Elisabetta [Marore, 2013]

Elisabetta and I, we have known each other since we were babies. She is one year younger than me and our families were neighbors, so we grew up in the same building and when we were little, we played together an awful lot (a few old memories pictures added at the end of this article can prove it)! Even tough, over the years, we did lose touch a little, I did not miss the opportunity to ask her if she wanted to pose for me and she accepted.

We met in Marore in a late July morning. It was warm and the light was not ideal as it was strong, direct and harsh however, we still got a glowy effect. I like these outcomes: Elisabetta’s portraits are neat, spontaneous, non-sophisticated and I find that her gaze reveals dignity and determination.

Below my favorite…

…but I cherish also this one!

and now a blast from the past! Photos taken between 1987 and 1989…

Elena seen by Matthew Bishop [Newbury, Berkshire, 2013]

This post is not to forget that, yes, we can! It is also meant to be a reminder to always thank ourselves for all the good stuff, the ideas, the braveness that we can have, for each meaningful action that we do, during each day, in every phase of our lives. One of my nemesis is to show-up and to share valuable contents. When I am going to write an article or to prepare a post, I always ask myself: “Shall I do it? Is it worth it?”. If I can inspire or motivate someone, or my words might have a positive impact on someone who is sharing even a slightly similar aspect during his journey or might be able to relate because of a personality’s aspect, then my purpose is fulfilled.

Posing in front of a camera is always intimate, it is hard and when they say that the first 15-20 minutes are awkward, they are completely right. It was summer 2013, I had moved to England (Newbury) a few weeks earlier, I was recovering from the end of a relationship and…look at it, I just got a drastically-short haircut! I felt the need to have some nice images of me, plus I wanted to document this period of change. Browsing on the web, I found Matthew Bishop and fell in love with his work, so on a late afternoon he came down from London, in order to take some portraits of me in a forest area, close to the Kennet canal. The glow of that evening was simply breathtaking. I felt comfortable working with him, because of his calm and also because he had a vision, about what he wanted to achieve. To this day, I am still grateful to him for these lovely outcomes. That’s why I hired him, a few months later, for a winter session in London 😁

Sporty [London, 2013]

In 15 years as a photographic artist I have worked with many more women than men, it is no mystery. Based on my experience, it is more difficult for a man to willingly pose, in a laid-back manner, in front of a camera! And in some ways it is a pity, not least because, when I reviewed these shots (dated July 2013) to publish them on the blog, I realised that this guy looks real good on them!

Anne [Parma, 2013]

Anne came to visit me in Parma, during the summer 2013. It was a hot July day, however that didn’t stop us from taking some portraits. The first part of the shoot took place on the banks of the Parma Creek where, under the bridge, there were some graffitis that matched with Anne’s dress! Whilst the second part took place in the city center. Anne has a supple and agile body and her blue eyes are magnetic!

Daniela [Parma, 2013]

Photography, from ancient Greek, means “writing with the light”. I believe that this principle was fully realised during this photo session. The golden hour light on that late June afternoon was simply breathtaking: it was warm and delicate, and there was a breeze! It was not difficult to describe through a serie of photographs Daniela’s soul. She is sparkling and her proverbial smile comes before her. Thank you for posing for me, Dani!

Photos taken on 23/06/2013 on the banks of creek Parma.

Raffaella [Parma, 2013]

I first met her in 2011, when I went to her shop as a customer. Raffaella is a beautician (girls, just follow the link!) and it did not take long for us to connect and we have been close friends, especially over the past few years. I admire her loyalty, consistency, perseverance (she is a warrior!), her ability to listen and her compassion. Enjoy this lovely photo memory, dated April 2013!

Poldo e Martina [Marore, 2013]

I did not know whether to name this post Poldo & Martina OR Martina & Poldo. Then I went on for putting the 4 paws little devil’s name first, as he definitely was the shining star and a determined drama actor during our shooting! In April 2013, Poldo was 5 months old (Martina had taken him a couple of months prior) but his connection with Martina was already incredibly strong. He was really protective towards her and feeling quite possessive. He hid a big personality in a tiny body. I have always liked Dachshunds: they are clever little warriors that can defend themselves forcefully, they are quite stubborn and fierce and…they live in a completely horizontal world! Enjoy their memories!

Marti, you are beautiful!

His inquisitive glaze

Spoilt momma’s boy!