This Friday I'll leave for my winter holidays up to Germany with my love. We will spend New Year's Eve in Munich and from there we'll wander around Bavaria region. Hope to have fun, make lots of shots and see so much snow. See you in 2012!

As every year my dog Jasper is the most popular on the greetings cards and so is this year!... I want to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a very Happy Holiday Season enjoying the company of family and friends!

Tech data: Apple iPhone 4s, Helga Viking lens, Kodot XGrizzled fim, Hipstamatic App.

Location: Brixen Christmas Market, South Tyrol

The air is cold, the sky is grey and crowds of people make their way through rows of little wooden houses with sloping roofs, each one offering treasures for the holidays. Every year millions of people, both locals and visitors, attend Christmas markets in cities all over Europe. If you can, take some time to stroll through these little wonderlands, pick up some unique gifts and sample the local cuisine. And don't forget gluhwein! :-)

In this autumn that seems to go on forever, December photo of the month would be a good omen for a winter with snow and full of Christmas feelings! Take a look at it on my website.

...I got my iphone! The last jewel from apple, iphone 4s, is strictly in my hands and complete my collection of imac, ipad, appletv, ipod, airport, timecapsule....yes...I'm an apple guy! It seems a very interesting toy, especially in regard to photography, and in the coming weeks I will test it better, there are so many apps that can make your life easier...Hope to have fun with my new toy...Thanks Dad! :-)

The fog comes

on a little cat feet.

It sits looking

over harbor and city

on silent haunches

and then moves on.

Carl Sandburg (1878-1967)

Tech data: Canon EOS 5D, Tamron AF 90 mm f/2.8 Di MACRO, tripod
Location: My house

I really like orchids, their natural beauty makes them an easy target for artistry and photography. They symbolize both strength and beauty. They’re also very distinctive because they are so different from other flowers.  I like to think that orchids are like people: every one of them possess an each own beauty, one different from the others. This is my “model”! :-)

Great insight from master photographer Steve McCurry, talking about the importance of capturing the moment.

November photo of the month on my website should be a tribute to the people of the Cinque Terre severely affected recently by flash floods and landslides, hoping they could raise as soon as possible from this great tragedy and could find the strenght required for a complete rebirth of their wonderful places. Never give up!

Creating your pictures with repeating elements or patterns provides picture unity and structure. Pattern repetition creates rhythm and the eyes really enjoy following it and all of this lines, shapes, tones or colors can create very interesting images. The key is to zoom-in close enough that the pattern fills almost the frame and makes the repetition very constant (although maybe the repetition stops just outside your framing). The picture above gives the sense that there could be hundreds or thousands of them – even though there could be as few as 10-15 - as indeed it was... :-)

It was a long time ago, in particular August 2002, and the location was a road inside a forest in the Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State. Just imagine a romantic cabin with a big fireplace at the entrance of the park and in the morning the scent of the forest and a deer to greet you at breakfast time... What an amazing experience! This memory, as well as many of the trips I made ​​around the world, will forever remain indelible in my mind.

My Olympus E-PL2 is a marvelous toy and with the proper adapter, it allows the use of many "vintage" Olympus OM lenses. These lenses can be mounted on the E-PL2 with the optional MF-2 OM Adapter.
Therefore, their use has some restrictions such as: no autofocus, spot metering does not work properly (stop-down metering is used), aperture display in the M (Manual) shooting mode is not available and probably some more. Despite this shortages, the charm of these old lenses is amazing and the blur quality is outstanding. None of the limitations seem insurmountable. I would love to get my hands more lenses soon so I could test the compatibility and quality of the resulting pictures!

The shot above was taken with an OM 50mm f/1.8 lens (equivalent to a 100 mm for the E-PL2).

I've always wondered what my dog thinks over the day. I firmly believe that our four-legged friends can understand the thoughts of their owner and can experience feelings and moods just like us. My dog tests different moods throughout the day, from morning when I go to work until the evening when I come back. Obviously the character is shaped by the education received, as well as humans, and so like us, are more or less sensitive to the outside world. I really would have more time to understand and know how my dog thinks. As the owner, you need to relate to the dog as a dog, rather than a furry person! But it’s not so easy to put into practice!
One of the reasons why dogs make such good pets is the wonderful way they communicate with people. I always talk to my dog. I look square in the eyes and always say something to him. We all like to be acknowledged as members of the family. Dogs understand human language more than we give them credit for. I would really like to study better his behavior especially what he thinks when…I get ready for the daily walk!

