Personal & others – Page 4 – Elena Arvasi Portrait Photographer

About portraiture [Parma, 2020]

3 August 20253 August 2025Posted in Personal & othersTagged 2020, adults portraiture, digital photography community, parmaLeave a comment

When I started taking portraits of adults, often I would offer two options. I would ask if they wanted to appear partially hidden such as being surrounded by leaves (if we were outdoors) or by a sheet or a curtain (if we were in a studio), or if they would prefer a close up in front of the camera.

This was rather amusing since “covering” people can be like a game and I was even more surprised that my subjects enjoyed it. This game works for both of us. People are less nervous, much more relaxed and it is much easier to get a spontaneous smile or a funny face.

This helped me better understand that the photographer must have a clear idea of the type of portrait he or she wants but not to forget to play and keep the person comfortable. Every interaction is unique and every subject deserves to have a relaxed session.

There is more than just a photo.

About inspiration [Parma, 2020]

3 August 20253 August 2025Posted in Personal & othersTagged 2020, digital photography community, inspiration, parma, Personal & othersLeave a comment

I wonder from where other people take their inspiration. For me inspiration comes from a reaction in my mind and is something more visual. Such a reaction is created from studying other people’s work.

I am inspired by :

– listening to photographer’s tips and interviews ;

– focusing on certain kind of colors ;

– looking at images ;

– walking in the nature or when lying in bed ;

– the solitude through the night.

The following photographers have had a huge impact on my hobby: Robert Doisneau, Martine Franck, William Eugene Smith; Jacques Lowe, William Klein, Eudora Welty, Walker Evans, Letizia Battaglia, Jane Brown, Horst P. Horst, Arthur Tress, Francesca Woodman, Oliviero Toscani, Ferdinando Scianna, Vaughn Sills, Hans-Peter Feldmann

You can only be inspired by other people!

Narcissus, Parma, 2015

My photo influencers [Parma, 2020]

3 August 20253 August 2025Posted in Personal & othersTagged 2020, digital photography community, Personal & others, photographyLeave a comment

It can be argued that either men or women had the greatest impact on the history and the development of photography. In my case I can say that I have been influenced more by male photographers. My early portraits were taken by Franco, a colleague of my mother who is a passionate photo amateur. All my technical understanding of the camera was explained to me by Carlo Urbani. Last but not least it was a couple of artist friends who suggested that I focus on children’s portraiture because the little subjects were quite relaxed, spontaneous, vibrant and empathetic. I realized that empathy is critical and it is the key to successful images. A big thank you to Corrado Sacchi and Stefano Cavazzini!

Children at the seaside, Livorno, 2011

This one was selected by PhotoVogue!

Elena seen by Michele Galloni [Parma, 2019]

29 July 202530 July 2025Posted in Personal & othersTagged 2019, digital photography community, foto studio galloni, parma, Personal & othersLeave a comment

In April 2019, I posed in front of the camera of a my friend and talented photographer, Michele Galloni in his studio. Back then, the most challenging and tumultuous time of my life had begun. Looking at these images now, these shots make me smile, as I relive my unawareness and somewhat naivety. Thank you, Michele, for these memories and long live to photography as a medium that won’t let us forget what we have been going though and achieved!

Elena seen by Stefano Cavazzini [Parma, 2017]

6 July 20257 July 2025Posted in Personal & others, portraitureTagged 2017, digital photography community, parma, personal, portraitureLeave a comment

I feel honored to consider Stefano Cavazzini as a friend. He is an outstandingly talented photographer (even though he has never worked as a professional). He is also shy and humble. I believe that his work shows a stroke of genius and as an artist, he is a visionary, who goes out quite easily from a “commonly shared path”! His images remind me, somehow, of Francesca Wooodman’s photography. These shots were taken in August 2017, just before I quit Italy for Scotland. When I received them, I was blown away by these results! Grazie, Stefano, for sharing your talent and for your big heart!

Spring [Parma, 2017]

20 December 2024Posted in Personal & othersTagged 2017, macro photography, nikon, parma, springLeave a comment

“Peace is always beautiful” – Walt Whitman

Annasole & Thier [Parma, 2017]

20 December 202420 December 2024Posted in Personal & othersTagged 2017, digital photography, nikon, parma, personal project, studio portraitureLeave a comment

I was a child in the 90s and I clearly remember how much Oliviero Toscani’s work and advertisements had struck me: the contrast of colors, of cultures that was behind them, with its advertising but also cultural message (the desire to strike, to disdain the audience). I have always admired the versatility and boldness of Toscani, his ability to narrate and to represent real situations from a different, nonconformist angle, using often the linearity of a monochrome backdrop.

