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Seven selects: Alex Masi

Written by Sevencam
Wednesday, 23 April 2008 00:00

The first in a series of interviews with up-and-coming talent from Seven related industries. This week, Seven selects: Documentary photographer Alex Masi

What inspired you to get into photography?

Since I left my family home in Italy for London when I was nineteen, I’ve been intrigued by the fact that a picture can convey a strong emotional message, and that it portrays a moment that has gone, but at the same time will last forever if caught on camera. I was very inexperienced when I started shooting images of London, and they were more of a personal memory of where I have been and what I have seen, rather than something devoted to telling the story. In a way, when looking at an image, there must have been somebody who was behind the camera in that precise instant, and that pressed the button. Being the person behind the camera is what has inspired me - in other words, the idea of being a witness of a special moment that has gone forever, but at the same time is always there for me and others to see.

Where did you get your first break in photography?

I found a position as an intern for Grazia Neri (a major Italian photo agency based in Milan) after my first year at the London College of Communication studying photojournalism. I had the chance to look at a lot of professional reportages from other photographers as I was working at the picture desk full time. After those two months, my eye refined a lot and I started shooting more professionally, looking more for a reason behind the images I shot, so that each of them would tell a different side of the story. I have learnt how to wait for a long time for one image, how to move and where to stand. After that, practice and commitment make the rest.

What are your favourite subjects to photograph, and why?

My interest in photography has always been about portraying the social realities of different people and communities in a natural way, by joining them, getting to know them more and more, and understanding their daily lives so as to find the right images while shooting and witnessing their story. I believe that, as much as possible, photojournalism should tell the story without affecting it. This is the reason why I feel the need to spend long time with my subjects and to understand what they are about.

How would you describe your style of photography?

I am definitely not a static photographer, the sort with bulky flash and lightboxes, at least not when I am working on a story that is considered photojournalistic. Of course, when shooting studio or location portraits some tools are needed and I don’t avoid using them if the situation requires it. But my favourite way of shooting is with the subject, all the time observing and waiting for the right moment and shooting quickly when it’s the right time.

What’s your favourite camera?

I use Canon 5D - I think it’s versatile as well as being fairly inconspicuous compared to similar ones within the same range. It’s not the smallest camera but it offers a good solution between speed and quality. I’ve passed to digital during my course at the LCC and I am happy with the results and possibilities it offers in comparison to film cameras.

Who have been your mentors in your career so far?

Grazia Neri, the founder of Grazia Neri photo agency www.grazianeri.com, is a person who knows and understands photography and the business really well. She has been a great help by accepting me at her picture desk and introducing me to the professional world. After my internship there, I started to contribute to her photo agency on a regular basis and she has always been available to advise me and to constructively critique my work.

Which photographers inspire you?

James Nachtwey , Sebastião Salgado, Alex Webb, Steve McCurry are among the photographers whose images and subjects have greatly inspired me to become a photojournalist.

What are you doing differently to your peers?

I think there are many excellent young photographers that are competing in the professional world. I believe the key to last in this business is to be reliable when on assignment and focused about your work. Thinking about what to shoot seriously when following personal projects is important, as the market is over-saturated with the same kinds of images and stories. There are many photographers who can shoot good imagery but only a few that can come up with really good story ideas. I think studying the market and finding particular and exclusive stories is a good way to securing publication.

Your favourite picture you have taken to date?

It is difficult to choose one out of them all, especially because many of the images I have taken represent something special to me in one way or another. If I have to choose one, I would say it’s the portrait of Kholiswa, a 2-year-old HIV infected baby girl from Cape Town, South Africa, to whom I did get very close. She unfortunately later died due to the virus contracted from her mother. This portrait, more than an 'aesthetical favourite', is an important image on both a personal and emotional level.

What are you goals in life?

My greatest wish is to be able to contribute to helping people who have been less fortunate than me and to tell their stories through my photography, so that others will eventually be moved to be more proactive on the political and humanitarian scene.

What are you currently working on?

For the reason I just mentioned, I’m devoting a year away from the UK, working in India. I’ll be exploring with photography the issues that affect society there, along with devoted individuals and NGOs who are aware that something can be done and is being done every day to help improve the lives of many, instead of forgetting about those in need of a bigger voice in the mainstream media.

www.alexmasi.co.uk