Moment Before The Moment With Olimpia Piccolo
“My eye would see new things even in a space I knew inside out.”
Make a rectangle using your fingers and hold it out in front of you. Now look through it. This is what directors and photographers have done from the beginning of time to frame their shot. A handmade window used to capture a moment without the fancy lens. Without the sophisticated editing. A time where nothing stands between you and your subject. Olimpia Piccolo, Rome-based photographer and creative, is a virtuoso at capturing the moment before the moment, blurring the line between staged and candid.
Do you remember your first introduction to photography? When was it?
I was 11 years old, I didn't know much about photography as a profession, but I knew I wanted a camera to document my car travels. I liked the idea of looking through the camera lens and photographing a landscape I already knew with different eyes. My eye would see new things even in a space I knew inside out.
How would you define your vision/photography style?
I love so many elements in photography, I try and mix them all together! My cultural background has a huge influence on the subjects I photograph. I feel like I have very specific recurring elements I enjoy photographing and you can see that in my work. Playful is definitely the first adjective that comes to my mind when I think about my style.
What do you think makes for interesting photography?
I love ambiguity. Ordinary subjects that have that one small element that is out of place or doesn't make sense. I like having the doubt of whether the photograph was staged or natural.
Your work captures such organic moments. What do you look for when composing a shot?
I love to mix different textures and materials, a classic object with a modern one. I try and find a balance between the two, it's not easy, but when you find it, it keeps wanting more and more.
What kind of story do you want your work to tell?
I would like to show personal stories with a peculiar eye and have strangers relate to them. My great satisfaction is when people with completely different backgrounds, like and appreciate my work.
We’ve noticed some recurring models in your work across your page and your collaborative (@nonnettiarsugo) with Riccardo Scott. Do these people hold a specific place in your heart, or is it a mix of perfect strangers?
I like to photograph people that are close to me and that have a special place in my heart, thats why on my page you will see a lot of of portraits of my mother. Together with Riccardo, we decided to unite our love for stylish older Italians and take snapshots of our favourite characters while we walk the city. It's a way of constantly being aware of interesting characters throughout our daily lives.
“I love the fact that even though you can stage a shot down to the detail, it will never be exactly like you planned, usually for the better.”
One of our favorite, and most relatable photos of yours, is "A typical Sunday eve at the house.” We'd love to know more about the story behind the photo. Was it staged at all?
Yes, it's probably one of the most staged portraits I took of my mother and I, even though the amount of movement in that single shot makes it almost look natural. Even though it was staged, the expressions where spontaneous and real, thats probably why you can relate to it! I love the fact that even though you can stage a shot down to the detail, it will never be exactly like you planned, usually for the better.
Tell us a little bit about your eco-friendly clothing brand, Valignani.
Valignani is another way for us to express our creativity. I have always loved fashion and Valignani is a create platform to showcase our many interests. We have loved collaborating with local artisans and artists and see it as a way of connecting with young creatives.
NAME Some SONGS YOU'RE LISTENING TO AT THE MOMENT.
Film or digital?
Film
What gets you in the mood to shoot?
Keeping myself active with photography, usually taking snapshots of anything that catches my eye in my daily life.
