Interview: Photographer Andrea Varlaro (Italy)
Can you tell us a little about you?
I'm a 32 years old guy living in Rome, Italy. I studied communication science and i actually have an archivist job in a historical foundation in the EUR dictrict of Rome, in my free time i dedicate myself to photography.
How and when did you get into photography?
As a youth, i was interested in art and creativity. I was a huge fan of fantasy stuff like role games, sci-fi movies and when i was a kid i used to read/watch many sick manga and anime. I've always been in love with cool images and fantastic universes and growing up i decided to learn photography from self-taught.
What does photography mean to you?
I took my very first Nikon camera six years ago. (and in my first years i shot many crap images!!!) Photography for me is a perfect way to tell stories and to know new interesting people, i love to talk with others. My goal is to improve month by month my photography skills in order to add emotion and feelings to my images.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I really like clean images and cinematic atmosphere, i'm not a huge fan of extreme digital retouching, i prefer to study light conditions of every shot i have in my mind.
At the moment i'm focusing my production into storytelling, portraits and outdoor photography.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I have so many inspirational artists in my mind.. I love so bad Tim Burton and Wes Anderson movies and i usually read a lot of books about '900 Avant-Garde Art, i like to take inspiration from other fields such design and architecture.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
I like to prepare a mood board to simplify my work and to have a clear idea of the composition and the colors of the images that i want to shoot, but i always keep in mind that is very important to quickly adapt myself to changes that may occur (such weather changes in outdoor sessions).
Studio, on location or both?
I prefer on location, but sometimes i work in studio.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Actually photography is my side hustle, maybe in the future i will be able to make it my main job.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
Recently i shot a very challenging editorial project called "Kingdom" , with a cool fashion designer (Yevgeniya Rudyk), we made three different sets in three different locations (working hard for one month). I loved so bad the project, i had the opportunity to work with a super talented team (Federica Zongoli was our model and Ludovica Marini our make up artist), and it was a great experience.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
I shoot with Nikon cameras, and my fav lens are 35mm and 50mm f/1.4
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Never stop exploring new ideas, curiosity is an important trait of an artist.
Curious people always ask questions and search for answers in their minds.
Their minds are always active. Since the mind is like a muscle which becomes stronger through continual exercise, the mental exercise caused by curiosity makes your mind stronger and stronger.
What do you think of our new magazine?
It's a nice project, i really appreciate the fact that you are taking the time to interact with artists, demostrating that you actually care. I wish you all the best!
