INTERVIEW
July 30, 2020
THE URBAN RELATIONSHIP
Photography by Tommaso Carrara
Interview by Melanie Meggs
London is a bustling city full of life and color, stories and secrets. But beneath the hustle and bustle, a different side of the city emerges for those lucky enough to capture it with the right lens. Tommaso Carrara is one such photographer who has captured the hidden beauty and emotion of London's streets through his ongoing project of capturing silhouettes of people in the cityscape. As a security engineer by day, Tommaso spends his free time exploring London, camera in hand, seeking to capture a meaningful and mysterious representation of the human figure within the urban environment. His images are a stunning celebration of the human form and London's unique beauty. Join us as we explore the world of Tommaso Carrara and gain insight into his ongoing project of capturing the relationship between people and their environment.
Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect. - Vince Lombardi
“Not only I am a perfectionist at heart, but I am also a firm believer that, besides from exceptional cases, most of us have pretty much the same capabilities. As such, in order to succeed, it is up to us to find what our skills are, understand them and improve as we go along.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH TOMMASO CARRARA
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Tommaso, when did you start getting interested in photography?
TOMMASO CARRARA: I have always liked beautiful photographs, but I have never been interested in 'making' photographs. Until December 2018 when, following the end of a relationship, I felt the need to investigate my inner thoughts and try to somehow explain what was going on. This is when I bought myself a proper camera and began self-learning about how to actually operate it.
TPL: Where do you find your inspiration to photograph?
TC: Most of the times I find my inspiration just by walking the streets, in search of it. Some other times, depending on my emotions, I may look at the surrounding with different eyes as well. Last but not least, masters of photography are also a very important starting point when it comes to inspiration.
TPL: Is there anything you want to express through your photography? What are some of the elements you always try to include in your photographs?
TC: I do not generally follow a specific pattern while shooting as I tend to freeze a moment/person/situation that inspires me. I believe that inspiration may come from a variety of elements such as light, shadow, mood, feelings that cross my path. Therefore there is no such thing as a scheme of elements that I always include in my photography. At the same time, I cannot really say what I want to express through my photography. Often I do not even know what I am trying to communicate myself in the first place, and I would prefer not to influence the viewer. What I really care about is knowing that the viewer comes up with their own interpretation, which I think is the ultimate meaning of any form of art.
TPL: What is your process when you are out photographing the street?
TC: Generally, when shooting the streets, I am open to pretty much everything that draws my attention. As such, I do follow a limited number of patterns, but amongst these are surely trying to be stealthy and work the scene and wait for the right situation to present itself.
TPL: Do you prefer to photograph alone or with friends?
TC: I prefer to photograph alone for mainly because I see photography as a very intimate moment which also requires concentration and the lack of distractions.
TPL: What is your preferred lens/focal length?
TC: My go-to lens is the Fujinon 35mm 1.4f (50mm in full-frame terms) as it allows me to shoot in low light situations and at the same time keep some distance from the subject.
My passion for photography started as a way of investigating myself after a key moment of my life.
TPL: Who are your favourite artists/photographers?
TC: My favourite photographers are Henri Cartier-Bresson, Joel Meyerowitz, Saul Leiter and Vivian Maier. Saul Leiter probably being the one who most inspired my style.
TPL: Has your style of photographing changed since you first started?
TC: Indeed my style of photographing has changed since I first started, and I expect it to keep changing with time. For instance, I used to shoot a tad wider but I seem to like narrower now. Additionally, it is not only the focal length, but especially the way I compose the photo. Now I am a little more careful and strive to as much as I can in camera, without the need to work too much on post.
TPL: Where is your favourite place to photograph?
TPL: What are some of your goals as an artist? Where do you hope to see yourself in five years?
TC: My passion for photography started as a way of investigating myself after a key moment of my life. As this is not a source of income, I feel that I have the freedom to follow this path at my own pace. However, I do not exclude that photography may become for me a full-time commitment.
TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on?
TC: I have been working on two projects currently "Rough Details" (a collection of my favourite photographs from urban environments across the world in the form of silhouettes) and "Looking out of the window" (photo-series aims at documenting the many different ways people immerse themselves in their thoughts during this very intimate moment)
TPL: If I wasn't photographing what would I be doing?...
TC: Probably spending more time typing on a computer.
Tommaso Carrara is a talented photographer who captures the essence of the human body and its relationship with the urban environment. His art is meaningful and captivating, and his ability to portray the beauty of the human form within his shots is truly remarkable. To view more of Tommaso's work, follow the links below and experience the beauty of his photography for yourself.
