Interview with Fashion photographer Marco Tenaglia

Italian photographer Marco Tenaglia is known for his unconventional black and white fashion portraiture.

His bold and intriguing photographic vision is the result of a mixture of both contemporary and classic styles, inspired by masters like Helmut Newton.

Tenaglia’s women aren’t classical expression of beauty. Often photographed in recurring poses, placed in luxury or decadent settings, they show a strong personality and a sort of cold sensuality.

His photographs are balancing on this fine and sometimes tricky line between fashion-beauty-glamour and erotic-sexy-trashy, resulting in an elegant and sophisticated black and white photography with a timeless quality and the perfection of imperfection.

Renowned for being easy to work with, Marco ensures a comfortable, friendly but always professional atmosphere for every production.

Based in Rome, he works worldwide for mostly magazines and fashion brands, as well as selected private clients.

1. How and when did you become interested in photography?

Well I think I always liked photography, when I was a kid I was fascinated by the camera of my father and I enjoyed each time I had the chance to touch it and press the shutter button. Then I received a polaroid camera as a gift when I was 10, and I loved taking instant photos, it was a kind of magic. I become definitely interested in photography when I was 18 just because I wanted to take better photos of my girlfriend at that time, since then I never stopped.

2. Is there any artist/photographer who inspired your art?

Helmut Newton without any doubt. Actually I like many other photographers but no one of them inspired me that much.

3. Why do you work in black and white rather than colour?

It wasn’t a choice, I think it cames by itself. I was used to shoot both color and black and white but I always loved more the b&w. I don’t want to say that b&w is more artistic or something like that, I don’t believe those things, it’s just a matter of personal taste.

4. How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph/series of photographs?

Much preparation. I work very close with my team, especially the stylist, and I spend much time to set everything. I have a copybook where I save all my ideas and I use it when it comes to prepare a shoot. This way the day of the work everything is much easier and faster. My sets are very easy, I don’t use studio flashes, I prefer the speedlights because of their hard light and light-weight, and I mix them with natural light. I don’t take many photos, and I don’t spend much time with post production. Actually I don’t retouch my photos at all except for the standard basic “darkroom” techniques.

5. Where is your photography going? What projects would you like to accomplish?

Till a few years ago I was very commercial – my portfolio was very different – and I worked most for magazines and advertising. Now I have more private clients who look for classy and timeless photographs, and I enjoy working with them.

Website: www.marcotenaglia.com