To begin, where are you based? How long has photography been a hobby and career of yours? What motivated you to get started?
I am based in London and moved from Italy in 2007. Photography has been a hobby since I was 5 years old, at this point I was already taking photos but I started my professional career in 2011 (after a long break in NYC). The first motivation was to do what I love rather than doing a job just to pay the bills, which I had been doing until a point. Then I decided to take the risk, and I am grateful to a few close friends and my wife who encouraged me and pushed me to start a new career
Alfonso, what are the biggest challenges you experience in the photography field?
Good question lol. I would say it is to believe in yourself and what you are doing (no pressure no drama). Accept mistakes and work on them, In the next project you will find new mistakes and that means you are growing. PS: work hard !!!
What's the best part of being a photographer? What do you love the most about your job?
I love variety and always try to have different projects and created new vibes; this allows me not to limit my style to one mode but improve my skillset whilst putting my own individual stamp on things. Seeing your ideas come together in a photo is like a dream coming to life.
How do you connect with your models? Do they tend to be people you know or strangers?
It tends to be a mix of the two, sometimes I work with model agencies, and other times it will be Artists / Actors or other campaigns. Firstly, I will build a rapport with the model; put them at ease, and perhaps give a brief about what the outcome of the shoot will be in order that they too can get a feel for their role and how they will be projected in the shoot. If it is someone I know then they will have some awareness of how I can make the best of their individual presence and perhaps make reference to …... I selected the one that matches the project.
You are going about conducting a photo shoot, could you take us through the typical planning process for your images?
I usually have a few briefing days before the photoshoot with the Creative director/Stylist/Mua/Hairstylist, on the day of the shoot more or less have a guide but as I mentioned before I am always happy to feel on the day what is going on, what the connection of all the creatives takes us. Usually, I decide on the final lights set up when I see the outfits and the model.
What do you look for in a creative team? What key skills are you looking for to ensure you are picking the best artists to work with?
When I look for creatives often I am looking for people that are free to create or to take a risk (no playing safe) and have a vision similar to mine (sometimes it depends also who is your client) Ideally you want a person to be dynamic and innovative, for example, a person who can easily convey a mood onto the subject or the scene whether it be drama, romance and use the correct pallets or compositions based on our brief
How do you manage to make your models feel comfortable in front of the camera?
I have always been passionate about psychology, and at the same time I am a very spontaneous person; I like to talk and I am a humble person so I always try to make that come across when I work with different people. Usually, I welcome my model to take care first if they need water or coffee if they had a good journey, gently I start with very random chat about everything (this is the way that I am with everyone. I will then explain a bit more about the project during the makeup session (they will have received the mood board days before), then when everything is ready I have a few words to take the model on the right path (mood, emotions). Something as simple as positive reinforcement, encouraging them throughout the shoot, and the use of play often allows people to come out of their comfort zones and relax more or use different poses – let them know when they are doing the right thing or are giving me the vibe I am hoping for in the finished product.
If we could ask the model, what would he say about you and your work?
Usually, they always say it was a good experience something new and very comfortable/fun
What has been your most successful moment to date in your career so far?
For me anytime a model client or just sometimes a simple message or even a smile means that they remember me it is already a successful moment. But obviously, my first publishing with a magazine was a big deal because it was something quite edgy project and meant that I had got their attention. Something like this always makes you work harder because then your audience is bigger and they also get pleasure from your work. If you see your own project published it gives you more gratitude.
Could you share how you expand your vision of art, as a photographer?
It is to understand and know yourself and then visualize your message (what you want to say) . Anything has the potential to be a piece of art. For example, if I listen to a particular piece of music, I will think about the individual instruments and make connection with live objects. This helps me to think about the type of composition I might need to make or what the model might look like by paying attention to their features and how this will translate
Where can our readers keep up with your work and get connected with you?
Modelling Agency: Bame Models @bamemodels
Photographer: Alfonso Scarpa @alfonso__scarpa
Model: Savannah Mukeshi @Bameagency @savannamukeshi
Makeup Artist: Alessandra Muroni @alessandramuroni.makeup
Wardrobe Stylist/Fashion Designer: Giuseppe Iaciafano @giuseppe.co
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