Personal information
Name: Claudio
Last Name: Sericano
Place of birth: La Spezia (Italy)
Date of Birth: 1963
Genres: Architecture, Fine Art
Gears: Canon 6D Mark II
100ASA Profile: https://100asa.com/photographer/claudiosericano
How did you get started as a photographer?
In the 70s, when I was very young, I travelled a lot for tourism with my family, and they bought me my first Reflex, a Minolta. In the 80s, I bought a Nikon F3. I participated in national contests in the following years, being a finalist several times and getting some awards.
Then followed a long period in which I gave priority to other commitments. But, in 2014, during a trip to Turkey, my daughter, a sports photographer, gave me her second camera, a Canon. The old passion quickly returned, and I entered the world of digital and post-production programs.
Why did you choose architecture photography in particular?
Since 2014, I have always carried my camera with me, shooting in the small towns in my area. Not street photos with people, but urban details, especially windows. My style became minimalist. During two trips to New York and Paris La Défense, I had the opportunity to take many photos of skyscrapers, which became my main interest.
What makes a good picture stand out from the average?
The elements that usually make an excellent photo are the quality of the image, the light, and the contrast. In architecture photography, you add shapes and patterns to the mix, as they must be framed in the best possible way.
In addition to these elements, I realize that the real difference in having a winning photo depends on two other things: the surprise that the image can induce and, above all, the creation of a story.
Talking about architecture photography, we already have thousands of perfect photos of modern cities all over the world. So I started developing my own "fine art" style, creating with the imagination, and even trying to tell stories.
Who are the photographers you are getting inspiration from, and why?
I have always been attracted to images, and not only photographs. So, for example, I am a collector of illustrated antique magazines, especially from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.
In photography, my greatest inspiration has certainly been the great Italian photographer Franco Fontana, author of extraordinary minimalist images of landscape and architecture.
In recent years, with my transition to the architecture of modern cities, I have been studying the photos of major contemporary architecture photographers, some of whom also post here on 100ASA.
Can you tell us about the most memorable photo you have ever shot and what made it so special?
There is no doubt that the photo of my life, at least until now, is "Insomnia". It was published in the "Elite Gallery" of 100ASA and has won awards in many relevant international contests. For instance, it was the "Runner Up" in the "Creative Photo Awards 2021".
"Insomnia" was created from the facade of a modern building, with a pattern of 11x8 windows. I then used a nocturnal effect and, following the rule of thirds, I inserted a lighted window featuring the silhouette of a person.
This photo was a success beyond all my expectations, perhaps because very few photographers before me had gone so far as to insert a story in a photo of geometric architecture.
I have recently created a second photo with the same title and idea, but now with two skyscrapers seen from afar and an ever-present story. This second photo was also published in the "Elite Gallery".
What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome, and how did you do it?
I think a photographer must always have a great challenge waiting for him. Otherwise, it might mean that he has stopped improving, and no matter how good his photos might be, this can lead to a decrease in passion.
For me, every new photo is the biggest challenge. For example, when I take a photo of a seemingly insignificant building, I wonder how to turn it into something interesting.
Another significant challenge was trying to improve my skills concerning other themes, from interior photography to still life.
What is your essential camera equipment (3 pieces of camera equipment you couldn't live without)?
The equipment I carry with me depends essentially on the type of photo I want to take. In addition to my Canon 6D Mark II, I have a few lenses that I use alternately. One of my favourites is the Sigma 105 f/2.8.
Why you've decided to join 100ASA?
In recent years, I posted my photos on many photography websites, especially those dedicated to contests, where sometimes I was also a judge. Despite the good results, I lost interest in many of them due to the low technical level of many photos published.
The 100ASA website was my first experience with curated photos, and I must say it is helping me a lot to improve. Also, here I found many of the best photographers I knew. The technical level is really high, making me proud to have eight photos in the Elite Gallery.
Can you tell us an anecdote that happened to you during your career?
A funny anecdote from the 1986 trip to Namibia. A member of the group, who was on top of a dune, asked me if I could take her photo. At that moment, I had a wide-angle lens in the camera, and I didn't want to change the lens due to the risk of sand getting into the sensor. I took the photo anyway. When I printed that photo, I noticed a diagonal cutting between the yellow sand and the blue sky, with two small people in the distance. And I won an award in a national contest with this photo in 1989!