"My photo bag is heavier than me!"... VALENTINA VALLONE.

1Q) Can you please tell us the story behind this portrait? How you took it and why you choose to shoot this person?

I took this picture a couple of weeks ago. I adore the seaside so i decided to go there with my friend Ludovica and shoot some pictures. I took her aback and just clicked! I love to improvise and it’s a very natural thing to do so with her … 

2Q) What photography gear you used here and why? What is usually in your photo bag?

I usually use a digital camera as you can easily revise your shots. 

There’s a an amplitude of goods in my bag: I usually leave home with 4 digital cameras, 2 polaroids, middle size Mamiya, all my films and my tripod! My photo bag is heavier than me!

3Q) What do you love most about shooting portraits?

I’ve always been told that portrait photography was the hardest work but it has been the easiest thing for me from the beginning. I shoot people who are friends of mine…I don’t choose them for their beauty but because I see something of me in them. I love strong expressions, the defiant looks, the shyness and gentleness after a smile. 

4Q) Do you consider yourself mostly as a “portrait” photographer?

I feel like an explorer at the moment more than a photographer… I’m learning a lot of new things and I am applying them to my photography a lot… I hope I’ll be a good photographer one day. I am always saying that shooting “persons” means that I love their faces, their bodies, their glances. 

5Q) Do you work with available light or do you use additional lightning often?

I mostly work a with natural light.

6Q) What/Who are your photography muses and influences?

My muses are the people of my life, my family, my friends. I do not love famous photographers a lot… Their pictures are usually photoshopped a lot. I love those “not famous photographers “ and flickr is a world full of these people who, just like me, express their personalities through photography.

7Q) Any tip for taking better portraits?

Follow your instinct, your aptitude. Always! 

And don’t stop at the first criticism, show your determination and your skills. Let the world feel what your eyes see. 

flickr photostream

Thank You, Valentina!