Tech data: Canon EOS 5D, Canon 17-40 mm f/4 L
B+W ND110 filter, tripod 
Location: Lerici, La Spezia

There are colorful and dynamic sunsets with clouds always in motion which the only thing you do is comtemplating; there are others in which everything is still, no wind on the horizon and you'll wait for the incoming darkness alone with your thoughts. "Stillness" is the new photo of the month on my website and belongs to this latest category.

Make a hole in the coconut purchased from a roadside stand, drink up all the milk, and enjoy an incredible eighty-five kilometers drive along 617 curves and over 56 bridges through the most breathtaking scenery in all the island of Maui, Hawaii. It's lush. It's winding. It can be fascinating. It can be nauseating. But it's definitely unique. On your left the blue ocean and on your right rushing waterfalls, pools, and lush jungles of bamboo and fruit trees. You can visit tropical gardens, freshwater caves, historic churches, and, last but not least, gold, black and red sand beaches. This drive runs from Kahului to the town of Hana, a village of only 700 permanent inhabitants tucked into an emerald rain forest, a world apart from the Maui's busiest western side. With relatively few visitors, Hana feels like a real Hawaiian community, probably Maui’s “Last Hawaiian Place”.This is truly a complete escape from daily life; the modern world seems distant and all you can hear is the wind and the fierce sound of the ocean. The air is full with the sweetness of guava, ginger blossoms and rain; ferns grow everywhere around you. Take in all the sights…and smell.

Tech data: Olympus Pen E-PL2, Olympus Zuiko ED 14-150 mm

Location: Lerici habour, La Spezia

I have always been fascinated by the names of boats, yatchs and their ethereal veil of mystery. Indeed I have been intrigued in particular by the motivations that led fishermen to name their boat and last week, while wandering around Lerici harbour in Cinque Terre, I wandered why the boats have "that name", as well as most have a female name and why some do not, why some have even two and why others have only a symbol. If you will ever own a boat, how you will call it? Which is the particular reason that led you to that name? There are places and people that remain firmly engraved in the heart of each one of us: this is my two cents.

The great difference between shopping of many years ago and now is the disappearance of the small specialist shops at the expense with the multiple retailers and department stores. Along with this goes the progressive disappearance of the small shopkeeper. Many shops greeted you at the door with smart shop assistants and even chairs for the use of customers. Now, if you need for a barber shop, you may head to a large mall…where you can find yourself “forced” to buy more stuff… What a new era!

Ansel Adams was a pioneer of landscape photography and he was without doubt one of the best-known visionaries of American art. His Zone System technique let him understand and control every level of light and dark to his best advantage. Translated to the digital-era, one of the biggest advantage of employing the Zone System is that you’ll start to see the scene with new eyes, and you’ll totally concentrate on the image. "In the footsteps of Ansel Adams" is the new photo of the month on my website and was my trial. Enjoy!

I think that many of us would like to have a window with a good view. Each one, depending on his sensitivity, would like to see something different but the feeling should be the same for everyone: a world into another world where, even if only for a moment, try to take refuge.This one was my "world" during past weekend - Mont Blanc range from Courmayeur, Aosta Valley.

A massive african heatwave is affecting the country and in particular the area where I live. Even this blazing sunset, with all its power, seems to recall an african one...Happy refreshness to you all, if you can! :-)

Tech data: Olympus Pen E-PL2, Olympus Zuiko ED 14-150 mm
Location: Valles Valley, South Tyrol

I'm back from my mountain holidays! It has been a busy week, the weather was good for most of the days and my dog Jasper really had fun wandering up and down the mountains. We did some hiking, as well as enjoyed great food by the huts. And in the evening I relaxed myself at the residence spa area. Overall, a very nice experience!

