italy Nov 2009

Founded in 2006, Milan-based Photofoyer is an independent photographic agency specialising in interior and architecture images. It represents a great selection of important photographers who collaborate with the best interior and architecture magazines worldwide.

Over the last 20 years, company director Irene De Luca has managed a selection of leading Italian photographic agencies and brings a wealth of experience with her to Photofoyer.

The agency offers a new on-demand solution to clients and photographers in interior design. It has grown very quickly to become a point of reference for international magazines looking to keep up-to-date on worldwide design trends and the best projects from the leading architects.

LSD Photo Advertising Studio is comprised of Marco and Paolo - two photographers who compose, shoot and post produce all their own images together. For just over ten years, they have been creating images from start to finish.

Paolo started as an illustrator before moving on to photography and he handles the post production side, while Marco, who has always worked as photographer, shoots. Together, they create images that express realism and a touch of romanticism.

"Paolo and I think, create, produce and post produce all our images," says Marco. "We love to continuously confront one another to exchange ideas and opinions so we can create the best imaginable image from not one but two creative minds."

Marco Di Marco was raised in Rome where he still maintains his primary residence. He studied fine arts and holds a graduate degree in architecture.

His passion for photography found him at an early age and has developed over the years into a fulfilling professional career.

In the last 10 years, Marco has been involved in many high-profile commercial projects, from still life to contemporary art, architecture and design to industrial products. He has also shot numerous reportage pieces, record covers, portraits of celebrities and fashion shoots.

Marco says that despite his eclectic professional career, he still likes to dedicate time "to developing experimental projects." Check his website for more information.

Milan-based professional freelance photographer Mariacristina Vimercati specialises in fashion, still life, portraiture and advertising photography. Recent projects include:

• Domus Magazine.
• Inter Abbonamenti - Season Tickets.
• Verve International Review.
• Lavazza Espression.
• Décor Living Magazine.
• Sportweek Magazine.
• Geox Respira global campaign, S/S 09, F/W 08/09.

Her clients and publications include: Lavazza, Geox Respira, Ferrero, Inter Abbonamenti, Max Mara, Elle Italia, Casa Vogue, Uomo Vogue, UOMO (ed. Futura), DDN Design International, GB Progetti (ed.Progetti), Verve Magazine, Io Donna (Rizzoli), Max (Rizzoli), Capital (Rizzoli), and Sportweek (Rizzoli).

Still life photographer Michele Gastl loves his family, his job and his motorbike (but not necessarily in that order).

Seemingly very different, these three things have something unique in common: watching his daughter smile, riding off into the woods along a winding road, and giving value to everyday objects through his shots are the ways in which Michele pursues, reveals and appreciates the beauty of life.

Check out his website and the images will speak for themselves.

Sonia Marin is a freelance photographer who also works as an external lecturer in the Department of Photography at the European Institute of Design.

She has been working commercially since 1994, focussing especially on still life subjects as a Fine Art photographer. Sonia has organised travelling exhibitions from Copenhagen to Washington, Boston, Barcelona, Tokyo and Moscow. She received special mention as 'Best Complete Project' in the Photographic Talent Competition held by FNAC Milan in 2006, and was awarded 'Best Artistic Picture of the Year' in the Commercial Field at the Master Competition, Moscow, also in 2006.

Sonia is able to capture the emotions and sensations of life through simple images of everyday objects and the human body, by "de-contextualising and re-inserting them into a new environment." Creating images for either commercial or personal work, her style and direction is guided by the need to tell stories with single images.

All of her images are rendered through Polaroid.

Solomango is a group of professional photographers with great experience producing:

• Contemporary travel and reportage features.
• Editorial assignments.
• Full text by travel writers.
• Stock libraries of high quality photographs.

The company offers a full assignment service throughout Italy and abroad.

The photos in this feature, a series of portraits from the Sarntal valley (Italy/South Tyrol) entitled 'The Forgotten Valley', were shot by Stefano Torrione. "A world of simplicity and tradition with ancient customs and dress codes still very much alive."

Pixelway digital imaging studio has been based in Milan, the Italian fashion and design capital, since 1994. Founding partner, Giorgio Lari, is an experienced professional with a solid background as a photographer, illustrator and visual communications expert.

During fifteen years in the business, Pixelway has consolidated its position as one of the leading European digital imaging studios thanks to its level of professionalism, high-tech, high-quality output and ongoing creativity.

Pixelway is a meeting place where photographers, art directors and designers can creatively interact in a stimulating environment and is designed to provide a source of inspiration for new ideas.

The company keeps well abreast of new and continuously evolving trends and can offer a comprehensive range of services and state-of-the-art techniques. As a result, the Pixelway portfolio has become a showcase of the most influential international brands.

Achim Stagge, based in Tuscany, provides high quality services across Italy for photo, film, TV, commercials, video, industrial and automotive productions.

The company's service is geared towards using its extensive archive to help clients find the ideal location for their shoot. Additionally, Achim Stagge can provide all the necessary equipment, hotels, transportation, catering, local crews, talent and extras as required.

The company's professional experience, far reaching contacts and dedication to ensuring an efficient shoot according to clients' specific needs facilitates any type of production in Italy.

Founded in 2001, Milan-based Archivio Mazzaron Giommi specialises in location research.

The company's archive includes more than 20,000 updated photographs of public and private locations suitable for all types of productions.

In eight years of activity, Archivio MG has consistently combined reliability with enjoyment - characteristics that have helped the company achieve its goal of acquiring an increasing number of clients in the fashion and furniture industries, as well as from renowned advertising production companies.

A consultation can be arranged free of charge.

InFact is a production and service company based between Naples and Milan, offering support for the planning and management of photo shoots. With a dedicated equipment rental section it supports productions around the rest of Italy and across Europe.

The company specialises in on location equipment rental, providing a flexible service based around the needs of customers. It recently added Canon and Hasselblad camera systems along with 'Locationstation' to its digital photography services. The company maintains new and top quality industry-standard equipment, including Profoto flash and light shaping tools, Arri, Manfrotto/Avenger grip gear, Sunbounce scrims, Westcott scrimjim, and more.

InFact has extensive experience in scouting locations and producing shoots for the Italian market. With a clear choice of locations, favourable budget options and high levels of service quality, the company complements the natural advantages brought by the sunny Italian climate to satisfy a wide variety of production needs. The company specialises in territory around Naples and it's bay area, the Amalfi Coast and the islands of Capri, Ischia, Procida, Mount Vesuvius, the Campi Flegrei volcanic area and the historic centre of Naples, Basilicata, Puglia and Sicily.

Shoot in The Alps is a film and photo facilitating company operating in the European Alps. With the region straddling four national borders the company operates between France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia as if they were a single geographic entity.

Providing solutions to every possible logistical need for film and photo productions, Shoot in the Alps handles everything from location scouting, specialised crews, stunt people, mountain safety experts and helicopters to warm cups of espresso at the top of a glacier. Its strength lies in detailed knowledge of the alpine territory provided by a network of professionals who live and work in the region throughout the year.

The company's connections and expert knowledge allow clients to make the right decisions when planning, choosing locations and the equipment required.