Interview: Photographer Romina Gimondo (Italy)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I'm not very good at talking about myself, I rarely do it but I will try. I was born in a small town in southern Italy and precisely in Calabria. At the age of 19 I moved to Turin with the idea of l iving and working here. I am 46 years old and I work as a clerk in a notary office. To me photography is above all a passion, a constant search fir beauty.

How and when did you get into photography?

I approached photography by chance. I was going through a very particular period in my life and I was more emotional. Every day I went for walks with my dog a nd I started observing, looking and seeing what was around. I saw so much beauty. I felt the need to capture this beauty not only with my eyes but also by photographing it. I used a cell phone but then in 2013 I felt the need to buy my first reflex. From 2015 until December 2018 I didn't take pictures anymore. I resumed in March 2019 with the idea of a pproaching portrait photography and to manage and understand every aspect of this genre, I put myself on the other side of the lens and posed for some photographer friends.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is a sweet companion of adventures. It represents my way of communicating and sharing emotions and expressing my personal vision of beauty and art.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

Sometimes dreamlike, in any case it is a constant search for beauty not only understood as an aesthetic but also an emotional concept.

Where do you get inspiration from?

There is nothing specific. Sometimes I see an object, a person, a place, an image and ideas start to arrive.

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

Yes, I study my sets carefully because I like to take care of all the details. Sometimes it takes weeks before a project becomes a photo. I start from an initial idea and then choose the outfit, make-up, accessories, props, background whether in the studio or outdoors, the poses and finally the model and the light. Other times, instead, I start with the model and create a set designed specifically for her.

Studio, on location or both?

Both, because they are very different ways and photographic styles

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am in the study phase and for me it is a passion.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Each session is memorable for me because it is always different and tells something different every time. Sometimes I like to have the opportunity to do photo sessions with other friends who have the same passion but a different style for the pleasure of sharing and learning new things.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Canon 5D Mark IV, I use the Canon 24-105 a lot at the moment.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking

to start their own business?

The advice I can give is the same as I am following. To practice a lot, never give up and above all to read a lot not only books on photographic technique but also on photographic history and culture. Because photography is not just technical. To look at different images, refine your taste and above all learn to observe.

What do you think of our new magazine?

There is a lot of quality and lots of ideas for new ideas. Above all, it is a great sharing opportunity and an excellent tool to get to know each other, make yourself known and create new collaborations.

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