Europe abounds in traditions – much loved Saint’s Days, colorful feasts, lively fiestas.
In Italy, the Human Chess Match in Marostica, the traditional Carso Wedding Ceremony that lasts almost a whole week, the mouth-watering Pumpkin Festival of Venzone… I love to photograph the traditions, feasts and way of life of peoples.
Traditions are a window into a culture, and I try to look deep inside to be able to capture the essence of the event. A travel documentary or photographs of architecture can be shot over and over again whereas an event cannot be stopped, nor a rite repeated, and participants or devotees go about their business without stopping to pose for a photographer. One has to seize the moment, capture the spirit, and be able to tell the tale notwithstanding the commotion or the emotion.
