Tag: portraiture

Olivia, Anna, Elena & Nneka [Edinburgh, 2020]

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I met Olivia at the beginning of the pandemic, we were colleagues in a call centre. I can tell that she was the best gift of that year to me. She only worked in the company for a few months before starting university (yep, she is 18 years younger than me!), but when we met the sparkle of friendship and understanding clicked, and we have stayed in touch since then. I have always appreciated her good nature and good faith, the sense of family & friendship that she has, her open-heartedness. Her affection lifts me up and her zest for life is skyrocketing! She also has a deep connection with photography, thanks to her mother!

I took pictures of her in November 2020. She had brought some of her friends with her, at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. The setting was outstanding with such beautiful autumn colors and it was intriguing to watch them acting more as a knit family rather than friends! Enjoy these beautiful memories (and the short video below)!

and that came as a GOOD surprise…Olivia & Necka on PhotoVogue!

If you believe that this is a studio portrait, then you are wrong! It was taken outdoors at the Botanics on a cold day!! Another friend supported the black drape and we created an improvised studio setting.

Is their pose provocative? I don’t think so. This portrait reminds me of an old daguerreotype taken during the American civil war, two friends standing together, lost in time and almost sharing the same destiny…

The girls were just outstanding and they got a bit emotional when I told them that the shot had been selected for publication by PhotoVogue!

Thank you, dear Editors, for our shared delight Alessia Glaviano, Chiara Bardelli Nonino & Francesca Marani!!

Malick Sidibé [Edinburgh, 2020]

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I had not heard of him. I looked at one of his pictures in one of my phootgraphic books and was just fascinated. I wanted to discover who had taken this original and communicative image and I started to research him.

Malick Sidibé (Soloba 1935 – Bamako, 2016) was one of the first Malian photographers to work professionally from his own studio. Coming from a small village, he came to the big city (Bamako) where he started to work as assistant photographer in 1955 and he eventually opened his own studio in 1962. During a highly productive career he took thousands of photographs and worked progressively until old age. He has been identified as “la fierté du Mali et la mémoire du continent africain” (the pride of Mali and the memory of the African continent), as a journalist defined him.

I watched videos on the web, trying to collect as much information as possible and also went through some articles. Many people who knew him or his work say that joy is a predominant element and in his photos you can see this joyful and playful attitude towards life. He was also involved in documenting the social, economical changes that were happening in his country at the time (the way of dressing, the way of behaving, the status-symbols). He testified to the post-colonial awakening in the 60’s.

Sidibé has been described as a sociable person with a generous, outgoing personality who was able to empower his subjects while they were posing in an informal manner in front of his camera. Having a photo session in his studio seemed to be a social act, it was definitely a pleasant time spent together. I really think he had a good eye for capturing people in their lives and had an expertise for directing. He had many original ideas and a lively mind.

Thank you, Malick, for you contribution. Even in your black & white shots, you give color to photography and make it cheerful!

Inna Modja’s video, “Tomboctou”, inspired by Sidibé’s photography :

Photographer’s interview:

https://www.lensculture.com/articles/malick-sidibe-interview-with-malick-sidibe?fbclid=IwY2xjawL9bmlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB5TUU0dVVoVlVDalc2cnhIAR7ED8XmwxZPTNEYuKO5AbPBjzWF_Uf4Yz8TmunLbmymdVOqB-WY6a5eGX5fMA_aem_drqDHugqQ8zaezw6BnisBw

Elena seen by Stefano Cavazzini [Parma, 2017]

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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!

Yanet [Parma, 2017]

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Yanet was working in the wine industry. She asked me to take some corporate shots of her. The first part was taken in the studio whilst, for the second round, we chose as outdoor location the Botanical Garden, which was at its best at the beginning of the summer. I still remember her being extremely approachable, with a sincere, shy and trusty smile!

Silvia [Parma, 2015]

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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!

Marion [Parma, 2015]

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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!

Margot [Marore, 2014]

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Margot is my friend Claudia’s daughter and the first time I saw her she was an eight months old baby! Time passes for everyone (far too quick!) and so here we are at this photo shoot, dated 13/09/2014, when she was a teenager. I guess that from her look you can see her pleasure of being centre of the attention, her determination, sense of independence and likability! Margot, you are a star!!

Delphine [Marore, 2014]

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Delphine is from Normandy and is a cousin of my friend Claudia and she visited her in Parma. We met for a quick portrait session in Marore (just outside of Parma) one morning in September. After getting over the “awkward phase” (aka the first 10, 15 minutes of the shoot are the most strange and uncomfortable for the subject), everything went according to plan and we managed to have some lovely portraits as final results. Her eyes were beautiful and there was so much in them!

Gina & John [Newbury, Berkshire 2014]

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When I arrived in Newbury, in July 2013, Gina was really the first person I spoke to and who welcomed me. I rented a room at her place between 2013 and 2014. I still remember with delight her warmth and friendliness. In July 2014 I had the pleasure of taking some shots of her together with her husband John and one of their nieces in Victoria Park. Unfortunately, we lost touch over the last few years and it’s a real shame, because I really miss her smile and her laugh!