eyesimages

Oh rumors...

2012-01-28T10:24:00.001+01:00

...It will be simple, you love them, you hatethem or something in between...Take it with a grain of salt, but.... it'sreally time for a new Canon 5D! See more at this link: http://www.canonrumors.com/2012/01/5d-mark-iii-sighting/. Hope to have news soon! :-)

Series – Top 10 Drives of a lifetime: #2 Banff and Jasper National Park, Canada

2012-01-21T10:41:00.002+01:00

Starting at the edge of the Great Plains and climbing through an incomparable mountain scenery of Banff and Jasper National Parks, this magnificent drive—one of the jewels of western Canada— combines exhilarating vistas of forests, glaciers and fauna.

The route begins near Calgary, heads west to Banff, then goes to the northwest through the heart of Banff to Lake Louise. For more than 200 kilometers the route follows the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most stunning roadways, farther north to Jasper. Along the way look for elk, bears, and other wild creatures: you have to stop very often. If there's time, consider a half-day side trip into Mount Robson Provincial Park to see 3954 meter Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The best time to drive this mountainous route is June to September, but if you are a snow-lover like me, consider for a winter-time adventure!

Some favs from the past year...

2012-01-14T16:31:00.000+01:00

As every year, at the beginning, I try to make a selection of some images I've taken in the in the past year and that, at least to me, I think should have some space in my photo-history-life. Maybe tomorrow I'll run into some new favs, but, at the moment, these are the shots worth a look... Enjoy!

Carinthia, Austria - January 2011

Cannes, France - February 2011

Rosignano white-sand beaches, Tuscany - March 2011


Roots n' Blues Festival - June 2011

Trevi's Fountain, Rome - July 2011

South Tyrol, Italy - August 2011

I'm back... and new Photo of the Month: January

2012-01-04T17:27:00.004+01:00

Happy New Year to you all! I'm back from my winter holidays and let's go immediately with the new photo of the month, a snap taken at Swarovski factory in Austria - Poseidon Puzzle: There's alway a light at the end of every tunnel. Enjoy it also at my website!
NB: In the end is worth looking back again one more time... :-)

Leaving for Germany...

2011-12-28T10:02:00.001+01:00

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!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-20T21:11:00.001+01:00

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!

Christmas feelings...

2011-12-12T18:20:00.002+01:00

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! :-)

Photo of the month: December

2011-12-06T20:22:00.001+01:00

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.

In the end...

2011-12-03T08:48:00.001+01:00

...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! :-)

Fog

2011-11-26T17:44:00.001+01:00

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)

Orchids...

2011-11-20T12:06:00.001+01:00

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

One-Minute Masterclass...

2011-11-11T09:22:00.001+01:00

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

Photo of the month: November

2011-11-03T21:32:00.001+01:00

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!

Patterns

2011-10-29T10:28:00.004+02:00

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... :-)

Memories of long ago...

2011-10-22T19:21:00.000+02:00

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.

New life for old lenses

2011-10-16T10:26:00.002+02:00

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).

Have you ever wondered what a dog thinks?

2011-10-08T15:42:00.004+02:00

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!

Photo of the month: October

2011-10-01T14:01:00.004+02:00

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.

Series - Top 10 Drives of a lifetime: #1 Road to Hana, Maui

2011-09-25T20:07:00.002+02:00

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.

That ethereal veil of mystery...

2011-09-17T20:11:00.007+02:00

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.

Vanishing places...

2011-09-11T08:51:00.001+02:00

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!

Photo of the month: September

2011-09-03T11:15:00.004+02:00

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!

Window with a view

2011-08-29T18:47:00.002+02:00

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.

African explosion...

2011-08-19T09:45:00.004+02:00

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! :-)

I'm back...

2011-08-14T17:50:00.002+02:00

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!

Photo of the month: August....and leaving for holidays!

2011-08-05T21:25:00.004+02:00

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 . :-)

That "Red Dirt Road"...

