The Crestock Interview: Italian Photographer Carlo Dapino
Posted Wednesday, 16 May 2007 by Tormod G. Rossavik in
Interviews,
Inspiration,
Photography
With a portfolio stuffed full of brilliantly lit and gorgeous looking models, we really felt an urge to have a chat with Genova based Carlo.
Where do you get your ideas from?
- I read magazines, browse other stock photographers' portfolios, stock image banks, look at advertising on television and in magazines. I try hard to understand what people wish to buy. My general rule is to watch, watch, watch.
What inspires you?- The works of some of the biggest photographers in the world are the most important source of inspiration for me. There are many I like: David Lachapelle, Jean Baptiste Mondino, Herb Ritts, Helmut Newton, Gianpaolo Barbieri, Mario Testino, Marino Parisotto, I could write a list as long as the queue I stand in every morning going to work. I have a strong passion for photographers who take pics of people and are able to give a photo the same feeling that you can get from watching a movie. But I'll have to be honest, I do take pictures to earn a living, so money is an inspiration too ... sorry
How do you get your models?- Sometimes I use a little model agency, other times it may be friends or friends of friends.
What do you do to make your models feel comfortable in the studio?- Nothing in particular, I have an outgoing nature and I always stay very professional and well mannered. Work is work, but in my opinion they (the models) want to do a good job, and so do I, so usually there's a very good atmosphere during the studio sessions.
Do you do much editing on your images after shooting them?- Yes, In most cases I do. Nowadays buyers want stock images with perfect skin, perfect sky, perfect everything. That's not necessarily what I would want myself, but I feel that I have to. Like I said, money is an issue…
What is your studio equipment?- Well, I use Bowens Flash, about 10 lights with soft boxes etc.
My camera is a Nikon D200 with 14mm, 35mm, 60mm and 105mm lenses. When I need a zoom I use a 80-200mm. I also have a Mamiya 645 Pro with IXpress 22MP digital back and several lenses.
What is your idea of the ultimate photo?The ultimate photo, if I understand the question, is for me when everybody look at your pictures and get a little bit of yourself from it. Like most photographers, I first and foremost have to make a living, but I also photograph because I like to let people understand my approach to the subject, my feelings, my ideas. In every photo, even the worst photo, I believe that you can sense the photographer's presence.
- My father always said: there is nothing you need to keep hidden of yourself, let everybody come in and maybe some of them will become your friends. If you don't show anything of yourself you will be alone, that's for sure.
Thank you Carlo for sharing your thoughts on photography with our readers. Have a look at Carlos's portfolio hereRelated posts:
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