In the end, the concept behind this photo shoot was “the contrast”, behind a line of simplicity. I am grateful for this outcome, due in good part to the cooperation of little Annasole (unwitting but cooperative model!), to Thier (who gladly accepted to get involved) and to Elisa (the little model’s mom!).

and now the funny ones (kind of Behind the scenes)!

and with momma!

Portraits by Alessandro Carra [Parma, 2016]

3 November 20244 November 2024Posted in Personal & others, portraitureTagged 2016, digital photography, foto carra, parmaLeave a comment

Back to the days when my silhouette was flawless and I considered myself glamorous! A grateful Thanks to Luisella of the brand Izabel Narciso for borrowing me this stunning tulle dress and to Alessandro for capturing wisely these shots that are a treasure!

Only lovers left alive [Parma, 2015]

3 October 2024Posted in Personal & othersTagged 2015, digital photography, nikon, parma, personal projectLeave a comment

“How can you have lived for so long and still not get it? This self obsession is a waste of living, It could be spent surviving things, appreciating nature, nurturing kindness and friendship, and dancing. You have been pretty lucky in love though, if I may say so” – Eve from Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Elena seen by Corrado Sacchi [Firenze, 2015]

3 October 20243 August 2025Posted in Personal & others, portraitureTagged 2015, corrado sacchi, digital photography, firenze, women photographyLeave a comment

I love Corrado’s approach to photography and his pictures. I also like to pose for him. Don’t ask me what the theme of this session was because he’ll tell you! I have fond impressions of this experience in his studio and I also believe that, posing in a loose way, can benefit us women at a young or more mature age.

Edda’s place [Parma, 2015]

2 October 202419 December 2024Posted in Personal & othersTagged 2015, digital photography, nikon, parma, personal projectLeave a comment

My paternal grandmother had an artistic streak. She wasn’t ware of it but I was. Even though she never fulfilled it, this would pop out, from time to time. One of her passions was going to the cinema (where she would cry if the movie was moving or captivating), she was a narrator (actually she was a chatterbox!) and she also knew how “to play the part” that suited her best. I would often go at her’s for a coffee and a chat and now that she is gone, I am glad to have photographed her several times and also details of her flat, from which a piece of her soul emerges.

Depositio [Parma, 2015]

30 September 2024Posted in Personal & othersTagged 2015, digital photography, nikon, parma, personal projectLeave a comment

I had a bizarre idea which became a peculiar photo shoot. I have a skinny cousin (who is perfectly healthy), and I would say he is carved in his body. The week before I had paid a visit to the Cathedral where I had seen the Deposition from the cross by Benedetto Antelami (dated 1178 AD). I merged ancient sacred art with photography by connecting them. I asked my cousin to pose for me and guess what he said…

Portraits by Luca Stramaccioni [Nonantola, 2015]

27 September 202427 September 2024Posted in Personal & others, portraitureTagged 2015, digital photography, luca stramaccioni, nonantola, women photographyLeave a comment

I asked Luca to take some portraits of me in his studio, back in June 2015. I was delighted by the outcome, he was masterful!

Minù [Parma, 2015]

18 September 202418 September 2024Posted in Personal & othersTagged 2015, cats, digital photography, minù, nikon, parmaLeave a comment

Minù was a little furry witch. She was curious, funny, intrusive, touchy and played a role…basically with everything that was around her! I loved to spend some time with this little devil who, apart from being cute and mischief, was also adored by her human mum Laura!Enjoy these memories!

EAP Marketing campaign [Parma, 2014]

8 July 20248 July 2024Posted in Personal & othersTagged 2014, digital photography, elena arvasi, friends, marketing campaign, parmaLeave a comment

“If you want something done, do it yourself”…How many times have I heard this phrase in my life? Luckily for me, I have never lacked of good ideas, as well as the ability to ask for help in case of need, so in November 2014 I hired my neighbours, who are friends, to help me promote my photography business. The pictures below can prove our motivation…Hip hip hooray, teamwork!