“Conceptually in my works there is only a common denominator: my country. So I think it is the fact that I want to talk about my country with different ways and stories.”
Veronica Daltri
Veronica Daltri (born in 1985) is a contemporary photographer from Italy. She studied photography at “Scuola Romana di Fotografia” in Rome. Veronica Daltri is represented by LuzPhoto.
Artist statement
“Different strokes for different folks.”
Interview with Veronica Daltri
Veronica, what was your most memorable moment shooting pictures?
It was a moment in which I didn’t photograph. I was on a bus in the middle of Italy and I was watching the landscape outside the window. It was snowing and my eyes stopped on a football field where some boys were doing jogging before playing football. They were running one behind the other, forming a long moving and colored snake which contrasted with the green of the field and the white of the snow. It was a moment, super fast. My breath stopped and I felt emotion in my stomach. I recognized that it was the time to take a photograph, but the coach quickly moved away and I had lost the moment. I remember better the photographs I didn’t take than the ones I took.
Why did you become a photographer?
It started out of fun, and later it became a passion. I then started to think that it was a great way to tell things (stories, feelings, ideas).
What does photography mean to you and what do you want to transmit with your pictures?
Again, I think it is a great way to transmit something from the inside to the outside and vice versa. I can’t say why photography instead of music or art or poetry for example, but it works for me.
With my pictures I would like to transmit feelings. I also would like to tell stories about everyday life in Italy in different ways.
Which photographer has inspired you most?
In the past it was Luigi Ghirri. I have always thought that he was telling me something about a feeling. Then Saul Leiter and William Eggleston for the using of colors and their incredible way to look at the world outside. Now Stephen Gill, Paul Graham and the Japanese for their different approach to life.
“Photography allows you to learn to look and see. You begin to see things you’d never paid attention to.”
Saul Leiter
Your favorite photography quote?
“Some photographers think that by taking pictures of human misery, they are addressing a serious problem. I do not think that misery is more profound than happiness.”
Saul Leiter
How would you describe your photographic voice and creative process?
I’m still trying to understand my relationship with the vision, so I can’t say very well. Anyway, I think that the vision and intuition are the first steps for the creative process. But it is not enough, it must be balanced with a good idea coming from the brain/creativity.
I’m still a work in progress.
What’s important in order to develop an own photographic voice?
Practice and experience different things (medium, films, processes etc.) and languages. Once you find your way, follow it and go deep in it. Then come up and start again from zero. It is also important to look at other photographer’s work: it is always full of teaching and inspiration.
What do you consider to be the axis of your work – technically and conceptually?
Until now technically I think it is the use of film – slide, mostly. And I like to experiment a lot with it. Conceptually in my works there is only a common denominator: my country. So I think it is the fact that I want to talk about my country with different ways and stories.
What qualities and characteristics does a good photographer need?
A personal trait that makes me recognize his/her photos among 1000 other photos.
What does a photo need to be a great photo in your eyes?
It must capture me and make me want to know more about it.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your photographic projects?
From going around and meeting people. From the environment, from music, from books and from the work of other photographers.
What kind of photography equipment and photographic supplies do you use?
I use a Nikon FM3 and Mamiya RZ 67 and also some aged compact film cameras.
What’s your favorite website about photography?
I really like Zoltan Jokay’s Blog www.zoltanjokay.de/zoltanblog and Conscientious.
What photography book would you recommend?
Nowadays I look a lot at “Coming Up For Air” by Stephen Gill. He is absolutely psychedelic. It opens the mind.
Which advice would you give someone who wants to become a (professional) photographer?
Follow your vision.
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Veronica Daltri – www.luzphoto.com
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Veronica Daltri – www.luzphoto.com
