How did your renewed interest in photography come about, and what drew you back to this passion after so many years?
My renewed interest in photography came about through a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. I had always loved capturing moments, but life’s demands had made it difficult to prioritize photography for years. However, over time, I found myself reflecting on how visual storytelling had always been an essential part of how I experienced the world. This personal connection, combined with the rapid advancements in photography technology, reignited my passion. What drew me back was the increasing accessibility of tools — like powerful digital cameras and editing software — which made it easier for me to experiment and explore new techniques. I also realized that the ability to share my work through platforms like social media allowed me to connect with a community of like-minded individuals, fueling my creativity. It felt like a way to express myself and capture the beauty of the world around me in a way that was meaningful and personal.
You mention photography as a form of self-expression. Can you elaborate on how it helps you convey your perspective or emotions?
Photography, for me, is a powerful form of self-expression because it allows me to communicate my thoughts and emotions without relying on words. When I capture an image, I am able to filter the world through my lens, choosing what to focus on, how to frame it, and how to use light and color to evoke a particular mood or message. This process feels deeply personal, as each photograph reflects my unique perspective on the world around me. Whether it’s the serenity of a quiet landscape, the energy of a bustling city, or a fleeting moment between people, I can convey emotions and ideas that are sometimes difficult to express through traditional means. Photography allows me to explore and document my own emotional state—whether I’m feeling reflective, joyful, or nostalgic—and share that experience with others in a way that resonates on a universal level. It’s both a creative outlet and a tool for introspection, helping me to understand and express how I see and feel about the world.
You’ve taken a basic photography course and attended workshops with some incredible photographers. What key lessons have you learned that transformed your approach to photography?
Taking a basic photography course and attending workshops with experienced photographers has been incredibly transformative for my approach to photography. One key lesson I learned was the importance of understanding the technical fundamentals — things like exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Mastering these elements allowed me to have full control over my images, rather than relying on auto settings. Once I understood how these settings impacted the final result, I felt much more confident in capturing the vision I had in mind. Another valuable lesson was the power of composition. Learning how to frame a shot, use leading lines, the rule of thirds, and create depth in an image helped me move beyond just snapping a picture to truly crafting one. This shift from seeing things as they are to visualizing them as a work of art opened up new creative possibilities. Finally, I was inspired by the importance of storytelling in photography. The workshops emphasized that every photo should convey a message or emotion, whether it’s a portrait that captures the subject’s essence or a portrait that evokes a specific feeling. This shift in mindset made me focus less on technical perfection and more on the emotional impact and narrative of each shot. These lessons have transformed my approach by making me more intentional with each photograph, balancing technical skill with creativity, and viewing photography not just as an art but as a way to share a deeper connection with the world around me.
How has working with professionals like Andrea Pizzal and Paola Alpago influenced your growth as a photographer? What makes their contributions so significant to your journey?
Working with professionals like Andrea Pizzal and Paola Alpago has had a profound impact on my growth as a photographer. Both of them brought unique perspectives and expertise that have deeply influenced my approach to the craft. Andrea Pizzal, with his mastery of light and composition, taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail. I learned how subtle changes in lighting can dramatically alter the mood of a photograph, and how even the most seemingly ordinary scene can become extraordinary with the right angle and timing. Andrea’s guidance encouraged me to experiment more freely with light, which helped me develop a more nuanced understanding of how to use it to tell a story or evoke emotion. Paola Alpago, on the other hand, has been an incredible source of inspiration in terms of capturing human connection. Her approach to portraiture, where she focuses on the subject’s story and emotional depth, showed me the power of intimacy in photography. She taught me how to approach people with respect and sensitivity, helping me to create authentic, meaningful portraits. Her feedback and posing were invaluable in pushing me to see beyond the surface and focus on the essence of my subjects. What makes their contributions so significant to my journey is their ability to teach not just the technical aspects of photography but also the philosophy behind it. They both emphasized the importance of finding my own voice as a photographer, encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone and take risks in my work. Their mentorship has helped me refine my skills, but more importantly, it has inspired me to approach photography with a deeper sense of purpose and creativity.
You seem to favor model portraits—what do you find most captivating about this genre, and how do you approach capturing your subject’s essence?
