Interview With Rossella Vanon

Words and images by Rossella Vanon - www.rvanonphotography.com

How did you get in to photography?

In an unexpected way! I have always been an art lover, but I also used to be the one hiding away whenever a camera got pulled out of a bag at parties and events, teasing my relatives for taking pictures of everything. Well, now it’s their turn to tease me back! I didn’t study photography, I got closer and closer to it as I met people that talked about this art with such passion in their eyes, that made me fall in love with it a little myself.

How long have you taken photos at this level for?

I have been working in the fashion and beauty industry for a year and a half now, and after a few months of general testing, I focused my photography on fashion and beauty editorials.

Who have you worked for?

Editorially, in this past year I have worked for many magazines from different countries and commercially for several designers both here and in Milan. I have also been running fashion and portrait photography workshops in London, UK. It has been an incredible journey so far, but I’m planning on doing much more in the years to come!

Why do you focus on portraits?

I love shooting full figure fashion, but there is something about close-ups that will always fascinate me. In a way, I think I have the impression that the closer I physically get, the closer I get to see inside the subject; I get to read their eyes and all the emotions that lay underneath their soft shine, never able to come out. The whole picture becomes about trying to get these emotions out somehow, rather than just trying to get a good composition and photograph the clothes well. It’s a challenge, but nothing beats the chills down your spine from looking at a portrait full of emotion.

Photography-wise, I like the composition I can achieve when the subject is close to me and fills the frame, and my never-ending love for detail makes the whole process extremely enjoyable for me.

How would you describe your 'style'?

Ah, hard question. I would say inspired and emotionally present. I like to take pictures that tell stories and stay somehow impressed in your memory as empathic visuals of a fantastic fairytale.

How do you come up with your ideas?

I start with a concept first and then think about the different technical options I have to visually represent it in the most effective, original and personal way. I like to make my subjects walk in the shoes of fantastic characters; make them tell unexpected stories in imaginative environments. The main idea comes first, then I think about the best location, about the styling and about what kind of model would be perfect in that role. Only after the whole story is already built I think about how to photographically represent it and enhance it. Whether I want to shoot with natural or flash light, how intense I would like the poses and the images to be, what lens, aperture and shutter speed I’m planning on using, and so on.

Who and what inspires you?

Music, imagination, little beautiful things in life. Photographs, fairytales, locations, faces and details in general.

What one item (other than your camera and lenses) can you not be without and why?

My mp3 player, without doubts! Music inspires me, it always has. Editing wouldn’t be the same without my music played out loud and some occasional sing-along!

Do you have a favourite location for shooting your portraits?

I don’t have a favourite location, but I really enjoy shooting portraits outdoors and play with natural light, especially when surrounded by nature.

If you had to sum up what you do in a sentence what would you say?

Editorial fashion and beauty photography with a hint of fairytale.


Words and images by Rossella Vanon - www.rvanonphotography.com