Modellenland
- 28 sep. 2021

Interview: Photographer Monica Irma Ricci (Italy)

Can you tell us a little about you? My name is Monica Irma Ricci and I am an independent photographer born in 1973 in Rome. After obtaining a degree in Sociology, a specialization in socio-statistical research and some work experiences that did not satisfy me, I decided to dedicate myself to photography. I like photographing people and dancers. During my travels, I like taking photos of landscapes. How and when did you get into photography? Photography has always been part of my education. I discovered it during my high school and university years but my first professional approach to photography is recent, when a friend of mine asked me to photograph her little girl because she liked my photos. What does photography mean to you?

Since I was a child, I have always been attracted by people's faces and eyes and by dancers. Photography was a discovery, where I felt from the beginning a deep connection and through which I can truly express myself and enter into connection with the people portrayed in my photos Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers. I am a portrait and a dancer photographer. The focus of my photography is always the faces, the eyes of people, their expression and the movement of bodies. To this I also combine my passion for vintage (clothes, furniture, etc.) and black and white photography. Where do you get inspiration from? Present and past great photographers such as Peter Lindbergh, Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz inspires me. I also follow Italian photographers like Paolo Roversi, Tina Modotti, Oliviero Toscani, Settimio Benedusi and I attended the workshop of Eolo Perfido. Do you think in advance what you want in the picture? Yes, almost always. A photo starts from an idea that I try to realize. To take a photo I have to organize set, lights, clothes, accessories, colors, makeup, etc.

I often look for images as a starting point and from there I rework my idea. Often during the shooting there is an unexpected idea that takes me in another direction, full of surprises. Studio, on location or both? I prefer to photograph in the studio, where I have fewer distractions. When I work with dancers, I often decide to shoot in abandoned locations or taking advantage of the beauty that the landscape where I live offers to me. Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional? A professional photographer with the heart full of enthusiasm. What has been your most memorable session and why? This is a difficult question. Every shooting is remembered for different reasons: for the new things that I learn; for people who decide to rely on me for their portrait; for some mistakes that will be avoided in the next shooting. Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens? I use Canon, because my first digital SLR was Canon. For portrait basically use 85mm and 105mm and the other lenses depending on the shooting. What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business? Follow your heart, what you feel. Believe in yourself and ignore criticisms. Study the great photographers and try to create your own photographic style. What do you think of our new magazine? I think it's fantastic because it gives visibility even to minor photographers by focusing on quality. A magazine that supports you. Thank you.