“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)
The concept behind Anna’s shoot was to revive a character from a Charles Dickens story, even though, in the end, we passed on to an interpretation of autumn! I was delighted to work with Anna in the studio (I have known her since primary school!) : she is an imaginative person who has emotional richness. She is also a polished, versatile and cooperative model. One of her pictures was selected by PhotoVogue.
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.
Portraits of very young, carefree and buoyant Lorenzo. These were taken in the courtyard of my granny!
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.
There is not a logical connection between these three images, apart the fact that Jessica is the protagonist and that were taken in the same place, at my granny’s home. However, I do like the sense of mystery and elusiveness that they transmit.
“A woman has so many facets, and when you create an image, you have to play with all the different moments of your femininity, not just one thing” – Monica Bellucci
I was still in my ‘black backdrop’ + gloomy tones portraits phase. It was a privilege to capture through my lens the dignity and composure of Chisato’s soul!
Even though I feel embarrassed (even now!) to admit it, I did not have a specific theme in mind for Marion’s portrait shoot. At the end the topic became the “daily nonsense”. Thank you, Marion, for putting yourself out there! You are a stunner!
Sara is a muse. It comes natural to take portraits of her, even if only focusing on her hair.
Ilaria may look somewhat intimidating and has a maverick side. As a further piede of information, I can add that she has a heart of gold and that she is a reliable, outspoken person who is not afraid to reveal herself in front of the camera. Thank you, Ilaria, for putting yourself out there!
“It is more important to click with people than to click the shutter”– Alfred Eisenstaedt
A very young Adele (dressed up as a young Calamity Jane) was proudly selected by PhotoVogue!
I love taking pictures of Adele & Cloe (who are now teenagers!) since when they were little. I felt that by observing them, they would teach me something. They were bright, bursting with energy (like any healthy child) and they actually displayed different personalities but with commonalities. I believe that they have both enjoyed posing in front of my lens, of course with the presence of their mom Alice. On this occasion the “serious part” of the photo-shoot got a little out of hand and we ended up playing The Old West. They did great by holding the scene and, despite the obvious laughs, they really put themselves in the role!
“I bury my head in the pillow, and dream of my true love…
I am rowing to you on the great, dark ocean” – Caravaggio
Maria introduced me to her friend Lorenzo who was an approachable and sensitive person with an artistic side. At the time I was a “black backdrop-addict” (I liked the sense of mystery, inevitability, and of contrast that it would give off). Don’t ask me how I connected Lorenzo to Caravaggio (When they say: “Dream big!” But, perhaps, it was for the intensity of his gaze and personality), so I organized a shoot trying to emulate Caravaggesque overtones. The main themes were silent movement and psychological introspection. Thank you, Lorenzo, for posing for me!
Elena Arvasi Portrait Photographer 