We’re introducing you a photographer, Massimo Perelli, whose work tells the story of Italy for half a century.
Many photographers have documented news, politics, economy, art, and culture. But we live in an era where we only know what the web knows: analogue images printed on paper are disappearing from our collective imagination.
To bring back old images, Massimo Perelli digitizes his archives and tells his story in the book “My Life as a Photographer”, curated by Monica Di Giacinto and published by Edizioni Rosebud 2.
Massimo, how did your passion for images and the audiovisual sector start?
It started with my love for jazz and for the beautiful photos I saw on album covers. In the late ’70s, I started photographing great jazz musicians.
How did the idea for the book “My Life as a Photographer” come about, and what role did Marcello Mencarini play?
The idea for my autobiographical book came after 40 years of career. Together with my friend and colleague, the editor Marcello, we decided to create a work that tells my story.
You started working in audiovisual as a photojournalist. What can you tell us about your debut and early steps in the profession?
I started as a photojournalist photographing and following great jazz musicians, then sold my first photos to an important daily newspaper, discovering this new professional path.
In Italian cinema, there are at least two characters inspired by old-time photographers: Paparazzo, a famous character created by Federico Fellini in “La Dolce Vita”, and the photojournalists in “Blow Up” and “Professione reporter” by Michelangelo Antonioni. Between the two attitudes, “stealing” images from reality and observing them, investigating what’s beyond and behind, where do you position yourself?
I consider myself to be a true photojournalist committing himself both to portraits and reportage. My being photographer has been inspired particularly by Henry Cartier-Bresson.
Tell us about your collaboration with renowned newspapers.
My collaboration with “La Repubblica” started from its first issues (January 14th, 1976) and continued for many years.
What topics did you focus on when proposing your photographic material to Italian publications?
The main topics I was interested in were personalities, music (jazz, pop-rock, classical, and opera), and various portraits.
What fascinates you about the music world? What genres do you prefer? Which musicians have you immortalized?
My favorite music is jazz, followed by classical, some opera, and pop-rock. I’ve photographed many musicians, including Miles Davis, D. Gillespie, Pavarotti, and many others.
You worked as a freelancer and for agencies. How did a photographic agency work back then, and why did you work with Master Photo for only a year?
I started as a freelancer, then joined a Roman agency, working intensively for a year to learn the basics of photojournalism. I left because I wasn’t satisfied with the agency’s prestige. I worked with Marka in Milan until a few years ago and am now represented by another agency.
What did you photograph to interest editors of “Stern”, “Der Spiegel”, “Time”, “Life”, and “New York Times”?
“Stern” published a special on the scandalous murder within the Swiss Guard, Time did a piece on a Russian dancer who defected to Italy, and the New York Times used images of the Caracalla Baths for their opera coverage.
What do you remember about your collaboration with Sipa Press in Paris?
I remember my entry into international photojournalism. Sipa sold my images and services to various newspapers from France to Brazil.
You’ve photographed the Dalai Lama and done various photo shoots with Pope John Paul II. What’s your relationship with faith, religion, and the church?
My relationship with religion comes from my mother, who was a devout Catholic. I’m Catholic but not very observant and have a sympathy for Buddhism. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, photographing, and embracing the Dalai Lama.
Why did you photograph the Swiss Guards at the Vatican?
As a long-time Vatican journalist, I decided to photograph the Swiss Guards with rare images, including family moments, because I find them iconic and representative of the Vatican.
Which movie stars have you photographed?
I’ve photographed some editions of the Venice Film Festival, including actors like John Travolta, Ben Gazzara, and Clio Goldsmith, and directors like Marco Ferreri and Michelangelo Antonioni.
Tell us about the literary world. Which writers have you photographed?
I’ve followed the literary world both as a passion and profession, photographing writers like Italo Calvino, Borges, Leonardo Sciascia, and many others.
We met at a photo exhibition by Gabriel Rifilato, curated by Bruna Condoleo. How do you know Gabriel, and what do you think of his magazine Roman Walks?
I know Gabriel as the director of “Fare musica”, where I was an official photographer. I’ve seen his latest magazine; it’s interesting with good graphics.
What is photography for you? What makes a photo beautiful and successful?
Photography is an important element that shows people and events of varying importance. Photos have the power to stop time, even in delicate moments. A successful photo is one that visibly conveys these concepts.
Thanks to Massimo Perelli for his availability. We invite readers to discover his photographic art. Follow him on social media and read “Massimo Perelli: My Life as a Photographer”.
The photos are by Massimo Perelli
Olga Matsyna
