- How did it all start out of? What inspired you to pursue photography as a profession (or as a hobby)?
I started late, I was already in my forties when I began to pursue photography as my hobby. The passion for photography was born from my love for travel. I initially liked to film, before realizing that photography was better from many points of view. And at a certain moment I tried to take photographs that were not just a personal memory but something that interested everyone.
- Can you tell us about yourself and your background?
I have done literary studies, I love music and I like to play it. I did an administrative job, which at times I also liked, but my nature has always been oriented towards the cultural and artistic sphere.
- Who were your early influences?
Two photographers who impressed me very much are Steve McCurry and Ara Güler. Even today, if they asked me which photographer I would like to be, I would answer one of them.
- What are the subjects that you enjoy photographing the most? What draws you to a particular scene or subject as a photographer?
The subjects that attract me are infinite. In general, I love to capture images of the places where I would like to stay for a long time; and also the typical images of strongly characterized places. I love images rich in details, but I also understand minimalist photography and sometimes try to capture something like that.
- What has been your most memorable experience related to photography?
Greece was a wonderful, memorable experience: villages, architecture, sea, people, light, colors… Everything is full of mood there.
- What are some of the challenges of photography?
Representing a state of mind; communicate the feeling of “being there”; convey the emotion, the feeling of beauty, expectation, hope, fear, joy …
- How do you balance between what you see and making it as dramatic and beautiful like a standalone artwork?
When the subject is still and the light conditions are good, it is not difficult to make a successful image. In front of a moving subject, I very sincerely believe that many photos need to be taken: then, examining the photos taken, it may happen that no photo meets expectations; if the expectations have been met, the satisfaction is very great. The important thing is to be able to understand what an interesting image is.
- What do you want to capture in your photographs?
I believe in a profound link between photography and reality. I believe the photo is successful if it can bring me back to the atmosphere I experienced.
- Are you always keeping an eye out for what’s new on the camera market?
Not at all. I think the photographer should have a basic toolbox, but I’m not a fan of technical things: I think I’m a hunter of images and I dedicate my time mainly to this hunt.
- What’s the post-production process like?
It is often needed to straighten and crop photos and to correct the light a little. But it must not alter the image. Can’t suffer from oversaturated photos. I love reality as it is.
- Where do you want to take your photography career?
I’d like to improve street shots, people photos and minimalist photography.
- What’s the most difficult part of what you do and what advice would you give to up-and-coming photographers?
The more I think about it, the more I realize that the important thing is knowing when a photo is good. Tastes are not discussed, of course: but there is an objective value of photography, which the photographer must know. Once this is done, the photographers can understand if their work is good.
- Where can our readers find you online?
You can look at my Flickr page.
