1 year ago

Interview with fashion photographer Francesco Bertola

I met Francesco for the first time when we were in high school. Since then I’ve seen him pursuing his passion for photography with commitment, determination and hard work. In his photographs there’s something that compels the eye to dwell on the image a little longer; an untold story, a whispered secret, an undisclosed treasure. This is what I feel when I look at his work. So I am really honored that he found the time to answer my questions.

Hi Francesco, can you tell us how your love for photography started?

My love for photography began during my adolescence when, after finishing art school, I discovered for the first time the possibility of using this instrument to express a clear and personal point of view of reality. I was totally enthralled by the possibility of expressing my thoughts and feelings drawing on elements outside of my inner world such as lights, matter, space, movement and body.

What’s the thing you love most about photography?

The thing I love most about photography is the possibility to penetrate the surface of the observed object. An image has, like all art productions, various levels, which can be more or less complex. Whenever I take a photo of a person, an action or a landscape, I have to really live it to be able to tell the tale and synthesize it into a single image. A successful shot for me is one that not only stimulates one’s sense of vision but all the other senses too; this can only be obtained through honesty and respect.

What is the challenge about fashion photography? How is it different from, for example, landscape or street photography?

What I want to do, using photography, is to bring a story to life. This has to be done in one single moment without losing the intensity and the incisiveness of that moment; this is one of the biggest problems a photographer has to face. Every street, landscape and reportage has their own specific story to tell and their own dignity. A fashion object in itself, even though it may be beautiful, doesn’t necessarily have these qualities; you need to give it a story. This is the challenge that everybody working on a photographic set has to face, they must interpret, translate and establish a connection.

Where does your inspiration come from? Do you have any favorite photographer at the moment?

My inspiration comes from multiple sources: the people I socialize with, the web, the media and above all the world around me. The photographers I respect are many, but in the world of photography my great masters are Richard Avedon and Irving Penn.

Can you tell us something about your future plans or a dream project you would like to carry out?

My most ambitious project is to continue working with passion and curiosity. I consider photography not only a profession but most importantly an opportunity to understand the reality that surrounds me.

What suggestion would you give to an aspiring photographer?

Passion, determination, curiosity as well as a lot of humility…

What do you think as a professional photographer of the Lensblr-network?

It is an intelligent and free platform that provides great visibility, I think it is a great instrument for anyone who is interested in photography both amateur and professional.

If you want to know more about Francesco Bertola’s work, go and check out the following links!

Tumblr: http://francescobertola.tumblr.com/

Website:http://www.francescobertola.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/francesco.bertola482

An interview by Sara Tomiolo

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Interview with fashion photographer Francesco Bertola