The other #nexttome #keepknowingpeople #enjoyingblogging

I moved to Portsmouth in September and the only person I already knew was my brother, who works at the Casino; it wasn't a new experience for me, so I didn't pay too much attention and I started looking around.

I met Giovanna basically because she lives next door.

I saw her few times and I was so curious. In my opinion she has a beautiful light in her eyes. I took the initiative and I said "hello". From that moment we started talking as good friends and when she knew I was studying photography she expressed the desire of a family picture. Giovanna also invited me to meet her sons and join them for dinner few days later and I accepted with plasure.

I thought It was a good chance to build new relationships and also train myself and do some reflective practice.

I asked to myself many questions such as "should I go for a portrait?", "what can I give back?" or even "sholuld I plan the pictures or should I let flow the events?"

I decided to let the events flow; When you know someone, especially for the first time, I can't just plan what I want from her and I chose to keep all the pictures, even if the image wasn't good. That's has been a good choice, because I also let try the kids my camera. It is always nice to see trought their eyes -sometimes the pictures need to be spontaneous and not planned :)

the ones just below has been taken by them.

When I arrived the kids were preparing themeselves to get ready for the show.

I really like to work with kids both in photography and in other contexts.

They have the power to let me see things differently, I become more empathic and emotional when I work with them because I do not look at them as kids with no awareness, but as small young adults. I remember that when I use to volunteer at the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester, my curiosity for kids was fully requited. It was such a great experience. By the way, this time, it wasn't a volunteering afternoon so I was more free to focus on a real human exchange, which is the most important thing in any kind of relationship.

Shared experience

Allowing a relaxed session, where Mum does not take a photo; they can all be together and relax.

It is a gift she will remember forever. The photo-experience results in a convivial and playful moment, in which the situation is not an artificial one as some pictures taken in studios may be; on the contrary, it is a spontaneous and authentic one. It is an intimate heritage, which will be charged with new emotions in the course of time.

AFFECTED SPONTANEITY IS NOT CASUALITY

To leave the subjects free to show whatever they want to does not mean to rely on chance; rather, it is a moment of reflection and study for the photographer, who, through his/her sensitivity, has to seize the meaningful and significant moments, at the same time bearing in mind the subject’s behavioural peculiarities. Getting into emotional contact, feeling empathy and using it to give an identity to that moment taken from the time line, are essential steps to tell someone’s lifes moments