Tell us something about yourself

My name is Manuel. I was born in Rome, where I still live, 46 years ago. Since my teens I have been loving art, travelling, experiencing different cultures. I am passionate and curious about life in all its aspects. Watching the sunset seated on the beach, enjoy a film while drinking a glass of red wine: these are the perfect moments for me.

 

How and when did you get into photography?

Since my childhood I was attracted by photography. I began, when I was 10 years old, playing with a Polaroid-style instant camera. I used to enjoy taking snapshots of my parents, my brother and my friends. Then, I stopped for long time. In the 90s I took an old Russian camera and started again taking pictures. But it was only with the advent of digital photography that I really embraced again photography, assiduously working and conceiving personal projects.

 

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is now an important part of my life, a deep passion, a way of expressing myself through images. It is a continuous exchange with the others, with life, with the world surrounding me.

 

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers

My photographic style focuses on portrayals. I love environmental portraits, as well as conceptual, glamour and fashion portraits.

 

Where do you get inspiration from?

I take guidance and inspiration from movies, novels, paintings, graphic novels and from works of the great maestros of  photography. Roaming around the city, I always indulge in looking at people, the way they move.. I am intrigued imagining their lives, trying to read their thoughts.

 

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

I am still using an old notebook where I write thoughts, ideas and I sketch storyboards. Before starting photo sessions I gather back all the material and try to elaborate and refine the project.

 

Studio, on location or both?

Usually both studio and location. If I was given the choice, I would definitely prefer external locations.

 

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am an hobbyist.

 

What has been your most memorable session and why?

One memorable work of mine was a session, some years ago, in the Pigneto area in Rome. The project was inspired by the cinema of the unforgettable maestro J. L. Godard, one of my favourite directors. His cinema represents for me a personal and artistic development.

 

What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

When I was a teenager, I went to an exhibition of the works of H. C. Bresson. I was thrilled. For days I could not think anything else, his photographs were continuously coming back to my mind. Other sources of inspiration are movies by the great cinema directors, Rossellini, Fellini, Godard, Pasolini, W. K. Wai.

 

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I always had a Canon. My favourite lens is the 85.

 

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

My advice would be to study, plan the work, travel a lot and measure up with other photographers.

 

What do you think of our new magazine?

It’s a very interesting magazine. It gave me the opportunity to know new photographers. You are really doing a great job in the photographic sector.

 

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