Human Symphony

“The only thing that exists is the way you see the world. This is the most unique and precious gift you have. And no one can remove your uniqueness from your mind and your heart.”

Intercru: Where are you from? Where do you live and work now?

Human Symphony: My name is Edoardo, I’m 27 and I’m from Broccostella, a small town that is not so far from Rome, but I live in Perugia, where I’m currently finishing my studies in Law. I’m a portrait and fashion photographer, mainly working with agencies and freelance models. I’m fully self-taught in photography; I’ve studied on my own every aspect of it. On Instagram I chose the stage name “Human Symphony” because I used to say that just like a music composer writes his own “symphonies” with musical notes, I try to tell stories catching the light with my camera, and the main character is the human being. So that’s why this is my personal “Human Symphony.”

How did you first get into photography?

I got into photography after a bad period of my life. I suffered from a strong form of depression (and currently I’m still battling and facing this disease). I have to be thankful for my experiences, because it let me understand many important things about my life and what was around me. It was decisive for my photography because it taught me what I wanted to tell and transmit to other people, so it was clear to me the type of message I wanted to give to the others.

I used to take my photos at the beginning with a smartphone. I loved photography and I used to take pictures of everything that caught my attention. Someone close to me, my ex-girlfriend, realized I could have much more to offer to the others, so she told me “Edo, why don’t you buy a camera? Just to try…”

This was three years ago, and that is how this amazing journey began.

What is the feeling you like to express with your creative work?

Well, regarding depression, I cannot avoid this important moment of my life. It had a key role in odeciding what I wanted to transmit to others.

Generally, I’m really an asshole with my models! Don’t laugh, this is true! I want them to pull out everything they have, especially the bad side of their thoughts. My work is dramatic, I want to talk about real people with real feelings. We are human beings, not machines. We live in a reality where everything is uncertain, a reality in which we are scared, where sometimes we feel lost, hopeless, or inadequate. This doesn’t mean I’m a pessimist, just that I’m realist. I want to look at life for what it really is. This is not a path full of roses; there are many thorns along the way. And I want to tell that: the most fragile and authentic side of the human being.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find inspiration in many ways. Usually I “study” my personal projects before doing them. I try to prepare every aspect of the set: location, clothes, etc. Usually I work alone with the model, because we have to create a kind of “atmosphere” together, and we have to sync each other on the same wavelength. Furthermore, my models are always without make up. I want them to be pure. Only their expression or body language must speak.

Anyway, this answer can be very long. I find inspiration in lots of other ways too. From the works of the older icons of photography, passing through the actual portrait photographer I love most: Alessio Albi. Alessio’s works are simply amazing. I love the way he represents his models, the way he tells a story, the minimalist post-production but highly impressive at the same time. This is the way I want to work too. And to always remind myself that the simplest things are the hardest things to do.

What’s your favorite part about photography and going on photoshoots?

I think the best part of a photoshoot is the day spent with my models. Getting to know each other, talk about life, future projects, feelings, eat a sandwich together… spending a funny day with a complete stranger, who at the end of the day will have left you something special. My models, in fact, usually become my first friends. And this is the best thing that could happen to me.

What is the best piece of advice you’d give to somebody about photography?

Well, I do not have a personal advice to give to other photographers. Or at least, I will not give technical advice about photography because I’m no one to teach something to the others.

But I can tell just one thing: photography is something personal, something intimate that comes out from our most hidden side of our soul. Don’t ever be ashamed about your ideas, about the stories you want to be told. Do not compare your path with the others. The only thing that exists is the way you see the world. This is the most unique and precious gift you have. And no one can remove your uniqueness from your mind and your heart.

So, go out, carry on in what you do, what you believe in and love, and continue to write your own human symphony. This is my advice.