2011-07-31T16:13:00.005+02:00

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.
[…]

Apple launches Lion...and it roars!

2011-07-21T09:13:00.001+02:00

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...;-)

Website updated

2011-07-17T09:21:00.002+02:00

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!

Cooling down...

2011-07-10T16:23:00.003+02:00

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!!!

Photo of the month: July

2011-07-04T22:07:00.002+02:00

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!

Let it be...blues

2011-06-26T21:42:00.005+02:00

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

Some fresh shots...

2011-06-18T09:15:00.008+02:00

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

Brand new...

2011-06-11T16:09:00.002+02:00

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!

I'm back...and new photo of the month: June

2011-06-06T20:36:00.003+02:00

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!

To France...

2011-05-31T19:01:00.002+02:00

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!

News on-the-go...

2011-05-21T07:39:00.001+02:00

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

Spring is here, summer is coming!

2011-05-16T20:29:00.004+02:00

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!

Impressions of Light by William Neill

2011-05-08T11:57:00.002+02:00

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!

Photo of the month: May

2011-05-02T20:59:00.004+02:00

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!

Season's first...

2011-04-24T16:57:00.004+02:00

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!

My first Bubba...

2011-04-16T16:50:00.008+02:00

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! :-)

New discoveries...

2011-04-10T09:43:00.005+02:00

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!

Photo of the month: April

2011-04-02T17:28:00.003+02:00

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!

Zooming in...

2011-03-27T08:59:00.008+02:00

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...world!

2011-03-19T15:35:00.006+01:00

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!

Tribute to Newton

2011-03-10T18:51:00.007+01:00

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!

Photo of the month: March

2011-03-03T20:48:00.003+01:00

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!

Like arms to God...

2011-02-26T09:43:00.004+01:00

I really like to associate titles, lyrics and their meaning to my shots... These trees along Cannes seafront reminded me of the Joshua Tree in California especially with this kind of trimming.
Why Joshua Tree? The first thing you have in mind is the cover of the most famous U2 album, the other is the origin of their name: the plant infact was named by the Mormon Pilgrims because they saw its silhouette as Joshua raising his arms to God. However, there are no Joshua tree in Europe...but I like thinking that they are..:-)

Back to France...

2011-02-18T18:54:00.004+01:00

"Back To France" sang Mike Oldfield back in 1984...ah...the 80's..timeless and always beautiful! That will be the soundtrack for the incoming weekend, I'm leaving for French Riviera for a couple of days, searching for some sun & fun...see you at the beginning of the week!

The silence of snow

2011-02-13T10:10:00.007+01:00

It’s afternoon, snow is falling continuously, all around me the muffled silence of the plains and a slight cool breeze arriving from the west. I’m walking, no thoughts in my mind, just a feeling of peace and relaxation, of total immersion in the silence of this end of the day. Around me soft fields offer forms and sinuous valleys, small pools of water resist the advance of a white layer and shrubs hardly trying to find their place in this white winter world. Ephemeral human presences in the distance coming out from the fog and, for a moment, I believe I can fly riding… the silence of snow.

Photo of the month: February

2011-02-05T08:18:00.005+01:00

Tech data: Canon EOS 5D, Canon EF 70-200 mm f/4 L, f/7.1, 1/400, ISO 200 - Polarizer. Location: Bled Lake, Slovenia

When I travel, just only few times I tend to shoot postcard-pictures, most of all I prefer to study and interpret the sense of a place trying to give a non trivial vision of it. Bled is a major tourist attraction in Slovenia known for its castle and its lake. Here I try to give my vision of the iconic church located on the island in the middle of the lake.
Mystic reflections is the new photo of the month on my website. Enjoy!

Tilt and...try

2011-01-26T22:42:00.004+01:00

Apple iPad really makes you feel photography in a different way. There are many apps out there and many of them are like a drug, you would never stop editing your shots! Tiltshift Generator, adds cool camera effect to your pictures on the fly. I applied that on some recent snaps from my winter vacation. These are the results.

