Interview: Photographer Casteltrione Isidoro (Italy)

Tell us something about yourself.

My name is Isidoro, I’m 36 and I’m mainly a computer engineer.

How and when did you get into photography?

I started getting seriously interested in photography 3 or 4 years ago, when I bought my first Reflex. I have always been interested in it, however - ever since I can remember, actually!

What does photography mean to you?

To me, photography is the perfect way to get into people’s lives for an instant, and to make it eternal and everlasting. I have always been fascinated by the great variety of expressions and emotions people’s faces could convey.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I am a portraitist; as such, I try to concentrate on my models’ faces and to picture them in the most interesting and creative way possible. Sometimes, I manage to succeed in doing so.

Where do you get inspiration from?

From the places and the situations that represent our everyday life and the encounter with other people: a train, a library, a mechanical workshop or a walk in the fields. Actually, anything can be of great inspiration to you, if you can see it through the eyes of a good photographer.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

I always start with a few but very precise ideas. I usually like to plan everything; in spite of that, I’m ready to embrace changes, if they can improve the final results.

I usually go to the places chosen for the shooting a couple of days before the shooting itself, at the same hour and moment of the day in which I am about to work.

This way, I can see in advance how light interacts with that environment in that precise moment.

Studio, on location or both?

I usually take my shootings in studio when I have got particular ideas to design and develop. Otherwise, I always prefer shooting outdoors, in any weather condition.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I’d say I’m potentially both: photography is more than a hobby for me, but it’s not a full-time job for the moment being.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Honestly, I find it really hard to choose a particular one among the many I have in mind. Still, if I had to, I would choose that one shooting I made on some old train carriages in a museum nearby here. On that day, it suddenly started to rain and that location was actually just a way out - which, however, we particularly appreciated in the end. When you work as a photographer, it is important to learn how to deal with the unexpected, too - this might lead to amazing results.

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

The best wedding photographers and portraitists in the world.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I have Canon, but I like Nikon and Fuji cameras, too. My lens to go is the 85mm - 90% of my shots are taken with a Canon 85mm f1.8.

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

their own business?

Spending less time on the social networks and connecting with real people in your area. Start offering your services to local business and events. Shoot everyday.

What do you think of our new magazine?

It’s just amazing. Can’t imagine how much effort you put in producing it, in order to offer people such a great product. And, what’s more, for free!

WEB Isiportraits.com

INSTAGRAM @isi.portraits

FACEBOOK Isidoro Casteltrione Portraits