I had the privilege to interview Manuel Bifari; he is Italian fashion and lifestyle photographer. Manuel has shot top celebrities for some of the largest brands and publications in the world. Read the interview to find out more.
TO BEGIN, CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND WAS THERE ANYTHING SPECIFIC THAT YOU CAN REMEMBER THAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER?
I started to approach photography at the age of 16, thanks to the fashion magazines that I found at home, I have always breathed an air of art and fashion at home thanks to my parents who have always worked in fashion for a well-known Italian clothing brand. Facebook exploded at that time, and I was increasingly inspired on an artistic level because it allowed me to see new photos every day that stimulated me more and more and it is this great inspiration that prompted me to throw myself into photography and start emulating those photos with my friends. In the beginning, it was all a game but shortly after I decided to publish my photos on the web getting a really great response that gave me more and more the strength to continue taking and creating new photographic content and this with time has made me understand that photography is my life and my way of expressing myself to the fullest.
WHAT IS THAT INTEREST YOU MOST ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY? WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR PROFESSION?
The thing that interests me most about photography is the way it allows people to communicate without any word, I love the fact that many times no word is needed to describe a photo because it is able to communicate on its own. I love being able to control everything, the light, the colors, the pose, the makeup, the clothes, the expressions, it makes me feel free. Then I love the contact with people, the relationship that is created with the subject is a unique thing, at the moment of shooting a great intimacy of trust is created because the subject shows himself for what he is, and it is beautiful.
YOU HAVE A FANTASTIC PORTFOLIO. ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR PHOTOGRAPHS THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF?
I am very happy that you appreciate my photos, it is what keeps me going every day. It is difficult to choose the photos I am most proud of, they are all part of me and my project so it is difficult for me to make a selection, certainly those taken by Irina Shayk, Emrata and Paola Turani are my favorites, also because they have shown me to appreciate them.
WHAT YOU THINK, DO GOOD PICTURES HELP IN BUILDING A PERSONAL BRAND?
Yes, images do everything, as I said before they manage to describe things, the shots, the poses, the expressions speak about ourselves and allow people to show us how we are, and this is exactly what creates a brand, always follow the same wave and continue to do what you appreciate by creating a unique authenticity.
WHY SHOULD ONE INVEST IN PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Professional photography always offers a great result in commercial and communicative terms, which is why brands and influencers are increasingly driven to work with professional photographers who create professional images, only with certain skills can you create a brand that will sets it apart from all the others, it is an investment that will pay off over time.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TIPS OR ADVICE TO CELEBRITIES LOOKING TO EXPAND THEIR PORTFOLIO?
My advice for novice photographers is not to think initially of gain or feedback but to continue to do what you love with love and try as much as possible to show it to other people by collecting experiences, success is not sought, comes, as well as the gain. Always do what you feel, without thinking too much, art is within you, you just have to look for the way to express it and bring it out.
To know more about Manuel Bifari visit his official website www.manuelbifari.it. And don’t forget to follow Manuel on social media, he is active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
