Interview with Massimiliano Toscanelli: Capturing Beauty Through the Lens
Portal: Taste Serbia
Portal: Mr. Toscanelli, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Your journey into the world of photography is nothing short of inspiring. From your early days in Ravenna to becoming an icon of fashion photography, could you share with us a bit about what initially drew you to photography?
Massimiliano Toscanelli: Thank you for having me. My pleasure entirely. Well, it’s quite a serendipitous tale, really. Photography found me when I was at a crossroads in life. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of imagery to convey emotions and narratives. As a young man in Ravenna, I found myself entranced by the interplay of light and shadow, of form and substance. It was a natural progression for me to pick up a camera and start capturing those moments that spoke to me.
Portal: Your journey from Ravenna to Milan is quite remarkable. Could you tell us about the transition from pursuing your studies at the University of Bologna to embarking on a career in photography?
Massimiliano Toscanelli: Ah, yes. Well, it was a leap of faith, really. While academia provided a valuable foundation, I felt constrained by the conventional path it laid out for me. Photography offered me a canvas upon which I could paint my own narrative, unrestricted by the boundaries of a lecture hall. Moving to Milan was daunting, but it was there that I found my true calling amidst the bustling streets and vibrant energy of the fashion world.
Portal: Serbia has a rich cultural tapestry, often celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and culinary delights. As a photographer renowned for your ability to capture beauty, what draws you to Serbia and its unique essence?
Massimiliano Toscanelli: Ah, Serbia—a hidden gem of Europe, if you ask me. What captivates me most about this land is its authenticity. From the rugged landscapes of the countryside to the bustling markets of Belgrade, Serbia pulsates with life and color. As a photographer, I am drawn to the raw, unfiltered beauty that permeates every corner of this enchanting country. It’s a photographer’s paradise, ripe with endless possibilities for capturing moments of pure magic.
Massimiliano Toscanelli – Work
Portal: Your expertise in fashion photography is unparalleled, but you’ve also ventured into the realm of food photography. How do you approach these two genres differently, and are there any similarities you find between them?
Massimiliano Toscanelli: Indeed, fashion and food—two seemingly disparate worlds that share more in common than one might think. At their core, both are expressions of creativity and craftsmanship, each telling a story through texture, color, and composition. While fashion photography often seeks to evoke a sense of glamour and allure, food photography aims to tantalize the senses and stir the appetite. Yet, in both cases, the goal remains the same—to capture the essence of beauty in its purest form.
Portal: With your unique perspective on photography, what advice would you offer to aspiring photographers looking to make their mark in the industry?
Massimiliano Toscanelli: Ah, the eternal question. If I were to distill my advice into a single mantra, it would be this—never lose sight of your vision. In a world inundated with images, it’s easy to succumb to trends and fads. But true artistry lies in staying true to oneself, in forging a path that is uniquely yours. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, and never cease to push the boundaries of your creativity. And above all else, remember that the most powerful photographs are not merely captured—they are felt.
Portal: Lastly, what upcoming projects or ventures can your admirers expect from you in the near future?
Massimiliano Toscanelli: Ah, now that would be telling, wouldn’t it? laughs But rest assured, there are always new horizons to explore, new stories to tell. Whether it’s a daring fashion editorial or a mouthwatering culinary campaign, you can bet that I’ll be there, camera in hand, ready to capture the beauty that surrounds us. Stay tuned, my friends—there’s much more to come.
Portal: Thank you once again, Mr. Toscanelli, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It’s been an absolute pleasure.