Interview: Photographer Mario Palma (Ph Mario’5) (Italy)
- Modellenland
- 1 dag geleden
- 8 minuten om te lezen
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am Mario Palma, a photographer from Taranto. I capture unique moments with my lens,
signing my works as Mario'5, a tribute to my first son, born in 2005.
How and when did you start getting into photography?
I still remember the feeling of wonder I felt as a child, the first time I saw my father's Kodak
rangefinder camera. That somewhat retro shape, the sturdy metal body, seemed almost
magical to me. And then there were the photographs: the black and white ones, with their intense contrasts and slightly nostalgic atmospheres, transported me to distant worlds, the result of my father's business trips.
Over the years, that simple curiosity turned into a deeper and deeper passion. Seeing my brother buying his first CONTAX, with the first wages he earned, and starting shooting withfriends was like a spark that ignited something inside me. His photos, full of life and energy, showed me a new way of seeing the world.
When I could finally afford my first SLR, a Minolta X300, it was like a dream come true. I still remember the excitement of holding the camera, of composing the first shot, of pressing the shutter button. Since then, photography has become an integral part of my life, a way to express myself, to capture the most beautiful moments, to tell stories.
Briefly describe your photographic style to our readers.
My photographic style is a tribute to timeless elegance combined with the vibrant energy of the contemporary fashion world. I am inspired by the great masters of photography, such as Edward Steichen and Helmut Newton, who captured the essence of feminine beauty with unparalleled mastery.
In my work, I try to combine the elegance of the past with the modernity of the present. I use sophisticated lighting techniques and dynamic poses to create images that are both refined and contemporary. Fashion, for me, is a universal language that allows us to express our personality and creativity. Through my photographs, I want to celebrate feminine beauty in all its forms, enhancing the strength, independence and sensuality of the modern woman.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography, a universal language that transcends language and cultural barriers, invites us to start an extraordinary journey. Through the lens, we can catapult ourselves to faraway places, relive past moments and connect with people from all over the world. Each shot is a window to the soul, a moment frozen in time that allows us to capture the deepest essence of reality. Whether it is an intense portrait, a breathtaking landscape or a simple everyday object, each image is a unique work of art, capable of evoking emotions and provoking reflection. Through photography, we can explore complex topics, document significant events and raise awareness of important issues. Photography is a research tool, a way to investigate reality and to give a voice to those who have none.
But photography is also a deeply personal experience. It is a way to connect with oneself, to express one's emotions and to find a sense of inner peace. Sharing your photographs with others is a beautiful way to make connections, to inspire others and to build a community of enthusiasts. It is a universal language that unites us all, regardless of our differences."
Where do you get your inspiration from?
At the beginning of my photographic journey, I was obsessed with technical perfection. Every shot had to be flawless, perfectly composed, with the right light and exposure parameters. I was looking for the perfect photo, the one that followed all the rules to the letter. Over the years, however, I have realised that photography is much more than just a technique. It is a way to express oneself, to tell stories, to excite. I started looking for a personal visual language, a unique way of seeing the world and conveying it through my images.
Today, inspiration no longer comes only from the search for technical perfection, but from the desire to excite, to provoke, to leave a mark. I try to capture the essence of things, emotions, atmospheres. I want my photographs to be an invitation to reflect, to dream, to feel.
My age, in this sense, has been a valuable ally. Over the years, I have become more aware of myself and the world around me. I have learnt to value imperfection, to find beauty in small things. And I have realised that the most beautiful photography is that which comes from one's own maturity.
Do you think in advance about what you want to appear in the image?
When I set out to make an image, I always have a vision in mind, an idea of what I would like the end result to look like. It is like a dream taking shape in my mind, an emotion I want to convey. But photography is a collaborative art, and this initial vision is only the starting point of a dialogue.
A dialogue is established with my staff, with the model, with the surroundings. The initial idea is a seed that is planted, but it is in comparison with others that sprouts and grows. The model, with her expressiveness and personality, adds a fundamental piece to the puzzle. The make-up artist, the stylist, the set designer: everyone brings their own contribution, enriching the image with their creativity.
