Interview: Photographer Daniele Garofalo (Italy)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I was born in 1983. From a young age I showed a strong interest in art and new technologies. In 2008 I graduated in digital communication at the University of Milan. After university, the growing passion for creating and processing images led me to join the photography course at the European Institute of Design. In 2010 I completed my studies and graduated with full marks; the same year I started working as a freelance photographer.

How and when did you get into photography?

As mentioned before, I think I have always had a strong interest in art, I remember that when I was a kid my father and aunt were always carrying around a camera and I was fascinated by those pictures. When I was twenty I bought my first reflex and started to take pictures of flowers. Since that moment I went on taking pictures and travelling around always with my camera.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography, as all the other visual arts, has a strong power because it transmits emotions through sight which is the most developed sense of humans. With a single image you can tell a whole story.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I think my photography style is a minimal style focused on enhancement of body shape and on lights management.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I consider one of the best photographers is Robert Mapplethorpe and I get inspirations looking at his pictures. Moreover, I read many photography magazines. When I travel I don’t have any idea of which pictures I will be taking but I speak with people I meet and I get inspiration from them.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture ?

I have an idea only when I take pictures in studio.

Studio, on location or both?

When I work with models I prefer the Studio because I can concentrate only on the models and I don’t have to think about the props.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I consider myself as a hobbyist, as I have another job.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

I remember many great sessions where there was a good feeling among the model and all the other participants to the shooting (MUA, hairstylit, assistant etc). It’s really hard to pick only one.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I have always used Canon, my favorite lens is 24-70 mm when i work in studio, 10-20 mm for reportages.

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

I would tell him to read and study much more about great photographers, techniques, post production, use of lights and image culture, rather than on specifics of cameras and lens.

What do you think of our new magazine?

It’s great. I was flattered when I was asked to make an interview for such a quality magazine.

www.danielegarofalo.com

IG: @daniele_garofalo_ph