Gianluca: The Bank Employee Who Won the Hamdan Bin Mohammed International Photography Award
In the world of photography, the name of Italian photographer Gianluca Gianferrari stands out, having achieved an unexpected milestone by winning the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award in its 14th edition. This award, titled “The Power,” is a culmination of years of pursuit and creativity. His journey to capturing the award-winning image began as a vacation in Sicily, where this unique photo garnered significant attention and respect due to its powerful content and beauty.
A Pivotal Moment in Photography
Gianluca spoke about the behind-the-scenes of the photo that earned him the award, stating: “I took the photo in early December 2023.” His ambition to photograph different volcanoes led him to the famous Mount Etna. He emphasizes that good photography requires being in the right place at the right time, and he had been searching for that moment for years. Although photography demands certain sacrifices, he insisted on going to the location where he heard the sounds of eruptions, adding: “We moved to another spot due to flying volcanic debris, but I succeeded in capturing the image from a distance after many attempts.” Gianferrari specifically chose this image because it reflects the essence of the theme of power required for the competition.
Ongoing Passion
Gianluca Gianferrari considers his win a source of pride and happiness, affirming that he did not expect to receive the award and that merely being among the winners was enough for him. He says: “Even at this moment, I can’t believe I won this prestigious international award.” Gianferrari expresses a desire to savor the moment of his victory, confirming that it will motivate him to continue working in photography, which he sees as a hobby that has transformed into a deep passion. Despite working full-time, he dedicates limited time to his passion, going on photography trips several times a month.
The Journey of Photography and Preparation
Gianferrari proudly discusses the preparation process for his photography trips, believing that 90% of success comes from good planning. He begins by formulating an idea for the subject he wishes to document, then identifies suitable locations to visit and learns about geographical factors and weather conditions. The preparation process is not easy and can take a long time, but the results are worth the effort. In his experience, capturing his best image took seven years of preparation before he reached that unique moment.
Respect for Nature and Challenges
Gianluca also emphasizes the importance of caution when photographing nature, stressing that this type of photography requires patience and good preparation. He believes that photography should be conducted in ways that respect living beings and the environment, and that an image causing harm is not a triumph worth celebrating. His deep empathy for nature is evident in his work, as he considers photography to be an important means of preserving the environment.
Gianluca Gianferrari’s journey goes beyond being a bank employee; he is a photographer who draws inspiration from nature. His call extends beyond photography to the importance of human connection and sharing, as he constantly seeks to innovate and deliver the best in every image he captures.