STILL FILM
PORTRAITS WITH CARLO ALBERTO ORECCHIA
Where are you from and where are you currently based?
I’m from Mantova in the north of Italy, and lived in Parma for many years and now i currently live in Los Angeles California.
What projects are you currently working on and how has this new world of COVID been for you?
I’m currently working on one of the most exciting projects that I could ever have dreamt of. “The Pirelli calendar” This Year I was the director of the video part and Bryan Adams was the photographer. We got to spend time with Cher, Iggy Pop, Jennifer Hudson, Grimes and many others. Infinitely honoured to be part of this.
Covid has actually made my work increase, as I have been directing and photographing with very small and intimate crews since before covid, it became the preferred way and safer way to work.
How did you get into the photography scene?
I have been taking photographs since I was a kid, I don’t remember myself without a camera. My first one was a Half Frame Canon Dial 35 from my grandpa. Then the digital revolution happened but I’m fully back shooting film, in all formats.
We know you have shot a lot of familiar faces, tell us how you got into the Hollywood world?
The portraits of celebrities happened randomly by working in commercials and documentaries. You find yourself at the right place at the right time.
What inspires your ideas to create such great imagery?
I always find inspiration from the ionic photographers of the past, even if it’s just through instagram, I try to only expose myself to pure beauty and disregard everything else.
Where are your photos taken?
The locations of my shots are always changing and evolving, if I’m in the position to choose it, I’ll select one from my long list of locations that it’s constantly growing. And if the location is preselected, I usually enjoy and welcome the unexpected. But always trying to maintain the environment true to the story of the talent.
How would you describe your style? and what tips would you give to a up and coming photographer/creative?
I’m not sure I can define my style other than portraits. And my one advise is to connect emotionally to the talent. Let the intimacy created on the moment take control of your shot.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I used to love the 50mm focal length but I have now “graduated” to a 35mm and I’m absolutely obsessed with how more inclusive this focal length is with the environment.
What has been your most memorable assignment and why?
The most fantastic time I can remember on set was when I shot Quentin Tarantino on my 6×6, I interviewed him in his own house for a documentary, and after two hours talking about movies on camera, I asked him to photograph him on medium format film, he got really excited about it and I took one of my favourite portraits of all time.
Where would be your dream destination assignment?
My dream destination would probably be at my home town, Mantova Italy,. Not many know about this small town in the north of Italy, but it’s one of the most gorgeous places on earth. Italians go visit Mantova from other cities in Italy. That’s how fantastic it is.
What is your favourite image you have shot recently? Can you describe its creation in regard to location, lighting, composition etc., also your thoughts when creating the image and what it means to you?
My favorite shot I took recently is of Bryan Adams during his thinking time, between the set ups of the Pirelli calendar, I shot him on my Leica M6 ttl on a german 35mm summicron aspherical. Bryan is one fo the nicest people I ever worked with, and an absolutely outstanding photographer.
What advice do you have for somebody who wants to pursue photography?
My advice to anyone who’d like to pursue photography is to shoot, shoot and shoot. That’s it. Don’t over think it. Learn the rules and then break them all.
Any final notes you’d like to share?
I feel infinitely lucky my passion became my work, I wouldn’t be able to exist in any other way.
