I have never been very strong with gemoetries but I must admit that, on this occasion, the Pilotta’s courtyard helped me to put the subject “in place”!
Gentleman’s portraits [Parma, 2015]
Tag: parma
Rita on her wedding day [Parma, 2015]
Rita is one of my favorite persons and I had the honor to take some quick shots of her on her civil ceremony back on 14/02/2015. I was disguised as an unofficial photographer, and I was even a guest!
Matteo [Parma, 2015]
I was looking for new models, and Paolo suggested Matteo. We met at Parco Falcone e Borsellino on a cold February morning (it had snowed quite a bit that year) to take some portraits. I have always seen the camera not only as a tool that allows us to obtain certain results but, even more, as a powerful medium that brings us face to face with other people (whether the photographer is able to empathize with the subjects he is working with) and makes the subjects captured discover aspects of their character that they do not usually reveal. And I believe that this was one of those cases!
Paolo [Parma, 2015]
“Adults play too — or should” -Julie Lythcott-Haims
I am attracted by the concepts of beauty and perfection, these two going together and to be meant as an aesthetic sense. I love harmony and am quite hard on myself on how to present a subject. But this is not everything to me. Talking about portraits, I often look at the work of famous photographers and these pictures can be perfect on the technical side but I will not really love them if there is not a vibrancy in them, if I can’t discover some “human” factor” hidden somewhere.
I do not think that I would take pictures if this wasn’t fun for me, if there wasn’t real joy in taking them. There has to be a playful side in taking the photo that makes my interest grow for the subject. Paolo is a reliable and very good natured person and I am happy he is also my friend. I have respect for him and he is only one of the few people I know who has a degree in Physics: this makes him look like a genius to me! He usually is quite serious, calm and peaceful so I was a bit surprised when he accepted to meet me and to have a shoot together.
Honestly I could not be more happy with the result: in these pictures you see a part of him that usually you don’t…since he was glad to go along with my idea of fun!
Silvia [Parma, 2015]
I don’t exactly remember how Silvia discovered me on the web but I do remember her email, where she asked me to take some shots of her, as she was loved the way I would look at women and capture them with my camera. She is married to the great Florentine photographer Corrado Sacchi, who I deeply admire, so my first question to her, once she got off the train from Florence, was: “Why would you like me to take your portraits?!”. She nodded, smiled and we started the shooting. The location chosen was Parco Ducale, which turned out to be good, because it allowed us to work between light and shade. I particularly am proud of the B&W shots: I see in them her brave, non-conformist soul, with a touch of a French style!
Maria [Parma, 2015]
Maria seen by Elena
Federica [Parma, 2015]
I believe that her expressivity and soul are in her eyes, which are beautiful! They are big, in a shade between green & blue. Endowed with charm and charisma, Federica also has a hint of shyness but once she gets involved, she brings out the best in herself! I loved this shooting which was fun indeed 😚
Nikita [Parma, 2015]
It was late January and the morning was really cold but the location (Botanical Garden!) and the light were absolutely heavenly, as outstanding was the beauty of the model, Nikita. Such a precious photo-memory!
Minù [Parma, 2015]
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!
Simone [Parma, 2015]
Photography’s purpose is not only to capture others but it also a medium that allows the photographer to meet, understand and to listen to his subjects. I never get tired of looking at a person’s expressiveness, especially as, in this case, you find yourself in front of the lens a young guy who has many interests and a great desire to do.
Andrea [Parma, 2015]
“No alarm clock needed. My passion wakes me” — Eric Thomas
I had the pleasure to take these shots of keen rugbyman Andrea in January 2015. I am still particularly satisfied by the B&W ones.
Maria Grazia + 2 [Parma, 2015]
During a walk in Cittadella, I had the chance to meet Maria Grazie and, from chatting with her to taking a few photos of her little devils squad (2 Jack Russell!) it was real quick. Enjoy these lovely memories!
Marion [Parma, 2015]
Marion is Austrian but, many years ago, love led her to a southern detour (Italy!) and, since then, she has lived in Parma. She is a straightforward woman, who thinks in an uncomplicated way and she will tell you things to your face! She is an optimist with an active personality. Also, it is difficult not to surrender to the charm of her blue eyes!
Portraits by Paolo Melegari [Parma, 2015]
One of the upsides of having an other photographer take your pictures is being able to observe how he works, plus, I have always loved the studio’s environment, as this is one of the things that makes me feel the call of the wild! I have discovered that, even in tight spaces, you can make miracles and the outcome can be remarkable, as in this case! I cherish these images taken by incredibly experienced and tasteful photographer Ph. Paolo Melegari: feel free to drop by his shop or admire part of his portfolio at his storefront!
Francesca [Parma, 2014]
After having photographed a couple of times Giulio, I had the pleasure of taking a few shots of his mum Francesca, a long-time friend. I believe that her mental strength and her irony come through in the photos below. Enjoy these winter memories, taken in a freezing December morning!
Elena Arvasi Portrait Photographer 