Many years have passed since Giorgia’s graduation, that was a lovely aperitivo night! There were many friends and I remember that she received lovely and practical presents!
I don’t know, maybe it’s the way Ines is leaning on Silvia, as if she was there to protect her, or maybe it’s the fact that Silvia is closing her eyes but she is smiling at the same time, seizing this loving moment, completely trusting her grandmother…For these reasons this is my favorite shot of that day, taken at Elisa and Federico’s wedding reception. As spectators, we enjoy admiring beautiful pictures, but we also need to connect to people, and photography allows that! I am proud of this shot, that technically is far away from being perfect, but when I look at it, a good feeling warms me up. And this is also what photography is about.
There is no mystery about the fact that I am a reserved person but that I can also be quite communicative (well, to be honest, during my childhood years I loved to be the center of attention, even though I was too shy to impose myself). Nor about the fact that I am a bit lazy!!
Over the years many people asked me if I would organize a photo exhibition. I always replied that I didn’t know. Now, actually there was only one occasion when I printed a few pictures from my portraiture portfolio and displayed them in a shop! It was during BoulevArt 2011, in a clothes boutique (La sfinge of the great Laura Fabiano!). As you can gather from the 1st image (thanks Laura for this shot) I was not super pumped 🙂
About BoulevArt: The aim of BoulevArt (a Festival of Street Arts) was to invade the city’s historic centre, offering photographic sets, open-air art galleries, backdrops for music and dance performances. People were involved in experiencing art under various forms. And the appealing part was that shops, trattorias & pubs in the city centre were involved in hosting artists, and remained open until midnight.
Also, it’s a fact that miniature schnauzers are the best!!
June 2011, Parma, Parco Ferrari. I took a serie of portraits of Verena, an Austrian student who was finishing her Erasmus year in Parma. And then at the end of the shoot, she took a couple of pictures of me! Well, if you wonder why I do have soap bubbles in my hand, it’s because I have always loved them…and I used them for effect in several of my sessions.
This photo is dated 17th June 2011. It’s granny with myself. I do not remember this image being taken, honestly. I discovered it totally by accident, browsing through my old photo archive. It’s not technically perfect (with so many disturbing elements in the background!) but I still love the affection that shows.
It feels strange to look back at these photos and realise that they were taken 12 years ago! It was the 30th May 2011 and my grandmother passed away a year and a half ago and in these snapshots she was celebrating her 80th birthday (well, as you see, chocolate cake has always been a big family hit!). Still, it’s reassuring to see that Grandma had fun (yes, she always loved dressing up and taking the role of an actress!).
I am very happy to have kept these visual memories and I know that she would be glad to see them posted on my blog!
The past few years I have been through a rather trying phase of my life. I have been questioning myself, my choices, my future and my photographical activities. I haven’t really been active with the camera but I never gave up. Recently I sold most of my Nikon equipment with the refreshing intention of transferring to a mirrorless Canon (R6 Mark II you are on my bucket list!!).
A friend (Antonia!) told me once that I should combine my photography with my blogging so here I am back. And, hey, I am happy to receive any comments about this old photo (taken at the end of Uni) even though it looks like it was stolen from my high school photo album 🙂
Elena Arvasi Portrait Photographer 