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#2 interview | MARA BRIONI
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Mara Brioni is a photographer since 2005; she was published in several art magazines and catalogues when she worked in art industry, and now she is one of the most talented wedding photographers I know.
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We talked about creativity and AI, and the the value of the profession. |
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1. What does photography mean to you on a personal level?
Photography is an intrinsic part of who I am—so much so that it feels like an instinct. Everything I observe naturally transforms into a photograph in my mind. There’s no need for conscious thought; it happens effortlessly and spontaneously.
2. How did you get started in the photography business, and what drew you to it initially?
My passion for photography started during my graphic design studies in secondary school, and I haven’t looked back since. I began showcasing my artistic work in art galleries and fairs, and when I received my first requests for commissioned pieces, I realized that my passion could—and would—evolve into my profession.
3. Have you ever had doubts about becoming a wedding photographer? If so, what were your concerns?
When I first started my photography business, I had no intention of working in the wedding industry. Back in 2010, wedding photography was a far cry from what it is today. The focus wasn’t on spontaneity or capturing meaningful details; instead, it was dominated by overly posed, uninspired images. Frankly, I found the style unappealing—even unsettling—and the thought of conforming to it was deeply off-putting. However, everything changed when some friends who were getting married insisted I be their photographer. They specifically wanted an alternative perspective, knowing I was opposed to the conventional wedding photography style. Their trust gave me the freedom to experiment, develop my personal approach, and most importantly, discover that I genuinely enjoyed it! Fast-forward to today, wedding photography has become a cornerstone of my work. It’s incredible how something I once avoided turned into such a fulfilling and essential part of my career :).
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"Everything I observe naturally transforms into a photograph in my mind."
Mara Brioni
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4. We live in a world saturated with images, both real and artificial. How does this abundance of photography affect you personally, and do you see it as a challenge/problem for society?
I often feel overwhelmed by the sheer excess of images in our world today. We’re living in a time of great visual noise and rapid consumption, where everything moves so quickly that we risk losing our ability to truly appreciate the value and quality of individual images.
5. Is there a book on photography that has deeply influenced you, and why would you recommend it to other photographers?
I don’t have a single favorite—any book that sparks inspiration holds value for me. Whether it’s an artist’s monograph, an exhibition catalogue, or an art history book, I find joy in them all. It’s impossible to choose just one! While books are a wonderful source of inspiration, my creativity is truly nourished by everything around me.
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6. Have you experimented with AI in your work? If so, how has it influenced your creative process, and what are your thoughts on its role in photography?
I have used AI a few times in post-producing some works. It can certainly be useful for optimising time, but I don’t believe it can replace a real photographer—at least not in the wedding photography industry.
7. What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of being a photographer?
The most challenging aspect is being a photographer! At times, it can be difficult to make people appreciate the value of our profession. Many assume that anyone can take a photo and that a photographer can be easily replaced. However, I believe that professionalism, dedication, and the quality of our work ultimately pay off in the long run.
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8. Could you share more about a project you're particularly proud of—one you'd love others to know about? :)
The Ritrattino (which in Italian means 'small portrait')! It is a studio-shot photographic portrait designed to capture the emotions of a specific moment. It’s a spontaneous, unposed portrait that prioritises emotion over technical perfection. The idea came to me after discovering a box of very old photographs in my grandmother's attic. That discovery made me reflect on the beauty and power of holding a tangible representation of a moment—seemingly simple or trivial at first glance, yet capable of evoking deep memories and allowing us to relive them. This, to me, is the true purpose of photography. Unfortunately, as I was saying, with the constant flood of digital images consumed and discarded so quickly these days, we seem to be losing this connection. I wanted to create an experience that emphasises the importance of memories and the enduring value of a single image. The Ritrattino is printed on the spot and delivered at the end of the session, reminding us of a time when the only way to access a photograph was by printing it, which allows us to appreciate its true and original value.
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THE END
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Thank you so much for your time!
BEIGE BINDING PAPER - we will start using the new beige binding paper in our books in January.
+ A note on holidays. We will be out of office from
- 25. 12. 2024 - 27. 12. 2024
- 31. 1. 2025 - 3. 1. 2025
What will still be open is our online shop - you will be able to place orders, send/upload files via We Transfer, Dropbox or Drive, make payments via PayPal, credit card or bank transfer. We will review all your orders once we are back in the studio:
- on 30. 12. 2024
- from 6. 1. 2025 onwards.
Warmly,
Iva
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