Francesca DI Stefano - Thanks to Photography, I Began to See the World Differently, Trying to Go Beyond Observation (Photographer From Rome)

My advice is to never stop observing, studying, and trying. Thanks to photography I began to see the world differently, trying to go beyond observation and towards a more attentive and heartfelt way of looking. Your images always speak a little bit about you. 

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

My name is Francesca Di Stefano. I was born in Rome in 1981. In 2005 I graduated in Communication Sciences and I started working for an event organizer. The passion for photography, which has grown over the years, prompted me to attend the Triennial Master at the Roman Center of Photography and Cinema. I finished the course in 2019, specializing in portrait photography with Eolo Perfido, one of the greatest Italian portrait photographers. 

2. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?

A series of work experiences that had never fully satisfied me led me to wonder what I really wanted to do. At that time I began to get closer and closer to photography until I decided to leave everything to become a photographer.

3. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?

My advice is to never stop observing, studying, and trying. Thanks to photography I began to see the world differently, trying to go beyond observation and towards a more attentive and heartfelt way of looking. Your images always speak a little bit about you. 

4. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?

I think that in addition to having a great passion, you need to be determined, almost obsessive but not get lost in perfectionism or idealism, not to waste energy because you need them to make your own way.

5. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

There are few opportunities for aspiring photographers today. I think that a photographer who wants to survive must have all the necessary skills to be able to work in various photographic genres and at the same time cultivate his own specialization, trying to emerge with his own style. Author photography wins. The challenge these days is to create opportunities, develop collaborations, networking.

6. Which is your favorite book and why?

My favorite photographer is Peter Lindbergh, I love his book “On Fashion Photography”. I like his humanist approach and the cinematic inflections. He redefined the concept of beauty with images that are at once seductive and introspective. 

Francesca Di Stefano - Photographer 

Interviewed By: Shivansh Sharma