Top images of 2010

2011-01-19T21:10:00.009+01:00

Year 2010 comes to an end and I thought I’d share with you some of my personal favorite images that I made during the past year. I’ve struggled a bit to limit the list to only five. Obviously there are other shots that I have made that I really like, and I think that, if I write this on any random day, the list was certainly different. But, in the end, this is my choice.

Boston - August 2010

Alma de Tango - July 2010

The Old Man and the Sea - March 2010

Kite Fun - May 2010

Rugby Fever - May 2010

Instant eclipse

2011-01-12T20:22:00.004+01:00

Tech data: Canon EOS 5D, Canon EF 70-200 mm f/4 L, f/5, 1/100, ISO 100 - B+W ND110 Filter and Polarizer. Location: Villach, Austria.

4th of January in the morning, my cell phone rang, it's my dad that reminded me the importance of that day: the partial eclipse of the sun! "Oh my God, the eclipse!" My mind, free and relaxed because of the just started holiday, made me forget the event! Wasting no time, I jumped into the car just in time to mount some filters and capture my instant austrian eclipse.

Photo of the month: January

2011-01-09T19:55:00.006+01:00

I'm back from my winter vacation. I enjoyed clear weather all over the week (with nice -10 degrees), and amazing house as well as the company of our friends. I experienced the wonderful feeling of skating on frozen alpine lakes surrounded by nature with fabulous scenarios as a backdrop. And I also relaxed myself at the spa with sauna and outdoor heated pool. Overall a very nice holiday!

Leaving for Carinthia...

2010-12-30T14:55:00.002+01:00

Next Sunday I'll leave for my winter holidays to Austria, in particular Carinthia region, with a couple of friends. Our base will be the town of Villach and from there we'll wander around the region probably up to Slovenia. Hope to have fun, make lots of shots and see so much snow. See you in 2011!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T21:06:00.004+01:00

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

Matter of choices

2010-12-16T20:20:00.005+01:00

Tech data: Canon EOS 5D, Canon EF 17-40 mm f/4 L, f/7.1, 1/400, ISO 100 - Processed with Alien Skin Exposure 2.

After many years as an amateur photographer, I am increasingly convinced that “our work” is not simply to take pictures but most of all to pick and choose, eventually a matter of choices.
The photographer choose what, when and where to photograph: from our world (potentially infinite) you select a rectangle, a square, a portion of the field and cut it with the viewfinder, you freeze time in a specific moment, "the decisive moment" and you take back all on a two-dimensional paper surface or light (the screen). But also from a technical point of view (the choice of camera, lens focal length, since the aperture, from color to b/w, from analogue to digital, from white balance, to jpg or raw) all photography is an exercise in selection and choice of options. All of this just to say that photography exercise our right to freedom, increase our ability of selection and, most important, allow to make our choices visibile to the world.

Snow + Lab = Fun

2010-12-06T21:47:00.008+01:00

This is not a mathematical formula, this is essentially a dog...formula! In the end first snow of the year has come and Jasper, my lab, is really starting to have a good time. Especially during these occasions and if the light is just right, you can get nice coat details and appreciate his continue developing into a nice hunter.

Photo of the month: December

2010-12-01T21:46:00.004+01:00

In photography, high dynamic range (HDR) is a technique that lets capture more tones and colors that we can see but our camera cannot. When the dynamic range of luminance between the lightest and the darkest area of an image are exaggerated can lead to a very unrealistic shot. I have to admit that I never liked that much to create HDR images but I must confess that in some snaps may be quite appropriate. Right now I'm testing Nik Software's HDR Efex Pro, a powerful tool that offers a whole range of options and previews. The new photo of the month on my website is one of the possible results that can be obtained.

Treasures in the backyard

2010-11-24T20:15:00.002+01:00

I've never been very keen to photograph around the house. Once I only take pictures at events or during holidays, in more recent years I intend photography as a research and personal expression, and, if you're inclined, you can also find beauty and light in some of the most unsuspecting places...often in your backyard!
It's not easy and takes time to learn how to see things that many may overlook: the more you shoot the more you practice and more you can find your vision and personal style....but this will be another story!

