INTERVIEW
Travel photographer Matteo Carta discusses his mission to convey in pictures the importance of cultural diversity in a modernising world
We chat to travel photographer Matteo Carta, who tells us the stories behind his captivating imagery depicting a diverse variety of cultures from around the world
Travel and portrait photography are two genres that often go hand in hand, since both focus on the same goal – to capture character, of either people or places. When faced with an exotic locale, it may seem as if any image is a guaranteed success, however significant skill is required on the photographer’s part, to accurately present personality and atmosphere. Pro shooter Matteo Carta (matteocartaphotography.altervista.org) took some time out of his schedule to speak to us about his refined artistic approach and love of travel.
WHAT GOT YOU STARTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
I did Asian studies and after graduating from university I moved to China, to teach Italian. During my time off work I always went backpacking around South East Asia. I started taking pictures, simply because it became the easier medium to show my parents my whereabouts. When travelling solo, the camera became my companion and once I’d started, I became completely absorbed in photography. It became my main reason for travelling and immersing myself in other cultures and their people. Before I moved to China I used to play bass guitar in a band and, in a way, being busy creatively is something that I need in my life. I am a curious person and I always need to challenge myself.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?
When I’m photographing, my attention falls on moments of life that define the culture of a country, or a specific ethnic group. I like people and how different we are – differences are, in my opinion, what define us. We live in a fast-changing world, where cultures are melting together and becoming similar. Modernity has improved our lives, but we cannot underestimate the cultural loss that comes with it. Having a picture published in
National Geographic was a great [personal] achievement and was also a great push to follow my desires.
WHAT STORY DO YOU TRY TO TELL WITH YOUR PORTRAIT IMAGES?
It depends on how open my subject is, how well they’ve gotten to know me, and me them, how comfortable they feel around the camera and the story they have to tell.
When taking a portrait I try to show some aspects of the subject’s life and personality. Spending time with them helps create moments that are crucial in understanding them and generates ideas for the most appropriate way to create an image. No matter where I’ve travelled, I always try to develop some kind of friendship, which shows me that, despite how different we are, at the
end of the day, we’re all humans looking for happiness, we just have different experiences and stories to tell. This is what I try to capture in a photograph.
YOUR IMAGES HAVE A UNIQUE BLEND OF LIGHTING. TELL US WHAT INFLUENCES YOUR STYLE.
I try to keep the lighting as simple as possible – natural and soft. If I can, I’ll shoot indoors, in the house of my subject.
Viewing the work of other photographers helps inspire me. There is an overwhelming amount of incredible-quality photos being taken today, but the works of Michael Yamashita and David Lazar are the most influential for me. Yamashita creates breathtaking images and his project about the Silk Road is brilliant. There is a direct and truthful nature in every one of his pictures. David Lazar’s portraits are artistically outstanding, not only for his choice of subjects, but also for the colour and richness of the overall composition.
WHAT CAMERAS, LENSES AND ACCESSORIES DO YOU USUALLY USE?
At the moment I use a Nikon D5100 with a 18105mm lens and a Nikon D750 with a 50mm. I love the D5100 because it is light and, despite not being full frame, it produces images with great resolution. I love the articulated LCD, which allows me to take street shots without being invasive. When taking portraits I prefer to use the D750, which pairs perfectly with the 50mm f1.8, giving me extremely sharp results. I always take a tripod and a circular polariser with me and three extra batteries, in case I happen to be in remote places without electricity for an extended time.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE IMAGE FROM THE SELECTION YOU SENT US AND WHY?
My favourite image is called ‘Happiness & Smile’ and depicts a Dukha girl with her reindeer. The Dukha are reindeer herders, living nomadically in Northern Mongolia. Throughout the day they let the reindeer graze freely and then bring the animals back late in the evening. This is when the camp comes back to life, as hundreds of reindeer and Dukha run around. It’s an extremely confusing scene, with a lot of noise and movement which lasts for less then ten minutes. The first time I witnessed it, I was absolutely astonished to see something so unique and vibrant. I had an idea for a particular shot and after five days of trying, this young girl walked into my frame, giving me a special moment and a great photo.
WHAT ARE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THESE?
I believe photography is factual, capturing real moments in real life, so for me the greatest challenge is to be original and truthful in a scene. I see a lot of pictures that look similar – staged. While for some this works, I find that it removes the magic of the moment. Building a relationship with the subject is also challenging, and sometimes I need a guide to translate and overcome differences. Last but not least, the luck of the moment is essential in making a good image, and for that patience, perseverance and optimism is needed.
WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO TRAVEL?
Travelling is what I love the most. It is more than just sightseeing or having a few welldeserved drinks on a tropical beach. Travel is my favourite way to learn, to meet people, to taste different food and smell new scents. It
is a mystical experience that sends me into the unknown and pushes me to adjust to different situations. Moreover, it is an escape from the monotony of my routine. When I put my backpack onto my shoulders, I feel free, different and it transforms me into a ‘wannabe Indiana Jones’ in search of exciting encounters and experiences.
IS THERE A LOCATION YOU’D LOVE TO VISIT AND WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
I wouldn’t even know where to start. There are a lot of places I want to go. One life is not enough for me. A trek in the deep jungle of the Baliem Valley in West Papua, visiting tribes like the Yali, Korowai or Danu, which still live with stone-age tools, is the ultimate trip I have in mind at the moment. Ashamedly, I have never been to Africa. I would love to go to Namibia and visit a Himba village and the Namib Desert. The Machu Picchu Trek is definitely on the list. Finally, to try and challenge myself in getting out of my comfort zone, visiting Antarctica is something I dream of doing. For the future, I hope to keep travelling and take pictures that wake people’s emotions.
DP