Interview: Photographer Jhonny Visentin (Italy)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Jhonny Visentin, I was born in 1993 in Casale Monferrato, a small town in northern Italy, more precisely in Piedmont.

I am a professional photographer specialized in portraits and weddings. I love post production and I love teaching others my techniques. In fact, I organize workshops throughout Italy.

I prefer portraiture but I love any photographic genre.

How and when did you get into photography?

My passion for photography started at the age of 23. Almost by chance, I took a mirrorless in my hand to make small videos at fairs, then I started taking some shots of the Monferrato landscapes. After a while, I began to take portraits of my friends, and then I started to study portraiture on my own.

I got to know Russian photographers and I immediately fell in love with their style. So, I decided to study their techniques. I did many workshops both online and on set. Photography has now become my primary source of income.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography for me means "to trap" an emotion, a feeling, a memory in an image. I like to think that, thanks to photography, time will stand still and people will be able to remember those moments but also study and interpret them for a long time.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

In portraiture, I love to play with colors between subject, clothes and setting. I always try to create an eye-catching image, I want it to be all perfect! I always try to create a friendship between the person I am photographing and me so I can get the best out of them. Then, thanks to post production, I try to amplify everything like colors, emotions etc.

Where do you get inspiration from? I take inspiration from many photographers, most of them are Russian. I also love cinema, I watch a lot of movies and I often find inspiration in them.

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

Before realizing a project, I already have in mind all the shots I'm gonna take. Many times, I managed to wrap up a photoshoot in about 40 minutes because I previously planned it. I don't like taking lots of photos, I'd rather take only three impactful ones just because I prefer quality over quantity!

Studio, on location or both?

Both. It takes me a long time to find a suitable location for my shots, for both "outdoor" and indoor/studio locations. The decision depends on the project that I want to create and also on my customer requests.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Being my primary job, I consider myself a professional photographer.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Honestly, I always think that every set I make it's the best, but I also try to go further in order to create new beautiful images.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Sony! I love my 70/200 2.8 Gm or my 90mm 2.8 macro. But I strongly believe that the "brand" is irrelevant...what really matters is the person behind the camera.

Cameras don't take pictures, photographers do!

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

This is a sensitive topic, I always advice to not work for free. Not even when you are starting out. You should always try to make a few euros out of a photoshoot because otherwise you’ll end up losing the money that you invested in equipment or in locations. By doing so, you will not risk being known as "the one who takes photos for free". I have several acquaintances who can no longer get out of this vicious circle of photos "for free or for visibility".

Be careful. First impressions do count! Do not be afraid. Send out email to companies proposing yourself as a photographer. Remember to also include small businesses around your city. In addition, social networks do exist (Facebook and Instagram are some among them) It is much easier nowadays. Use them wisely!

What do you think of our new magazine?

I find this magazine really great! It’s an excellent way to meet new photographers, clarify many doubts and find new stimuli. In addition, it can give you a lot of visibility.

Thanks to all of you for this amazing opportunity!

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ImJhonnyTv/? ( @imjhonnytv)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imjhonnyphotography/?hl=it ( @imjhonnyphotography)