Interview: Photographer Pino Amici (Italy)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am Pino, a sixty years old photographer, based in Rome. Here in Italy I work for Italian television. I’m married and father of two. I have a degree in Political Sciences, and my other interests are History and Arts.

How and when did you get into photography?

I ‘ve always been passionate about photography: I got my first camera at ten and it was a Comet Bencini. After that, I’ve never left home without a camera in my hands: Pentax ME Super, Nikon F501, Nikon F70… in 2010 I switched to digital reflex cameras with Nikon D90. Now I use both a reflex camera (Nikon D 750) and a mirrorless one (Nikon Z6II).

What does photography mean to you?

It’s my main passion. It lets me express myself and challenge my skills.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I am mostly dedicated to portraits and landscapes. For the portraits I am inclined to create volumes through the use of light. I mostly use various speedlights in studio sets and a combination of natural light and speedlights in external locations. My aesthetic is near the fashion and glamour styles.

Where do you get inspirationfrom?

My inspiration is a mix of Italian Renaissance painters and fashion photographers such as Helmut Newton and Peter Lindberg. Caravaggio and Rembrandt also inspire my choice in light schemes.

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

I mostly let the moments of the shooting to inspire me. The framework and the contact with the models create a unique situation for each shooting.

Studio, on location or both?

Both

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I can be both, it depends on the case. Even in paid sets, I always work with passion.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

In October 2022 I was chosen to lead a professional crew for a fashion set. As the first photographer I supervised the other photographers, filmmakers and MUAs.

10 Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens? Currently I use Nikon. My favourite lens is Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8.

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

Read photography books, first of all to learn how to compose in the best way. Furthermore, be open to external advice but don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: In Italy we say “Nessuno nasce imparato” that means no one is born qualified. So you have to try the more you can by learning from the mistakes.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I really appreciate the effort of Modellen Land Magazine to not only look for and discover photographers worldwide, but also give them a space and enhanced the work and passion. It’s an honor for me to be part of this community!