Andrea Finocchi
1. Congratulations on winning in the London Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
I dedicate myself entirely to street photography and reportage. I come from a past as a wedding photographer, later I studied in Rome at Officine Fotografiche. My photography takes inspiration from the great masters such as William Klein, Garry Winogrand and Joel Meyerowitz.
2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
My shot is not studied, but improvised, as wherever I go I always carry my camera with me like any good photographer.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
I listen a lot to my instincts and what makes me feel safe at that moment. Looking at the categories, I thought this shot could be suitable for the Abstract session.
4. What first made you pick up a camera?
Like many people, it all started as a game, since the family needed a camera. Since then, I have never stopped taking pictures; all this dates back to about 15 years ago.
5. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
I love street photography, reportage and portraits. But above all, I love spontaneous photography, the one that really tells something and that is born without specific plans.
6. What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
I use a Fujifilm APS-C with fixed lenses, and in most cases, on the street, I shoot in hyperfocal, except when I have to tell stories, and maybe I have more time to set the camera to look for particular effects.
7. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
For me, photography is subjective; everyone has a different approach and feeling to each image. I honestly don't want to make others feel something, but I try to feel something when I shoot. However, I can say that if the observer has emotions when they look at my photographs, I don't mind at all.
8. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
I don't think I had any difficulty; the scene was right in front of me, and I just had to take the shot.
9. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
I like street photography and reportage, because I can then talk to people, especially by learning about their story, giving meaning to my shots and my desire to photograph.
10. Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
Credo Garry Winogrand.
11. What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
I think the only advice before sending photos is to study and take photos endlessly.
12. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Don't be afraid when you come home without a photo, because photography is like fishing.
13. What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
In a single shot, there is no editing flow; in reportage, the meaning is more important sometimes than the magnificent photo in itself.
14. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
I don't want to think about it, because I already use a digital camera and I think that sooner or later I will take a step back and use film like the great masters.
15. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
I would love to go for a portrait session in India.
