Enrico Fossati Member Interview
Enrico Fossati / Member Interview
Alessandria, Italy
What inspired you to become a photographer?
My passion for landscapes has always beenvery strong, and I’ve been fascinated by them
in all their forms since I was a young boy, whether photographed or painted. During
my holidays and school trips I took photos because it was important for me to bring
home a piece of each great place that I visited, but it was only at the end of 2008 that I
bought my first DSLR.
Surely one of my greatest sources of inspiration are the movies, I love watch movies especially fantasy and historical but only few of them are released per year know I love to watch them many times. I have forgotten how many times I have watched masterpieces like Gladiator, Braveheart or Lord of the Rings, but sometimes Also less famous movies are a good source of inspiration just for a Particular scenes or for a location. I love to visit locations That Has Been Used as filming location, I remember my visit to Wales to explore the famous Fresh Water West beach or Naspoint where Has Been filmed movies like Robin Hood from Ridley Scott, Harry Potter or Snow White and the Huntsman. It was thrilling!
Always related to the world of the cinema I love to watch the special contents on the making of is nice to see how the great directors has been exploited locations, I was totally amazed by the work of Ridley Scott for the Kingdom of Heaven in Spain. Totally awesome! I collect art books of the movies inside where I can find sketches and conceptual design of many of the locations, is very helpful for understand the power of composition.
Another source of inspiration are painters and artist, surely my "visual Bible" are the works of John Howe, His work is amazing, and I grew with his paintings. John before becoming one the greatest conceptual designer of the world thanks to his job related to Lord of the Rings it was a freelance painter and his works Has Been Used for many fantasy books and games, so every time I see one Those painting is just like an awakening of my most sweet memories of early youth. Besides John That is particularly linked to my past I love the paintings of many famous painters from the past like: William Turner, John Constable, Alber Bierstadt, Thomas Cole, Caspar David Friedrich, Karl Schinkel Their works it was simply astonishing, I can spend hours in watching all the details of Their masterpieces. All photographer landscapers or not the I think they should spend a little of time watching the work of the masters of painting for understand the framing, how to use the colors and light. It is very important and it was very helpful for me.
Be able to capture and reproduce scenes that have impressed me and be able to communicate my emotions through my art is the thing that inspired me and keeps pushing me to do better
Tell us about your first photo that really validated your interest as a photographer.
The first picture that has been very important at the beginning of my photographic journey was a picture taken during a spring day in the forests of Appennino Tosco Emiliano with my dear friend and mate Stefano Baglioni. I have found close to the path an old curved beech and I have taken many picture because its shapes were very dramatic and photogenic. I have published after some months that picture on the socials channels and everybody loved that picture. After a little time, I have been contacted by a popular English photography magazine to be featured and published. I have been crazy for the happiness, after some months I have shot a lucky series of works in the French alps that helped me a lot to be more popular and for start some business partnership that are still active today.
Back when you were just starting out, what was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome that?
What do you enjoy photographing the most?
The most rewarding activity for me is to explore an unknown area and find something that I feel mine, the satisfaction for me is enormous, is my will to create something. I think is my way to paint, I am not able to paint like a painter and catch a hidden spot somewhere in the Alps and successfully realize my vision is like for a painter paint his canvas. Usually I avoid to shoot iconic locations I mainly follow my research, this is not good for business, is more easy be popular and sell works based on some very top locations but are choices. I am determined to continue my visual path.
What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?
I have been proud of my work many times, but I think the greatest moment in recent years was when I have been nominated member of the Jury of two of the biggest competitions in the world Trierenberg Super Circuit and Al-Thani Awards. The first time I was just an enthusiast amateur photographer awarded the year before in a minor category of the same completion. Be in charge to judge many many brilliant artists and professionals was a true honor and I am proud of it.
How do you feel photography has impacted the way you see the world?
Photography has impacted a lot in my way to see the world, actually I am unable to watch a location without thinking how to take a picture, or watching a movie without thinking something about color the light etc... Is like an addiction LOL. I am deeply influenced by fantasy art and I love to imagine the locations that I find on the road with the most epic conditions possible... Is so funny but sometimes when I talk with some friend that is with me I appear a little weird
What is your best photography related tip?
Plan and prepare Study the location in
detail, using maps and online resources.
Find a style Ignore the trends and
photograph what you really like.
Arrange the frame Spend time finding
good compositions. I have seen
hundreds of photos with beautiful light
but very boring compositions.
Edit your images Improve your postproduction
skills to boost the potential
of your photos.
Be original When shooting familiar
locations, make use of varying weather
conditions. Rain, fog and frost, for
example, will all show the landscape in
a new way.
What are some ‘must have’ items in your camera bag?
I always have a lot of distance to cover, so I try to carry only essential equipment to keep it all as light as possible. The most important pieces that are always with me are a wide-angle lens, the Nikon 14-24mm, a sturdy tripod, and a polariser. For capturing scenes in the woods in rainy conditions I use an umbrella. I also carry a 24-70mm lens, a 70-200mm f4, ND filters, extra clothing layers, waterproof equipment, trekking poles, and a headlamp for returning to the car after sunset.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what is the ONE photography book you would want to have with you?
Wow this is not an easy answer, I have read many books. My favorite is a book on the composition “Mastering Photographic Composition” by Alain Briot. A great book very helpful in developing the compositing skills. Is easy well written with many many clear examples
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