Interview
Massimo Zanetti
Massimo is a professional photographer who grew up in Milan, Italy. As a child, he loved spending his days outdoors, playing and exploring.
Massimo discovered photography just over 10 years ago and immediately fell in love with portraiture, which is now his passion. Massimo loves people, and likes capturing images that will make his audience want to discover more about human beings.
He travels a lot, always with his favorite camera, and brings home memories immortalized in his amazing photographs.
Massimo has contributed photos in different magazines and online sites and has received awards from several contests.
When he’s not too busy, Massimo teaches photography. He believes that alongside teaching the art of photography, his students will also develop a deeper love and respect for human beings.
What is your background and how did you start your journey?
“I started out in the photography world more than 10 years ago as a portrait freelancer. I’ve learned a lot about the emotional side of the job—bringing out the feelings of every subject, describing their emotions, and passing on their message, as they are not always able to do so.
In order to expand my experience, I passed though real estate, events, and food photography. I wanted to explore the techniques of using light and the camera to produce the result I wanted, while also respecting customer requirements. Gradually, I understood that this wasn’t enough, and that I really wanted to explore my soul and discover the personal messages, feelings, and visions that I wanted to pass on. For this reason, I started different personal projects which I showed in various exhibitions across Europe.”
What inspires you most?
“My inspiration comes from human beings. Over the years, I’ve met a lot of people from all over the world, taking from them both the best and the worst. Looking at them with a great deal of empathy at the way they approach life has helped me to understand and to feel them.
Creating a mood, story, or simple shot is not just a matter of technique. It involves knowing how to manage people, understand their situation, and try to get the best from them.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Over the last few years, I’ve focused on social themes mainly related to what people don’t want to say, or what they prefer to hide. I’ve created a personal world in which a photo needs to pass on all messages that I want the audience to catch, without any limit.
In all my photos, there are two different messages—interpretative messages and what I personally want to pass on. Of course, in most of cases, the two situations don’t go together, which is normal and human.”
“I like the fact that everyone has their personal view. Trying to portray this is what helps me improve as a person and professional.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is a mix of what the client wants and what I want to say. Every shot is a story, every shot has a multiple output, and everything is well thought out. I come completely prepared for every session.
I know what I want and the style I want to apply, but the funny part is that the result is always something different—much more sophisticated and creative. This is highly appreciated and recognized by the client.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I could mention a lot of artists and fantastic photographers, but the only one who really fits in with my view is Peter Hurley. He is able to ‘study’ a person in a few minutes and give an exceptional output very quickly. It’s amazing how he’s able to give priority to the human being rather than the technique.”
What is your creative process like?
“Before performing any project, I prepare myself on what I want to achieve. I know in advance the light to be used, how, and in what way. I like to use Pinterest as a base of the results I want.
When the moment for the shoot arrives, I like to spend some time with the model to create the mood and to establish a relationship where we both trust each other. From that moment on, I completely forget the ‘base’ shot I had created, and instead create my personal view and approach. I adapt myself to what the model can give in that moment, as forcing something is a waste of time and brings about bad results. I ensure there are positive vibes and conducive conditions to make things happen the way I want.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Today, artists are relegated to their world. Most people think that tangible results are best as they help meet the monetary target faster. The result is that we’re losing the artistic side of our soul; our childlike approach. We prefer to have something ready as soon as possible, instead of taking the time to think on how to achieve it and in what way.
Over the last few years, and especially after the pandemic situation, this trend has started changing. We’ve begun placing more value on human and creative aspects. This is really important, and I trust this will continue and will be the evolution of our mindset, AI excluded.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve joined different personal and collective exhibitions in many cities, mainly related to my main project on Violence Against Women. The main exhibitions have been in Milan and Louvre, Paris.
I’ve created a virtual exhibition which you can see here.”
Instagram: @eracreaart
