Researched by Roberta Pastore
EMILIO BARILLARO
Going back in time, how did your passion for photography and how you facing in the professional world?
Was born in a very random fashion . During Christmas time of a few years ago I found under the tree an SLR and since then I have spent every day of my life studiyng, experimenting and learning everything about this world. I’m just made like that… if something I’m passionate about I have to learn everything that concerns it. Lately I was slightly slowing down the studio and I was almost exclusively devoted to my projects , when my friend Francesco Costantini (professional tempting devil), forced me to get back to studying opening a new world in front of my eyes: that of analogue photography . A few days ago I made my first print in the darkroom and now I will have to spend the next years learning everything on this topic . Damn him … As for the second part of the question I do not have much to say because I’m not a professional , though I have occasionally done some work on commission, but a person who is simply have a lot of fun.
How do you manage the use of color and b / w in your photos?
At the beginning of my journey was obviously a 360 degree research; Therefore, I alternated color and black and white constantly. Slowly and naturally I’ve preferred more black and white; today the color in my mind does not even exist. The world for me become in black and white, and also my images become more “dirty” over time.
What type of machine you use to shoot?
In digital I’m shooting with a FujiFilm X100S and in analog with an Olympus Mju II. Two small, quiet, and with excellent quality cameras that I always carry with me.
When you take, you have an image in mind?
Projects the finished image before the implementation or your pictures are the result of a reflection in post-production?
If I had to plan my shots I would not be a photographer. I would not have fun at all because I would miss what I think makes the photograph fascinating and intriguing: the unexpected. I only snap candid shots. What I’m trying to do in the last period of time, is thiking not only on single shots but on projects (though perhaps, as shots are not planned, it would be more correct to call them “series”), in which I give myself a theme and then try to find situations / moments that they can feel good inside this theme. When I feel inside me that that project is finished, I do a rigorous selection and try to put the shots in a sequence.
What determines the success or failure of a photo?
For the approach that I use the success is determined by the meeting of three factors: eye, readiness and opportunity. But this is not always sufficient, because a picture has to be also a good composition and above all a content that conveys something to the beholder. Whatever it may be, from the most positive to the most negative.
What training did you follow? Who inspired you?
I am a self-taught but I have attended some workshops, among which the most important for me was the one held by Joel Meyerowitz at Cortona On The Move Festival last year. My main inspiration is Trent Parke, my absolute favorite photographer. Obviously there is not only him but many other great masters such as Lee Friedlander, Anders Petersen, Mark Cohen, Robert Frank …