I'm leaving this place with an "holiday snap", even if I'm going to relax a bit to an opposite one...South Tyrol mountains with my love and my dog! So happy summer holidays to you all and see ya around mid-August! BTW "Still & Move" is the new photo of the month on my website. :-)

As you know, I really like to associate music, lyrics and their meanings to my shots. I think it's a good way to get into the songs and be able to understand the mood of those who wrote it, as well as fantasize a little bit in other ways of life (in which I identify quite well). So, I think this song goes very well with this 10-years-ago snap taken while wandering in the States.

Red Dirt Road by Brooks & Dunn

I was raised off Rural Route Three,

Out past where the black top ends.

We'd walk to Church on Sunday mornings,

Race barefoot back to Johnson's fence.

That's where I first saw Mary,

On that roadside pickin' blackberries.

That summer I turned a corner in my soul,

Down that red dirt road.

It's where I drank my first beer.

It's where I found Jesus.

Where I wrecked my first car:

I tore it all to pieces.

I learned the path to Heaven,

Is full of sinners an' believers.

Learned that happiness on earth,

Ain't just for high achievers.

I've learned; I come to know,

There's life at both ends,

Of that red dirt road.

[…]

As officially announced today, Apple yesterday has launched OS X Lion, next-generation operating system for the Mac platform. OS X Lion brings more than 250 new features to the Mac, including an iOS-like application launch screen known as Launchpad, full-screen apps, a new combined interface known as Mission Control, enhanced Multi-Touch gestures, and improvements to a number of applications such as Mail. As their slogan says...the Power of Mac OSX, combined with the magic of iPad.... Download from Mac App Store is in progress...;-)

I recently updated my website with some new shots from the past months. You can find the new snaps into Provence gallery (due to my 2 trips there this year), into Roots n' blues gallery (of course I could not miss this appointment) and into my dog Jasper gallery (where is proven his love for water). Enjoy!

Tech data: Canon EOS 5D, Canon 70-200 mm f/4 L

Location: Caldonazzo Lake, Trento
Model: Jasper

It seems that summer is hitting hard here where I live, so whats better than a trip outside the town searching for some refreshment? Caldonazzo lake is the destination and my dog Jasper seems to have appreciated. SPLAAASHHHHH!!!

Tech data: Olympus Pen E-P1
Location: Rome

I'm back from a nice weekend in the capital city Rome. It was my first time and even under the hot summer sun I enjoyed every minute there! Here we go with a shot from my wandering around town! "In his thoughts" is the new photo of the month on my website. Enjoy!

As every year at this time the sound of the blues echoes in the Lowlands near my hometown Parma. The Roots n' Blues Festival come to the seventh year and is confirmed as one of the most local successful events. Here are some shots from last night.

Aaron Jonah Lewis

Floyd Beaumont & The Arkadelphians

Riki Massini & Bonus Track Band

Here we are with some fresh snaps from my recent trip to Camargue region...despite some bad weather I even took home some interesting shots. Enjoy!

Arles Arena

Restaurant in St. Remy de Provence

Arles - Old town

Wild horses - Camargue

Flamingoes

Here it is...my brand new sportwagon Volvo V60 has finally arrived. Actually I had the chance to test it during my recent trip to France and I relied very positive impressions. Trusty, no noises while driving, sporty and versatile at the same time...hope to have fun with my new toy!

Tech data: Canon EOS 5D, Canon 17-40 mm f/4 L
Location: Place de la République, Arles - France

I'm back from my long wet weekend in Camargue...weather was not very friendly...otherwise a very pleasant experience with good food and wine and moody places. France confirms its charm even...under an umbrella!

I'm leaving for France, in particular Camargue area for some days, hoping for the weather...forecast are not so good...anyway... I will relax and take some snaps...see you at the beginning of next week!

...hopefully next week, stay tuned! :-)

It may seem that spring has just finally arrived, but everyone is thinking about summer. Not a stormy spring, such as in the past years, rather a very dry one. The corn is approaching in small steps to its seasonal colors, the nights are getting progressively warmer, the inviting smell of evening BBQ in the air and ice-creams in the garden....oh yes...I'm gettin' ready for summer—it’s almost here!