Charm of the Lowlands

2010-11-15T20:36:00.009+01:00

There is a place, nestled between my hometown and the Po river, where the fog and the extreme monotony of the territory may discourage even the most careful observer. But this landscape has the more appeal in its apparent immobility.
I recognize a sort of magical aura in these lands, crossed by a river peaceful but also unexpectedly fierce, gentle, but also brutal: Po river combines different features, sometimes even conflicting, the same ones that permeate my shots every time I contemplate them once back home.
Yes...you have to contemplate those shots, one at a time, and only watching them carefully you can find out their nature and discover that their strength lies in their immobility.
Actually, even if at first sight sometimes I'm not satisfied with the results of the shots, always grows in me the desire to return back...in my Lowlands.

Nature in HD...

2010-11-08T20:17:00.004+01:00

In recent days I was pleasantly involved in seeing, on satellite TV, the series in episodes of the legendary photographer Art Wolfe, Travels to the Edge.
I own some of his books, but I have to admit that watching him at work in a video allows you to appreciate even more its culture and its professionality. The series is truly a remarkable collection of high-definition video footage from the world of nature; you get inspired to travel, learn professional photography techniques, and appreciate the beauty around us. I'm waiting for more to come!

Photo of the month: November

2010-11-03T20:39:00.002+01:00

When we look around us, anywhere we can find reflections. You essentially can get two for the price of one! I'm always on the lookout for opportunities to reflect my subjects; reflections are a great way of showing the world in a very interesting way, and of creating abstract and impressionistic images. Even a trivial photo can become almost a...masterpiece! Enjoy the new photo of the month on my website.

What kind of DOF are you?

2010-10-25T21:07:00.003+02:00

Depth of field is the range of distance within the subject that is acceptably sharp. The depth of field varies depending on camera type, aperture and focusing distance, although print size and viewing distance can influence our perception of it.
DOF is a very important parameter in photography and the app of this week allows, with the tips of your fingers, to use our iPad in a very creative way!

An easier life?

2010-10-20T20:35:00.004+02:00

It has been about 2 months since my iPad purchase and I can truly say that it's a device that really will revolutionize our lives. I'm enjoying it's tactile experience obviously in many fields, photography among other.
Many new photo apps are coming out in these days and I will try to test them in this blog. This week app is about a simple and intuitive interface that lets you quickly to create a story...with your fingerprints!

Every morning...

2010-10-12T22:39:00.005+02:00

This is the sad and begging expression of my dog, Jasper, every morning before going to work. I don't understand if it's for the food or it's sad because I'm leaving...I think for the first one... How can I go on like this? :-)

Photo of the month: October

2010-10-05T22:15:00.003+02:00

The Cotes de Provence wine region is a large area that covers the Cote d'Azure from Marseille to Nice and is famous for the rosè wines that it produces. Usually rosè is not very popular among amateurs but is by far my favorite wine. As a BBQ fan, not by chance is the perfect accompaniment to grilled and roasted meats. The rosè wines are great for any occasions on a hot summer's day and match very well with salads or as an aperitif. To tell you the truth I enjoy it all year round and during my last trip to France I did a considerable stock :-)
The new photo of the month on my website willing to testify my appreciation to this wine. Cheers!

New Gallery...

2010-09-29T09:21:00.004+02:00

Compact, easy to explore by foot, clean and full of history, Boston combines the old world charm and convenience of modern life. Skyscrapers are nestled next to historic hotels while modern marketplaces....
My website has been finally updated with the new Boston & Cape Cod gallery. Enjoy!

