Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in photography. What inspired you to start taking photos?
I’m Marco and I was born in Vicenza, the city of Palladio and for about seven years I lived and worked in Milan.
I took my first photographs in 2006 with an analog camera –given to me by my father– which I still use today. It was love at the first shot. Keeping and observing the negatives was something unique, an emotion that I will never forget and that I still try when I go to withdraw the negatives.
I’m a self-taught photographer even if I followed some courses and assisted for short periods several photographers.
The most important experience, however, was the inspiration received from young age. Growing immersed in photographic magazines and observing the slides of my father’s work trips of suggestive places has lit in me a profound curiosity that still pushes me to do this job.
Can you tell us about the techniques and equipment that you consider essential for your work?
Although trivial, first of all, a pair of comfortable and waterproof shoes cannot be missing, essential to all conditions. I always carry with me colored tape, which is very useful in many situations and my light meter.
I love to shoot in analog, especially outdoor or with soft and diffused light. I use medium format and 35mm cameras, so I always have several color rolls with me.
For commercial projects, I use a Sony A7R4 combined with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens that guarantees me versatility and quality in details.
Can you share an interesting or unusual anecdote you’ve experienced while taking photos?
During one of my first photo shoots, I was taking portraits to an artist at his home. At one point, he asked me for a break and he retired to the bedroom. Taking advantage of the moment, I changed the setup of the lights. When everything was ready, I called him but at that moment I had no answer.
Intrigued and a little bit worried, I went to check him, with my surprise, I found him deeply asleep! A scene that I still remember today with a smile. It was one of those moments that, in a certain sense, I would really define rock n’roll.
What inspires you when creating new images? Do you have a ritual or creative process you follow to find inspiration?
Very important for me is travelling, meeting and dialogue with people. Each project requires a different approach, but what is never missing is a depth research phase: explore images on the internet, read books, watch videos and movies, keep in your mind all.
However, when I am on the set, I try to free myself from everything I have seen and studied. I prefer to let myself be guided by the moment, without following rigid plans, living and capturing the instant as it is. It is a balance between preparation and spontaneity: but allow the impregnated to take over
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received in your career, or what advice would you like to share with our readers?
One of the most useful tips I can give is to invest in a pair of comfortable and resistant waterproof shoes. It may seem like a trivial detail, but they “saved my life” on more than one occasion. I remember an episode of a few years ago, around 28-29 December, during check on location in Liguria.
The place I had found on Internet, after days of research on Google Maps, proved to be much more impervious than expected. I found myself climbing a mountain, but at a certain point I found no more holds. Thanks to my Blundstone and a firm hand, I managed to avoid a bad fall.
My advice is to study well the position you want to shoot before leaving and, if you see danger signs, do not ignore them!
Another important thing is to train the photographic eye: shoot as much as possible every day or, at least, carefully observe what surrounds you. And never forget to bring some extra rolls with you, you never know!
What would you ask your favourite photographers? What would you like to know about them?
What was the decisive and important moment of their careers?
Recommend us the Instagram account of an artist that you like their work.
http://www.instagram.com/mattiabalsamini
