Magical masterclass
Giacomo Giannelli shoots abstracts on a basic 50mm lens
With a background in storytelling, I have been fascinated by all forms of art from a very young age. I graduated from the Academy of
Fine Arts in Rome, where I was able to develop my artistic style, in particular my photography skills.
I am strongly influenced by concepts related to the passage of time, mood and the link with one’s origins. My observation comes from the contact with the heart of the subject, which then becomes artwork. In my works, one can also notice a strong contrast due to the intention to come into contact with the deepest part of the work of art. In these images, I was looking for the essence of the subjects, and the relationship between abstraction and concreteness on a philosophical level.
I made these three works using a reverse lens, not connected to the camera body. The idea was to avoid adjusting anything manually and to let natural light enter the lens, capturing the true essence. The result was a mixture of experimentation and the essence of nature without being modified.
My photography has made a major shift in the past six years, and has gone from glamorous to gritty. For many years I photographed live music, cabaret, burlesque and art nude photography, for which I still have a passion. But my son Sylvain started kart racing, and I wanted to capture these moments.
What started out as a few shots for my own pleasure and amusement soon became the talk of the paddock. Parents and teammates would ask me to capture a few shots for them. This led to me being the club photographer for Clay Pigeon Kart Club in Dorset and Dunkeswell Kart Racing Club in Devon. Still wanting to maintain my style of arty captures, I would often take candid shots in the paddock. This would be the moments people don’t get to see: for example teammate interaction, mechanics talking to racing drivers, and family moments. I have been honoured not just to shoot karting but, motocross, some Formula Renault action at Magny Cours, Mini Racing and more.
Practice, practice and more practice has made these shots easier; I would never say perfect, although this is what we all strive for. But I always find little things I can improve on. For me, this is about passion. I’d love to shoot more, making this a full-time career – but for now, I’m always looking to try different styles, learning all the time.
If you have a passion for motorsport, get out there! Ask your local racetrack if you can come along. You will not be disappointed – and you never know where you could end up! www.bertrandvessier.com