar and the unexpected coexist. 

“We’re always trying to find that special ingredient, whether that’s light, color or background, that makes the image memorable,” they explain. 

It’s this quest for the unexpected that makes their photography so compelling.

The Art of Seeing Beyond the Surface

For Bagwell and Protasio, creating powerful imagery is about trusting their instincts. When reviewing their photos, they admit, “I’ll know it when I see it.” 

That gut feeling — the moment when an image speaks beyond its surface — is what defines their craft.

Their contribution to “Colors of Atlanta” captures not only the visual beauty of the city but also its essence: spontaneous, flavorful and richly textured. Through their lens, Atlanta is more than a place—it’s an experience full of stories waiting to be told.

Learn more about other talented photographers featured on “Colors of Atlanta” and watch the TV series.

Daniela is the content manager and bilingual editor for Discover Atlanta. As an award-winning bilingual journalist, she is passionate about shinning light on untold stories about culture, food and Atlanta.