And then there is the environment, the external context. Light, colours, textures: these are elements that profoundly influence the final result. Sometimes, reality exceeds our expectations, surprises us with unexpected details, offers us opportunities we had not foreseen. It is in these moments that photography becomes a magical experience, a creative adventure.
Photography, for me, is a continuous balance between vision and reality. It is the ability to translate an abstract idea into a concrete image, to capture the essence of a moment, to create a lasting emotion. It is a constant dialogue between myself and the world around me, a journey to discover beauty.
Do you prefer working in the studio, outdoors or both?
Depending on the message I want to convey, I choose to immerse myself in the intimacy of the studio or lose myself in the vastness of nature.
The studio is my laboratory, the place where I can control every aspect of the scene: the light, the background, the pose of the model. Here I seek perfection, purity of colour. I want every detail of the garment to be maximised, the beauty of the fabric and the complexity of the shapes to be enhanced. It is in the studio that I can create refined, elegant images that celebrate the static beauty of things.
But photography is not just studying. There is another part of me that yearns for freedom, for the unpredictability of nature. Outdoors, I feel free to experiment, to play with natural light, to capture the essence of the model in her context. I love to blend the beauty of women with the power ofnature, to create images that tell stories, that arouse emotions.
Ultimately, both the studio and the outdoors offer me unique opportunities to express my creativity. It is like having two different brushes with which to paint reality: one precise and detailed, the other freer and more spontaneous. The choice always depends on my mood, the
message I want to communicate and the subject in front of me.
Do you consider yourself a hobbyist or a professional?
I do not live from photography, yet I feel that it is a fundamental part of my life. This distance from the professional world gives me a creative freedom that I consider precious. Without the pressure of having to meet a client's demands, I can devote myself to the search for a personal visual language, free of constraints and conventions.
I love experimenting with new techniques, new styles, new approaches. Every shot is an opportunity to learn something new, to improve, to evolve. I believe that this hobbyist attitude of mine allows me to keep my passion and curiosity alive. I never tire of exploring new subjects, playing with light, composing images in an original way. Photography is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and joy for me.
What was the session you enjoyed the most and why?
It is really difficult to choose a favourite photo session. Throughout all these years, I have been lucky enough to work with extraordinary people, models who have inspired me and with whom I have shared unique moments.
I always try to capture the essence of each person in front of me, their unique and authentic beauty. And I must say that in every session I have found something special, something that moved me. Perhaps that is why I find it so difficult to choose a favourite. All the people I have worked with have contributed to creating a magical atmosphere of professionalism, complicity and mutual respect. Their trust in me allowed me to experiment, to dare, to always seek new challenges.
And this is precisely what I am passionate about in photography: the constant research, the desire to discover new worlds, to create images that excite and remain in the heart. I am grateful to all the people who have been part of this journey and I am sure that the next sessions will be just as beautiful and unforgettable.
Nikon or Canon? Which lens do you prefer?
Nikon for more than 30 years. 85mm f1.8
What advice would you give to a new photographer who wants to start their own
business?
Starting a photography business is a dream for many, but it requires commitment, passion and determination. The first fundamental thing is a strong passion for photography. Without a true vocation, it will be difficult to overcome the difficult moments that will inevitably arise. In the beginning, results may not be immediate. It is important to be aware that the road to success is often long and winding. It will take time, dedication and sacrifice to become known and established in the market.
The key to success lies in being able to adapt and keep up with the times. The world of photography is constantly evolving, so it is essential to keep up to date with new technologies, market trends and customer needs. Maturity is another key element. Knowing how to manage one's finances, building a network of contacts and communicating effectively with customers are skills that will make all the difference.
Remember: the greatest satisfaction is not just financial success, but the personal fulfilment of having turned your passion into a job. With commitment and dedication, the rewards you deserve will also come.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I would like to thank the editors very much for selecting me for this interview. It is an honour
to be part of such a prestigious and well-edited magazine. I hope that my shots and my interview can find a special place in your pages. Working with your editorial team has been a very enriching experience. I greatly admire your work and your ability to enhance the work of photographers. I believe that a successful magazine is the result of a synergy between editors, photographers and readers. I am sure that this magazine will continue to be a benchmark for the industry.
