Interview: Photographer Maria Sipala (Italy)

Can you tell us a little about you? My name is Maria and I was born in 1981 in Catania, Sicily; I live in Palagonia, a small town where I work as employment consultant but every scraps of free time is for my visceral passion: photography! I am part of the photographic association Art’è Fotografia that organizes exhibitions, courses and workshops, etc.

How and when did you get into photography? I have always loved photography, I get into it since childhood, thanks to my father who involved me in the family shots. For seven years now, I take photography more seriously, attending professional courses and doing practice. I always have my camera with me because every moment is good to shoot.

What does photographymean to you?

To me photography is pure therapy! When I take photos I literally forget the world and when I hold my reflex I can show who I really am. It puts every piece of me back together. I love to shoot to create memories, stories, it makes me savour the eternal.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I’m mainly a portraitist who is looking for emotions to capture, that’s why I like to define my photography style emotional. I love to depict the soul of the people I portray…I look for it in the eyes, in a moment, a gesture, in a smile, in that imperceptible moment that makes the difference and reveals who you are. My ambition is to photograph the inside even when I shoot a glamour or a nude. I also love the street photographer very much. Color or balck and white depends on my mood of the moment.

Where do you get inspiration from?.

I take inspiration from all the book I read, from the music I listen to, from everything I live.

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

It depends on the type of job or project I have to do. However, also when there’s to be organized before, I always rely on the unexpected. I love to be surprised, the essence of the photography is all there…and often when you see the photos you realize that just the photos born in that moment that are the best.

Studio, on location or both?

Absolutely both.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional? I am an hobbyist, I shoot for passion even if it happened occasionally to do it for work.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

The most memorable session was definetely can shoot on the street during a walk with Reza Deghati. But another one concerns my very intimate self-portraits, shooting myself affected me deeply. Moreover, the other session I carry in my heart and I will always remember is about an emotional shooting with a very expressive model. She was able to take you to another dimension, to an extraordinary and indelible world. If I think about it I’ll go back ther for how strong and touching it was.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens? I’ve got a Nikon D750. The lens I prefer for portraits is 85 mm sigma 1.4 and 50 mm Nikon. However prime lenses.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business? Always follow the heart, make the difference revealing emotions, always study and always experience new visions and styles.

What do you think of our new magazine? I think it’s a magazine full of extraordinary talents and beautiful images and contents…It’s often a source of inspiration, a real pleasure for the eyes. It’s really well done in style and communication. I’m really happy to be part of it today in my own small way…thank you very much for this opportunity. .

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