Model portraits are particularly captivating to me because they allow for a deeper exploration of personality and emotion. Unlike other genres of photography, where the focus might be on landscapes or objects, portraiture offers a unique opportunity to capture the essence of an individual. The challenge and beauty of this genre lie in conveying not just the external appearance of the subject, but also their inner world—what they feel, think, or express in that particular moment. When it comes to capturing a subject’s essence, I approach each portrait with a focus on creating a connection. I believe that a great portrait is one where the subject feels comfortable enough to show vulnerability, which often results in the most compelling images. I try to establish a sense of trust and collaboration, allowing the subject to express themselves naturally, whether through subtle gestures, expressions, or body language. I pay close attention to lighting, as it plays a huge role in shaping mood and bringing out different facets of a person’s character. Soft lighting can create a gentle, introspective feel, while dramatic lighting might emphasize strength or intensity. I also carefully consider the background and environment, ensuring that it complements the subject and doesn't distract from them. Ultimately, my goal in model portraits is to tell a story — one that reflects the subject’s true self while also conveying an emotion or narrative that resonates with the viewer. It’s about creating an image that feels both authentic and powerful, offering a glimpse into the person behind the lens.
Your work has been recognized and exhibited multiple times, including at the Trieste Photo Days. What does such recognition mean to you as someone pursuing photography as a hobby?
Being recognized and having my work exhibited, especially at events like the Trieste Photo Days, means a great deal to me, particularly as someone pursuing photography as a hobby. It’s incredibly validating to see my passion and efforts appreciated by others, especially in a community of talented photographers. To have my work displayed in such a setting not only boosts my confidence but also encourages me to keep pushing my boundaries and experimenting with new ideas. Recognition like this feels like an affirmation that I’m on the right path, but it also serves as a reminder that photography is about more than just personal enjoyment — it’s about connecting with others. Exhibiting my work gives me the opportunity to share my perspective with a wider audience, and that exchange is both inspiring and humbling. It reinforces my belief that photography, as a medium, has the power to communicate emotions and stories in a way that words sometimes cannot. While photography is a personal pursuit for me, the recognition helps me see the broader impact that images can have, not only on my own growth but also on how others might experience and interpret the world. It's a reminder that every shot I take could have the potential to resonate with someone else, and that idea is incredibly motivating as I continue to explore and develop my craft.
Of the exhibitions and contests where your work has been showcased—such as URBAN Photo, ACI Pistoia Photo Contest, or Trieste Photo Days—is there one particular image or achievement that you’re most proud of? Why?
One image I'm particularly proud of is the portrait of Paola Alpago that was exhibited at URBAN Photo. This piece holds special significance for me because it was one of the first portraits I took that truly felt like a breakthrough. We had the idea to use a yellow tank as the background, which turned out to be a bold and striking choice. The vibrant color contrasted beautifully with Paola's presence, creating a composition that felt both dynamic and harmonious. The image became a colorful expression of energy, and I was thrilled with how it turned out. What makes this achievement even more meaningful is that it marked a pivotal moment in my photographic journey. It was one of the first times I felt confident in experimenting with unconventional settings and using color as a central element in my work. Seeing this portrait showcased at URBAN Photo was a validation of my growing confidence as a photographer and my ability to think creatively in terms of both composition and color. This image not only reflects my technical development but also the importance of pushing boundaries and embracing the unexpected in photography.
Your collaborations with models like Paola Alpago and Georgia Federica Rossi have clearly been impactful. How do you build trust and synergy with your subjects to create standout portraits?
Building trust and synergy with models like Paola Alpago and Georgia Federica Rossi has been essential in creating standout portraits. For me, the foundation of a great portrait lies in the relationship I establish with my subjects before I even pick up the camera. I always prioritize creating a comfortable and open environment, where the model feels respected and understood. This allows them to be more relaxed and authentic in front of the lens. With Paola and Georgia, we’ve always taken the time to have meaningful conversations before the shoot —discussing the concept, emotions, and ideas we want to explore. This helps ensure we’re aligned creatively, and it also builds a sense of collaboration. I’ve found that when the subject is involved in the creative process, it leads to a more natural and engaging image. In terms of physical interaction, I try to be mindful of body language and subtle cues, guiding the model without being overly directive. This balance allows me to capture moments of spontaneity, where the subject is not only posing but truly expressing something unique to them. With both Paola and Georgia, there was a strong sense of synergy, where we were all contributing to the energy of the shoot, and this collaboration really shines through in the portraits. Ultimately, the goal is to make the subject feel seen and heard, and when that connection is established, the result is often a portrait that feels genuine and powerful. This trust and synergy create images that are not just visually striking but emotionally resonant as well.
Your gear includes the Canon EOS M50 with a Canon EF-M 15-45mm lens. How important is your equipment to achieving the shots you envision, and what do you look for in a camera setup?