Photokina 2010

2010-09-22T18:01:00.009+02:00

Photokina is the largest photographic event in Europe and is held every two years in Cologne, Germany. Canon is presenting the entire new Fall 2010 collection, and this will be for many visitors their first chance to try products that Canon recently launched, including: EOS 60D, which offers for the first time a swiveling LCD; EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM the first fisheye zoom in the world; the latest EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM, aimed at being an affordable 'L'-grade telephoto lens; new versions of two professional telephoto lenses, EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM and the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM both featuring completely new optical designs. Honestly I expected a lot more news and innovations for a brand such as Canon, I hope for more developments in the near future!

Check out my new book...

2010-09-19T10:57:00.008+02:00

So even I, in the end, became a blurbarian! My new book is hot off the presses at Blurb! Take a sneak peek and place your order if you're so inclined... ;) Moreover their site is an excellent showcase of artists from around the world where you can get very interesting ideas.

instant_Boston by Mattia Lottici | Make Your Own Book

instant_Boston

2010-09-08T00:15:00.009+02:00

I think that, in a photographic experience, after you have tried and achieved certain results, it is proper to search different things and go beyond the rational photo for a more emotive one.
This is a summary of my research from my latest travel.

Photo of the month: September

2010-09-02T22:03:00.003+02:00

Richard Avedon (1923-2004), one of the greatest photographers of all time, was the man that brought fashion photography to life. He depicted his models as real women and he focused his interest on how to capture the personality and soul of his subjects. During my last holidays I had the luck to visit his lively fashion images at Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Mass. New photo of the month on my website is my personal tribute.

It's mine!

2010-08-26T21:07:00.004+02:00

Finally I got my iPad, the most significant and rumored hardware release of all time, it's firmly in my hands. It's for sure a new way of perceiving the world with its tactile experience and its ease of use. I'll tell you my impressions shortly!

I'm back...and I'm leavin' again

2010-08-17T17:50:00.002+02:00

I'm back from my USA trip. It was a great journey and later on I'll tell you better because tomorrow I'm leaving again to Franch Riviera with my love for relaxing a couple of days. Stay tuned and see ya!

Leaving for the States...

2010-08-06T20:54:00.004+02:00

Tomorrow I'll leave for eight days in the States, specifically Boston and surroundings. It will be a vacation trip and of course...a photographic trip! See you in the near future and happy holidays to you all! :-)

Photo of the month: August

2010-08-02T21:12:00.003+02:00

Tango, the most sublime expression of pure passion, a sensual game of pleasure where bodies grub and rub searching for each other. "Pasiòn de tango" is the new photo of the month on my website. Enjoy!

The Old Man and the Sea

2010-07-28T21:35:00.003+02:00

I am always fascinated and attracted in front of the pride and the wisdom of an old sea dog. I feel that these people possess a culture and an experience that hardly our generations will be able to have. I would like once talk with them and hear their stories...

Alma de Tango

2010-07-24T15:02:00.009+02:00

Imagine a cool summer evening, a fortress as a backdrop and be carried away by the strenght of the music. The intense melancholy of Tango, full of passion and sensuality, combined with a suggestive choreography, give rise to a show with very strong personality.

Searching for a cool spot...

2010-07-18T09:17:00.003+02:00

The heatwave continued throughout the week, so what's better, in these days, to seek relief at the pool?

Open-air!

2010-07-10T15:48:00.004+02:00

As every summer I like very much to attend to open-air concerts with friends, a good beer and obviously my trusty camera. I was pleasantly attracted by the Apple Pies, Beatles tribute band and Disco Inferno, nostalgic 70s and 80s band with their smashing disco music hits. Here are some snaps from that nights. Enjoy!

Photo of the month: July

2010-07-02T23:01:00.005+02:00

Photo of the month on my website sums a little what it was summer until now here where I live. A sort of stormy, cool, peaks of hot and humid weather, somewhat like a never-ending spring.
Only during these days is happening a turnaround trend: 35°C today!

Roots n' Cruise...

2010-06-27T23:23:00.006+02:00

A very special event characterized this year's Roots and Blues Festival: a sunset cruise along Po River. It was an incredible experience that bring my mind to Mississippi and allowed me to enjoy even more this fantastic festival that every year never ceases to amaze me.

