Interview: Photographer Francesca Prezzavento (Italy)

Can you tell us a little about you? Realistic in everyday life,but a dreamer and romantic for my aspirations. My name is Francesca Prezzavento, I'm 24 years old, I'm Sicilian and I love fashion photography and through this I want to realize my artistic dreams. The question that often asked of me is: "Why I should choose you?" I simply answer that: "Why not?" My mantra is “seeing is believing”.

How am I in real life? Perpetually hungry for knowledge and always looking for the perfection that resides in my mind. I'm in love with my life. What makes me happy? Love, passion, adventures and my cats. Be free, do what I want to do and do it as I please.

How and when did you get into photography? Since I was a child I was fascinated by photography. At 14 years old, I took pictures with a simple Kodak camera. I initially photographed landscapes and animals, but I didn’t feel fulfilled. About five years ago I bought my first digital camera. Since then, I haven't stopped taking pictures.

What does photography mean to you?

I feel a sense of love and hate toward photography.. I always seek perfection in my pictures, I always want to tell a story. I like to make the subjects of my photos majestic. I usually photograph women. Through them, I can tell something about myself. For me, photography is, perhaps, a more important tool than words. Simply put, photography saved my life. I have never been good with words. Thanks to photography, I managed to express myself.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I don’t like to classify things; my photographic style is constantly changing. It's like it grows with me, year after year. I like to go against the rules, because in my opinion, the rules must be broken sometimes. I don’t like to have limits. I only know three things that must never be missing: history, details and colors. Almost all my pictures are in color. However, sometimes I use black and white only when a personal or commis-sioned project requires it. My photography is very simple and essential.

Where do you get inspiration from? I try to take inspiration for my shooting from everything that elicits emotion within me, like a particular location, people, or movie. I look at many fashion magazines, and Pinterest is like a drug to me! I advise you to always look at Pinterest to inspire creativity.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture? Of course! I initially create a reference moodboard, like a sort of collage that can inspire me and my team, but I often overturn my initial idea. This can happen based on various factors. For example, one of my shoots was for the editorial Resurgence, published in a Sicilian magazine. I imagined shooting in full sunlight, but I ended up finding myself shooting in the rain. I love working with this sort of unpredictability. It’s really fun!

Studio, on location or both? I prefer to take pictures on location because I like to include thematic elements, such as nature, flowers, the sea, and natural light – I love to use natural light! Generally I take pictures in the afternoon because I prefer a softer light. I also take pictures in studio, especially for lookbooks or portraits.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional? “Choose the job you love and you will not work one day in your whole life” The secret of happiness is to put passion into your work. No passion, no work! So, for me being a photographer is a profession, but mainly a hobby! One does not exist without the other.

What has been your most memorable session and why? My most memorable session was when I realized Resurgence with my team. It was what made me understand how I wanted my pictures to be from that moment on. At first the rain worried me, but shooting in the rain turned out to be an amazing experience that I will not soon forget! Additionally, it made me realize that I have to be less strict with myself and that I should have more fun while shooting.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens? I use Nikon. I would never change to Canon, but that does not mean that Canon is not a good brand. For me, I find that Nikon performs better. I use a 24-70 for general events, but I prefer to use fixed lenses such as a 35mm or 50mm .

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business? Unfortunately, given that I myself am a young photographer, I cannot offer much advice to aspiring photographers. The only advice I can give is to intensely study photography, and to see movies and look at Pictures others have taken for inspiration. This will help you understand your style more than anything else. Attending photography workshops is good, but don’t let them influence too much - photography is still subjective! Take inspiration, but be sure to make the picture your own, with your feelings and worldview. Dare, try and experiment always, you never stop learning. Be curious, never allow your hunger for knowledge to be sated!

What do you think of our new magazine? Yours is a great initiative. We young artists are always eager for new opportunities. Your site is full of very interesting content, and I'm delighted to be a part of it!

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MODEL: ISABELLA BY Castdiva Models Management FASHION DESIGNER: Carla Salerno HAIR STYLIST: Michael Florio MAKE UP ARTIST: Emanuela Russo LOCATION: Zaiera Hotel

Model : Valeria from Castdiva Models Management Stylist: Erika Strano Assistant stylist: Giusy Cutrona Fashion designers by Harim Make up artist : Stefania Baldoni Make-Up Artist Hair Stylist: Giusi Mille