Portrait.
A portrait begins with an encounter: two people, a light, and the time it takes for something to happen. I’m Emiliano, a portrait photographer. I’ll be waiting for you in Tuglie, in Lecce, or wherever you feel most at ease in Salento.
What I look for in a portrait
I have been photographing people for years. I call my work humanscape photography: the body and the face seen as a landscape, with their geometries, their fullness and emptiness, the light that sculpts and the shadow that hides.
I avoid catalogue poses and look for an expression that belongs to you, even the one you usually keep to yourself. The session has no script: every shoot is unique because you are.
I work mostly in black and white, because I believe it strips away the superfluous and leaves form, gaze and skin. If colour tells something essential, I keep it.
Who it’s for
- For you, on your own. A moment of transition, an important occasion, or the wish to see yourself with different eyes.
- For couples. Intimate, sincere portraits, far from the classic engagement shoot.
- For those who work with their own image: artists, musicians, writers, professionals looking for a portrait with character for their website, books or press.
- For artistic nude, with discretion and professionalism. The terms are agreed together before the session, and we work around you.
How it works
1. Getting to know each other
We start with a conversation, in person or by video call. You tell me what you wish for, I show you how I work, and together we decide the place, the clothes and the mood.
2. The session
We shoot in the studio or in natural light: in an indoor space or outdoors, in the olive groves of Salento, by the sea at golden hour, or at your home. On request I can also shoot on film.
3. Selection and delivery
After the session you receive a private online gallery to choose your images from. I develop them one by one, without heavy retouching: no changes to your features, only light, contrast and tone.
4. Prints (optional)
A portrait can also exist outside the screen. I make fine art prints on archival paper, signed.
Portrait photographer in Lecce and Salento
I am based in Tuglie (LE) and work as a portrait photographer in Lecce and all over Salento: Gallipoli, Nardò, Galatone, Sannicola, Otranto, Galatina, Santa Maria di Leuca. For specific projects I also travel outside Puglia.
What people say
★★★★★
Emiliano's portraits move me like few others, and it wasn't hard to understand why during a shoot with him: it feels like you've known each other forever, but without the preconceptions that come with long acquaintances.
Being photographed by Emiliano makes you feel free from the very first moment, something I will always hold dear and for which I am endlessly grateful ❤️
My go-to photographer when it comes to portraits. Just take a look at his website to see what I mean: he always finds a way to capture your natural, spontaneous side, and to me that is a true gift, his innate talent!
Emiliano is a deeply sensitive photographer, and that is exactly what allows him to connect with the person in front of the camera, capturing their true soul and putting it on photographic paper (finely printed by Emiliano in his studio).
I have no doubts: when I'm looking for a beautiful portrait, he's the only one I call!
An impeccable photo shoot for my professional website. Emiliano stands out for his keen aesthetic sense and extraordinary patience in taking care of every detail. The result exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended!
A few acknowledgements
My portraits have been published on PhotoVogue, Cosmopolitan, Strkng and Frizzi Frizzi. In 2019 they received a special mention at the European competition BenQ PhotoVue. You can read about me or look at the Lines project.
Frequently asked questions
I don't like how I look in photos. Does it still make sense?
That’s the most common situation, so let’s start from one assumption: you don’t have to pose. We take the time to feel at ease. The best images often arrive when you stop thinking about the camera.
What should I wear?
Clothes you recognise yourself in, preferably plain and in neutral colours. But if that colourful dress represents you, I’ll be happy to photograph you wearing it!
Are the photos only in black and white?
Black and white is my main language. When a photograph needs colour, I develop it in colour. You can always tell me your preferences.
Do you retouch skin or body?
Only light corrections, such as a temporary skin blemish or a reflection. Your features and shapes stay yours, so in those photographs it is really you.
How does it work for artistic nude?
We talk about it in a meeting before the session, to define together what to photograph, where and with what mood. I work with discretion and professionalism, and you can stop at any time.
Can a portrait be given as a gift?
Yes, I prepare personalised gift vouchers for a portrait session.
Let’s talk.
Every image begins with a conversation. Write to me, and let’s see together what your idea can become.