Interview: Photographer Alan Pasotto (Italy)
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Sure, I'm an Italian from a little town at the north of the country, on board with Austria. I was born in 1979, and I'm a photographer for passion on my free time. Well, as a hobbyist photographer, I first got into photography when I was around 20 years old. My mother had a Nikon film camera, and I was always intrigued by it. I started playing around with it and taking some shots, and I was amazed at how they turned out. I accidentally damaged the camera, so I ended up having to buy my mom a new one, which was a Nikon 750. She left it to me, and I started shooting more and more, until I eventually upgraded to a full-frame camera and started taking photography more seriously.
What does photography mean to you?
For me, photography is a way to select the people I want to spend my time with. It's a way to recharge my batteries and remove the stress from my daily routine. I like to shoot humans, particularly women with strong characters, fit bodies, and fierce sights. They don't necessarily have to fit the conventional standards of beauty, but they should be unique and interesting. I also like to shoot androgynous men. I love to go close and shoot details, and I prefer outdoor or multi-light studio shoots. Portraits are my favorite type of photography.
Can you describe your photography style for our readers?
I get a lot of inspiration from the work of other photographers. I'm inspired by the style of David Bellemere for the poses and outfits, the black and white images of Russell James, and the use of light by Paolo Roversi. I also get inspired by close-up portraits in the movies of Sergio Leone. When I'm planning a shoot, I create detailed mood boards, prepare the outfits, and ask the models to prepare their skin and body for that specific shoot. I share my ideas on concepts with them and try to be as open as possible to their ideas to get inspired by them and create a unique shoot that mixes both of our creative minds.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I create detailed mood boards, prepare the outfits, and ask the models to prepare their skin and body for that specific shoot. I share with them my ideas on concepts and try to be as open as possible to their ideas to get inspired by them and create a unique shoot mixing both our creative minds.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
Yes, I definitely plan out what I want in the picture ahead of time. As I mentioned, I create mood boards and share ideas with the models to ensure that we're all on the same page. However, I'm always open to changing things up on the fly if something unexpected or interesting comes up during the shoot.
Do you prefer studio or on-location shoots, or both?
I prefer shooting on location because I like having space around me and having the ability to use objects and nature around me as an extension of the model's body. I like to incorporate the environment into the shoot as much as possible to create a unique and interesting image.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I consider myself a hobbyist photographer. Photography is something I do for passion in my free time, and I haven't pursued it professionally. However, I do love collaborating with other creatives, and if the opportunity to work on a paid project were to come up, I'd definitely consider it.
What has been your most memorable session, and why?
Sure, one of my favorite photoshoots was with a Japanese model in a studio. We were shooting and suddenly we heard a strong sound. There was a typhoon going on outside. The tower where we were shooting had a rooftop, and we went upstairs to see what was happening. The model took off his clothes and started to dance under the rain surrounded by the strong wind. I grabbed my camera and captured 30 minutes of pure art and innocence. It was a really memorable shoot for me.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
I started with Nikon, so I prefer Nikon. However, I think both brands are great and follow each other in terms of product quality. If I can choose for an Hasselblad, I would. My favorite lenses are the 105mm and 35mm, which give me more satisfaction. For practical reasons, I tend to use the 70-200mm lens almost all the time
Finally, what advice would you give to new photographers who are looking to start their own business?
My advice would be to learn the theory and rules of photography, apply them, and make lots of practice. Once you are familiar with the rules, don't be afraid to break them and be an artist. The most remarkable images are often the ones that break the mold. Also, consistency is key when it comes to building a successful photography business. Reach out to as many potential clients as you can, and don't be afraid to do some free shoots to build your portfolio and reputation. Finally, always be open to learning and growing as a photographer.
https://www.alanpasotto.com/
