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
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!
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!
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!
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)!
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!
“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)
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.
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.
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…
MinÃđ 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!
“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!
Before reading the article, you can find just below the Vimeo web link of a SUPER CUTE video advert made 10 years ago by brilliant film-maker Alice Carcelli, who is a friend mine. EAP stands for Elena Arvasi Photography and I am pretty sure that nowadays, this ad could pass for a “vintage” thing ðĪŠ Oh man, I still love so much that tune! My Italian accent whilst speaking English a bit less!! In your place, I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to watch it!
Between 2012 and 2014 I seriously considered working as a freelance photographer. At the time this thought caressed my mind on several occasions! However, after careful reflection, I realized that this wouldn’t be an appropriate or fitting choice for me, on a long term basis. I believe that being a freelance is a matter of character. When you do this kind of job, you need to have the ability to financially support yourself. You have to be willing but also naturally predisposed to fight all the time, and this is a constant. You must be driven and an inner energy is pushing you towards reaching your goals. You need to establish a solid business mindset to deal wisely with numbers and pricing. You have to believe firmly in yourself but you also have be lucky when it comes about making good encounters and establishing purposeful connections (people or customers).
In hindsight, I do not regret my choice of keeping photography as a side hustle whilst my first income comes from a stable office job. I no longer feel the bitterness and the sense of frustration that hurt me years ago about the fact that my life’s purpose was not matching with my dream job. Over the last decade I have evolved, I have become more aware of myself and I have even discovered other passions! Don’t get me wrong, a big part of my heart is in photography and this activity gives me a purposes, it is a devotion, a kind of “service” that I am doing to other people. I have understood and accepted that the fact of not earning my life by “living the dream” doesn’t diminish my qualities or my talent nor label myself. Most of us, we have some form of artistic talent or skills, the important thing is to bring it out, somehow, to make an enriching experience it, to share it and to let it enlighten us.
Young freelancers, please note that this article doesn’t mean to discourage any of you from embarking on a beautiful and challenging career’s type. On the contrary, I admire, respect and cheer for some of you, but at the same time this is a realistic invitation to reflect on your character and needs, as life’s call demands us to discover ourselves and to open up to the world, to understand who we are and what our deepest, truest meaning is, staying honest and loyal to ourselves.
About the photo below, although you cannot see Alice’s face, hidden behind the camera, you can tell you that she was smiling!!
Elena Arvasi Portrait Photographer 