I recently ran across a nature photography e-book that is a true work of art: William Neill’s “Impressions of Light”. With this book, created in the past five years, William Neill present a completely new body of work and shows his determination in exploring new ways in photography and his growth as an artist. You can download a digital version in pdf form for only $10.00 on his website: http://www.williamneill.com/store/ebooks/impressions-of-light/index.html. It worth every penny!

There are many good places within your house where you could look for a great photo opportunity, maybe your lemon & soda glass on your garden table. Growing up as a photographer you look deeper into things and you can do that purposely limiting your subject material. Your house is full of elements to put together to create amazing shots. "Alternative world" is the new photo of the month on my website. Enjoy!

Olympus Pen E-P1 @ my house
Model: My american chicken wings

The forecast said bad weather for the Easter weekend, but the desire to have first BBQ of the season has overcome and my perseverance finally paid off. At mid-morning weather turns out great along with...my american chicken wings! Mmm....slurpy-licious!

Tech data: Canon EOS 300D, Sigma 17-35 mm f/2.8-4 EX
Location: Miami, FL - April 2004

It was seven years ago, during a walk on the waterfront in Miami that I discovered my first Bubba Gump. Just outside the store a bench, a pair of sneakers and a suitcase put there ​​specifically for a classic snapshot. My mind thinks at that stuff and understands that the name Bubba Gump ... is not by chance! The movie Forrest Gump has in fact inspired this restaurant chain and has become very popular, especially in the US. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company started in fiction as an idea between Benjamin Buford "Bubba" and Forrest Gump during their tour of duty in Vietnam, in which Bubba proposed the idea of going into business as shrimp boat fishermen. The main menu consists infact mostly of shrimp dishes and other seafood...by the way, if you are nearby...food is very good!
My visited Bubba locations so far: San Francisco, Santa Monica, Lahaina (Maui), Miami and Chicago...I hope to expand further my collection! :-)

If you own a Lab, you surely know their love for water. My Lab Jasper makes no exception: he knows very well my sprinkler system or watering can at home, loves alpine lakes and rivers but the sea had yet to be discovered...until yesterday! After a first attempt to eat all the coming waves, he gained confidence and I had to literally drag him back home! His deep desire to enter is unbelievable!

Architecture surrounds us every day, and is a very popular photography subject. Virtually everywhere we go, we are surrounded by some sort of architecture on a daily basis. I really like to experiment with wide angle lenses to produce extreme perspective, take snaps of a building from unusual angle or use telephoto lenses to produce great abstract effects. "Urban frame" is the new photo of the month on my website. Enjoy!

Tech data: Canon EOS 5D, Canon EF 70-200 mm f/4 L
Location: Rosignano white-sand beaches, Tuscany

Although I prefer extreme wide-angle lenses, on certain occasion I enjoy using telephoto lenses to their full range. They're a powerful artistic tool for affecting the look of your subject. They can normalize the size and distance difference between near and far objects, and can make the depth of field appear more shallow; out of focus distant objects are also made much larger, which enlarges their blur. I really like playing with depth of field with telephoto lens and every time I remain amazed on how they can create interesting and unique shots.

E-books and e-magazines are revolutionizing the publishing world and the new iPad has changed significantly the experience of everyday reading. Many large print-publishers now provide digital reproduction of their print magazine titles through various online services for a fee. Now you can have access to a huge number of foreign journals, magazines and books sometimes never released in your country, at a much lower cost compared to a conventional paper-based subscription. This is e-world guys...times a-changin', believe it or not!

Tech data: Canon EOS 5D, Canon EF 85 mm f/1.2 L USM 
Model: Stana

Not 'One' but 'The' fashion photographer, the coated lens guru, the man whose clicks were aspired by models and stars around the world. For its creative and aggressive image with colors that don’t know well defined gradients, for pictures fetish, strong but ironic at the same time. All of this is Helmut Newton (1920-2004). I had the luck to attend a workshop where I have been able to analize his style and recreate some of the sets of his most famous shots. A very new experience.

Anywhere, anytime, anyplace...just only the continuous flow of life. Fix a moment to make it eternal, a cliché if you want, but that just makes my concept of photography. "Sunday morning" is the new photo of the month on my website. Enjoy!