Interview: Photographer Giovanni Asaro (Italy)

Can you tell us a little about you?

Hi, I am an Italian photographer born and raised in Sicily. I come from a city facing the sea and I always have a very deep connection with this element. I am very curious and stubborn and I am not easily satisfied. I love to laugh, people and friendship, but sometimes I need to be alone. For many years I have traveled a lot and my trolley is never in the attic. I am in love with life and my family and I really like motorcycles and racing in general. Drinking a good rum, listening to music, in front of a sunset over the sea, relaxes me. Now I live in Florence, a city that I love, in one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

How and when did you get into photography? I started taking pictures about ten years ago. I started by accident. Until then, I had never owned a camera, not even a disposable one. It was simply an object in which I had no interest. I remember I bought my first camera just before I left for a vacation. Then, from that moment on, it was love ... I would say almost obsession. I started reading photography books. I have read many, up to now a few hundred. I was reading and shooting, shooting and getting more and more passionate. At the beginning I shot everything that attracted my attention, then one day I found my great joy in portrait photography and in particular the female portrait.

Where do you get inspiration from? I think inspiration can come at any time and from anything. I also happened to wake up in the night with an idea in mind and get out of bed to write and not forget it the next morning. Let's say I don't miss an opportunity to look around.

What does photography mean to you?

I have a very intimate relationship with photography and for this reason it is difficult to describe what photography is for me. I can tell you that I give photography almost divine power. I certainly need photography more than photography of me.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I grew up in the 80s and 90s, years of excess, the years of the big fashion campaigns, the big calendars, the divas of Hollywood and the glossy photography of the magazines and inevitably all this influenced my images. The women I love to photograph are determined women, aware of their power, sinuous, sophisticated and fascinating women.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

Generally my photographs are the result of a program in which several people often collaborate with me, who, in one way or another, contribute to the final result. For sure I'm not a photographer who takes the camera and starts photographing instinctively.

Studio, on location or both?

I don't have a preference for shooting in the studio or on location, it all depends on the result we are looking for. I can say that in the studio it is certainly more comfortable and in the location it is more fun.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am both. It depends on whether I work on my own project and therefore I seek my pleasure only or I work for a commercial assignment and the image must be suitable for the client's needs.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

There have been many. For example, once we were on a cliff overlooking the sea, it was winter, it was cold, there was a lot of wind and the sea was very rough. During the shooting the splashes of water wet us and the wind almost made us fall down. It was hard.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I use Canon cameras because they provide me with image quality and reliability, two very important features for me. I prefer prime lenses and 35mm, 50mm, 85mm never fail in my bag. There are also a 70-200mm zoom lens and a 100mm macro lens.

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

I can say this: if you want to become a professional photographer, start acting like a professional photographer.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I think Modellenland is a fantastic initiative, with very interesting and high quality content. Thank you for hosting me in your magazine, I really enjoyed it.

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