One year ago today...

2010-06-19T07:45:00.005+02:00

One year ago today began my adventure on this blog, it all started with a little bit of curiosity and the need to keep interest in my website alive.
After a year I can tell you that this has been a diary filled with snapshots and memories of my life. It's really true that blogs are future's diaries! Let's go ahead! :-)

My new world...

2010-06-16T21:34:00.004+02:00

Like all serious photographers, in the end I made the big step. These days mark my transition to a new world, MAC world. My brand new iMac Quad Core 27" it's really huge, the LED display it's an experience worth every penny! Hope to have fun!

Blues time!

2010-06-13T16:31:00.012+02:00

As every year at this time, the sounds of blues fills up the air near where I live. The now famous and award-winning Roots and Blues Festival began with its annual adrenaline rush!

One Man 100% Bluez

Alligator Nail

Photo of the month: June

2010-06-04T23:05:00.002+02:00

I'm back from my short holiday, and what better occasion to post the new photo of the month on my website, a snap that excites the imagination and the desire of summer. Enjoy!

Holidays!

2010-05-29T11:26:00.006+02:00

I'll be out of town in the next days, a detour to the seaside with friends to relax a bit and searching some sun...see you next week!

Fire!

2010-05-24T21:21:00.007+02:00

Firemen hurry, come on!! ;-)

Rugby fever

2010-05-19T22:31:00.006+02:00

Shown here some new snaps from last weekend rugby match.
PS: Vibu Rugby Noceto enters right into Top Ten! Great show!

Kite fun!

2010-05-12T22:13:00.008+02:00

Some days ago I went with friends to the International Kite Festival, an event that takes place every year on Cervia beach. I was fascinated by the friendly atmosphere - there were people from all over the world - and by the countless kites colors one after another on the beach. The stunt kites show was definitely the most amazing! Overall...a very nice day!

Photo of the month: May

2010-05-03T12:26:00.003+02:00

When I was a little child and I was thinking about the Earth round as a sphere, I wondered how people did not fall and how they could be upside down :-)
The new photo of the month on my website shows a different perspective and the true curvature of our beloved Planet.

It's spring!

2010-04-16T14:18:00.004+02:00

Never as this year, the differentiation of the seasons is so obvious. After a cold and long winter, this spring embodies the characteristics of those many years ago: thunderstorms, wind, hail and even a small tornado near where I live. I dare to say....a very dynamic spring!
Moreover I recently get more and more involved in meteorology and phenomena associated with it. I bought a brand new weather station, Lacrosse WS2350, and I hope to be able to share data online soon!

Opening season

2010-04-10T10:12:00.003+02:00

Days are getting longer and the first spring rays warming up the air, so what's better to open the season with a fish BBQ and friends?

Photo of the month: April

2010-04-03T11:18:00.003+02:00

6:00 pm: People rush to get home after a long day at work. "Commuting home" is the new photo of the month on my website. Enjoy!

New photogallery

2010-04-02T22:14:00.001+02:00

La Repubblica Parma, web edition of popular italian newspaper "La Repubblica", has published today a new photogallery presenting my Passion reportage. The shots represent the Easter subject of suffering and death of Christ.
Here is the direct link. Enjoy!

Human vs. Nature Saga

2010-03-27T09:06:00.002+01:00

Here is another shot of the series in which you can notice the combination man/nature. More to follow!

First seasonal MTB ride

2010-03-16T22:55:00.006+01:00

Last Sunday I got my first warming up MTB ride. After this long and snowy winter, finally I enjoyed a beautiful sunny day and the first spring warmth. Snow is melting everywhere and the tracks at some points were not very passable, but, anyway, it's all part of the fun!

Human vs. Nature

2010-03-05T21:28:00.004+01:00

When we look around we can see anywhere that man always tried to imitate nature. In Good or Evil this has often been an adversarial relationship. But...in the end...who wins?
This could be a theme for new photo ideas, who knows.