While I believe that creativity and technique are at the heart of great photography, the gear I use, like my Canon EOS M50 with the Canon EF-M 15-45mm lens, plays an important role in helping me bring my vision to life. The versatility of this setup allows me to experiment with a range of compositions and perspectives, which is crucial when capturing portraits or exploring different environments. The compact size of the Canon EOS M50 is another feature I appreciate — it's lightweight and portable, allowing me to move freely during shoots without feeling encumbered by bulky equipment. What I look for in a camera setup is a balance between portability, ease of use, and image quality. For me, the M50 provides the perfect balance — it's simple to use, has solid autofocus, and delivers sharp, vibrant images. The 15-45mm lens is versatile enough to capture both wide shots and closer portraits, giving me flexibility depending on the scene or subject. I also appreciate the camera's ability to handle low-light situations, which is essential for portrait work, where natural or artificial lighting can vary significantly. Ultimately, while I don’t rely solely on gear to create impactful images, having a setup that is reliable and suits my shooting style enhances my ability to execute my ideas with precision. It's about having the right tools that allow me to focus on the creative process and capture moments as I envision them.
In addition to model photography, you’ve explored street photography, as seen in Francesco Verolino's workshop. How does your approach differ between the two styles, and what challenges or rewards come with each?
My approach to model photography and street photography differs significantly, as each style presents its own set of challenges and rewards. In model photography, the process is more controlled. I work closely with the subject, creating a comfortable environment where we can collaborate on ideas and emotions. This allows me to guide the model’s poses and expressions, and I have more control over factors like lighting, background, and composition. The reward in model photography comes from the ability to craft a specific narrative or mood, using all the elements in the frame to create a compelling, intentional image. The challenge lies in capturing authenticity within a controlled setting, ensuring that the portrait feels genuine despite the setup. Street photography, as I explored in Francesco Verolino's workshop, is much more spontaneous and unpredictable. Here, I don’t have the luxury of direction or control over the subject, the lighting, or the surroundings. The challenge in street photography is to be observant and quick, capturing moments of genuine emotion, interaction, or unexpected scenes as they unfold. It requires a heightened awareness of the environment and a readiness to react to fleeting opportunities. The reward, however, lies in the rawness and authenticity of the images — capturing real moments in time that can be both powerful and deeply human. Each style has its own unique appeal. In model photography, the focus is on collaboration and the art of crafting a specific moment, while in street photography, the thrill comes from embracing the unpredictability of life and capturing candid moments. Both approaches push me to be present in the moment and to tell a story, but in very different ways.
In addition to model photography, you’ve explored street photography, as seen in Francesco Verolino's workshop. How does your approach differ between the two styles, and what challenges or rewards come with each?
Seeing my work published in Glamour Italia was an incredibly exciting and rewarding moment in my photography journey. It’s a true honor to have my images featured in such a prominent publication, and it felt like a significant milestone that acknowledged the progress I’ve made in my craft. To have my work recognized in a space where many talented photographers showcase their art was both humbling and validating. It reassured me that I’m on the right path, and that my photography resonates with a wider audience beyond just personal or local circles. This milestone has had a profound impact on my photography journey, not only in terms of boosting my confidence but also in pushing me to continue evolving. Being published in Glamour Italia has opened up new opportunities for exposure and collaboration, and it has motivated me to experiment further with my style and technique. It reminded me of the power of photography to reach people and make an impact, and it has driven me to be more intentional with my work, focusing on creating images that tell a meaningful story. Ultimately, this recognition has fueled my passion and reinforced my commitment to continuing to grow as a photographer.
Two of your photographs were recently published in Glamour Italia. How does it feel to see your work in such a prominent publication, and what impact has this milestone had on your photography journey?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of my photography by working more with various professional models. I’m eager to explore different styles and themes in portraiture, collaborating with models who bring unique personalities and stories to each shoot. I’m also interested in the opportunity to cooperate with other professional photographers, learning from their expertise while contributing my own perspective. I think working in a collaborative environment will not only enhance my skill set but also provide fresh creative challenges that will push my work in new directions. Additionally, I plan to publish more in photographic magazines, as I’ve seen firsthand the impact it has on reaching a wider audience. Being featured in these publications has motivated me to refine my work and pursue projects that are both meaningful and visually striking. I’m looking forward to creating new bodies of work that I can share in these spaces, especially exploring themes that reflect my evolving interests. The future of my photographic journey feels very promising, filled with opportunities to grow, collaborate, and share my vision with a broader audience. I see myself continuing to refine my technical skills while exploring more diverse and complex subject matter. I’m excited about the possibility of pushing my creativity into new realms, connecting with more professionals in the industry, and telling powerful stories through my lens.
Model: Georgia Federica Rossi @queen.jho
Photographer: Damiano Pesaresi @d_pesaresi66
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