Interview with Fashion Photographer Alessio Bolzoni

Alessio Bolzoni is one of the avant-garde fashion photographers redefining both the concept of beauty and visual art in the fashion industry today.

“The real challenge for me is to find a way to do something new and unique.” [Alessio Bolzoni]

Born in Crema, in 1979, the Italian photographer is now based in Paris, France. Alessio has received international acclaim for his high style, yet simple and elegant fashion photography. His work has been widely featured in top publications like Marie Claire, Elle US, Harper’s Bazaar UK, Grey Magazine, Numero, Glamour, Stylist Magazine, Vogue Russia, and many more. If you take a look at his portfolio, you can see client names such as Dior, Kris Van Assche, and Bruno Magli.

Alesssio Bolzoni's photo for Stylist Magazine 2015

Stylist Magazine, January 2015, “Courir le risque” © Alessio Bolzoni

Inspired by cinematography, theatre, street life and street photography, Alessio transforms images into dynamic pieces of art. His philosophy is to be truthful to himself, as well as to capture reality in a precise and energetic manner.

Let’s discover more about the vision behind Alessio’s photographic art and style.

G.M. Could you please tell us about your first encounter with photography? What made you start as a photographer?
A.B. The first thing I needed to shoot was the reality. I was 14. And everything around me was interesting. The microcosm was my macrocosm: flowers, my town, bees.

photo by Alssio Bolzoni, fashion photographer for Marie Claire Italy 2013

Marie Claire Italy, May 2013, “Promenade, una giornata open air” © Alessio Bolzoni

G.M. What are the challenges of working as a fashion photographer?
A.B. The real challenge for me is to find a way to do something new and unique. I sometimes achieve it, and those are great moments.
G.M. What project is held dearest to your heart and why?
A.B. I think it is the work for Kris Van Assche. Mauricio (Nardi, the stylist) and I were totally free to create the images of the campaigns, and Kris supported our ideas.

backstage photo - Kris Van Assche's spring campaign 2014

Alessio Bolzoni shooting for Kris Van Assche’s Spring campaign, 2014 © The Kinsky

G.M. How important is post-processing in your work? Is there an editing software you prefer using?
A.B. The editing part is very important to me. I capture pictures in movement so that the selection creates a story. So, I spend a lot of time on it. Then the retoucher knows my taste. We discuss the light and colors, but he knows I like a light retouch on the images.

G.M. Where do you find inspiration? Could you name a few photographers that you consider influential for your style?
A.B. My inspiration are the streets, the real life, movies, theaters and the street photography from the 60s and 70s, but also the contemporary one. They all capture movements in a natural, realistic way. Photographers that have influenced my work: Friedlander, Winogrand, Meyerowitz, Kitajima, McDonough, Graham, Valerie Jouve, Eggleston.

photo by Alessio Bolzoni, fashion photographer, for Bon Magazine 2015

Bon Magazine, 2015, “I spin so ceaselessly” © Alessio Bolzoni

G.M. How would you define your photography in three words?
A.B. Dynamic, energetic and elegant. 

G.M. If you could start again as a photographer is there anything you would do differently? Are there any sectors you’d like to explore more?
A.B. I always admired the reportage photographer. The wars and social investigations reportages are important historical testimonials. They do an incredible work.

photo by Alessio Bolzoni for Marie Claire Italy Nov 2014

Marie Claire Italy, November 2014 © Alessio Bolzoni

G.M. If it weren’t for photography, what else would you do?
A.B. I think I could be a cook. Cooks’ kitchens are their protected world. It would be nice to have a smaller world to live in.

G.M. Any words of wisdom for photography enthusiasts at the beginning of their journey?
A.B. Find yourself. Your unique point of view it’s the key. Find it. Be faithful to yourself.

photo by Alessio Bolzoni for Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci Resort 2016 © Alessio Bolzoni Photography

G.M. Can you tell us a bit about your future projects?
A.B. I am working on a book of flowers. It’s a small project on reality, life and death; Identity somehow. It’s almost done. And I’ll start another one soon. Something closer to my research.

Many thanks to Alessio for taking the time to participate in my interview and share insights into his magnificent work. Discover more fascinating photographs and projects on his official website.

Disclaimer: This interview has been lightly edited and proofread for style purposes.

Photographs featured on this post belong to Alessio Bolzoni and are protected by copyright.  The picture showcasing the photo shooting for Kris Van Assche belongs to TheKinsky.com.

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About Geta Movila

With a background in Theater and Literary Studies, Geta is a photography enthusiast taking great pleasure in writing on photographic art related subjects. She is an active contributor for Virtual Photography Studio, always looking for inspirational ideas and creative tips on how to develop skills and gain valuable experience in the field.