INTERVIEW
October 22, 2021
NUANCES OF LIGHT
Photography by Simone Batini
Interview by Karin Svadlenak Gomez
The Italian photographer Simone Batini lives and works in Tuscany, a region known for its landscape beauty and historic old towns. From a young age he developed a passion for photography, and he enjoys capturing the special light that can often be found in the early morning and evening hours in his region. He is especially interesting in the changes that take place in society, where today people practice ancient crafts even as modern times have taken hold. In our magazine, we present his story about the traditional artisans of Tuscany, captured in Simone's signature style that emphasises a realistic look, but whenever possible includes a special light and mood.
“I find inspiration through the research of what I prefer to photograph, from nature that changes with the seasons, to the life of people who through work and crafts have evolved over the years, but also in the present continue to maintain ancient traditions.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH SIMONE BATINI
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Simone please tell us about yourself. How did you become interested in photography?
SIMONE BATINI: I live in Italy in the Tuscany region. I have been passionate about photography for years, since I was a child. I have always tried to immortalize through images what struck me the most. Growing up and with the arrival of digital photography, I have tried to learn more and more, and to date, I think I have achieved a good skill level, through the study of light, composition and the search for specific projects.
TPL: Where do you find inspiration?
SB: I find inspiration through the research of what I prefer to photograph, from nature that changes with the seasons, to the life of people who through work and crafts have evolved over the years, but also in the present continue to maintain ancient traditions. I love to tell all this through my photographs, with the search for the light and atmosphere that strikes me most to best convey my photographic vision. In recent years, I have been dedicating myself to enhancing my areas with both landscape shots and reportage, always with the great passion for photography that I have since childhood.
TPL: Do you have a favourite type of photography? In this instance, we present your stunning landscape photographs and, separately, a documentary about artisans in Tuscany. What is your purpose in taking these photos?
SB: I like almost all photographic genres, personally I take a very natural and truthful photograph, for my shots I prefer the landscape and reportage genre, however I also practice other genres such as macro and street.
The series of photographs entitled TEMPI PASSATI (TIMES PAST)* was born from my idea of telling the artisan working realities still present in my territory.
Regarding the landscape series, the first genre that I practiced and to which I am much attached, it is a real thrill to wake up early in the morning and try to capture the nuances of dawn with the mists and above all, with the warm light that follows. It transmits to me positive sensations, through this I try to show the places that are most dear to me, with the same search for light even at nightfall. I love the last hours of the day and I hope to experience these positive sensations for many days of my life.
Editor's Note: Read the story by Simone via the link below.
TPL: Does the equipment you use help you realize your vision in your photography? What camera do you use? Do you have a favourite lens/focal length?
SB: I have been using Nikon cameras for years, currently Nikon D610 and Nikon Z50. My favourite lenses are the 24-120 f4 and the 16-50 f3.5/5.6, and also a prime lens of 20mm and a 90mm, which are both f2.8.
TPL: What are some of your goals as an artist or photographer? Where do you hope to see yourself in five years?
SB: My goals are to maintain the level I have reached and if possible improve it in small steps. In five years, I hope to be still in the field, always engaged in new photographic projects, the hope and the dream of transforming this passion into a real job never fades, but I am aware that today it is difficult to become noticed among many photographers, and I still have a lot to learn.