Gianluca Colla's Tips
A Master Storyteller Shares His Secrets
Gianluca shares his professional tips for rising to the occasion.
Know the story you want to tell.
Learn about the place or event you're shooting. Show up early and talk to locals, ask questions. Why are all the performers dressed in black? What's the significance of this location? If you snap a shot just because it has good light, you'll have a picture with good light, not good insight.
Use a series of shots carefully.
Don't be repetitive. Use your first shot to establish the setting. Then let your second image focus on something smaller- sometimes a story can be told best through details. Your final shot can suggest the emotional message or feeling you want your observer to take away.
Anticipate the action.
When I cover an event I never relax. I'm constantly thinking about what will happen in the next three seconds. It sounds obvious, but keep your camera in your hand not your bag. Lens cap off, power on, and exposure set. When action starts to unfold your camera should already be up and pointed. Whether you're shooting the Carnival of Venice, theater in Avignon, or a music festival in your own neighborhood, cultural events can be a rich source for vibrant images.
Catch what happens before and after.
Costumes and makeup going on, or decorations going up beforehand. Happy exhausted participants celebrating in a bar afterwards. Those are often the most authentic, personal, meaningful moments. When the event is over, the story isn't over, sometimes it's just beginning.
Shoot from a fresh point of view.
Find a terrace or balcony and shoot down; go behind the stage and shoot from the performer's perspective; get close but use a wide angle, or faraway with a zoom. Go for the unexpected.
Make the most of the light you have.
Shady areas may seem blue and flat, but they're great for portraits because you avoid harsh shadows. Do performers and the sun seem at odds? Go for dramatic silhouettes.
Always include portraits.
Big events have big emotions. So don't forget to isolate a few meaningful faces. Particularly those who've managed to get close to the action, and of course the performers themselves. Nothing tells a story like a face moved to tears or screaming with joy.
Biography
Gianluca Colla was born in Reggio Emilia, Italy in 1976. After attending high school he studied at the Civil Engineering & Architecture Faculties in Bologna. Following work experience in various fields, his love for travelling and passion for photography soon lead him to combine these interests to become his profession.
An in depth knowledge of photography, in particular in the digital sector, has led him to work in many different areas, including collaborations with National Geographic, Blockbuster, World Gold Council, Wind, United Bank of Swiss, Toyota, Saatchi&Saatchi and The Blue Zones. These collaborations allow him to travel to many diverse destinations around the world, from the Arctic Polar Circle to Africa's deserts, from the Far East to the Amazon.
Gianluca's photographs have appeared in various publications, including National Geographic Magazine, NG Travel Magazine, Newsweek and CondèNaste.
Since 2004 he has been a member and photographer of "The Quest Network", a team of explorers and scientists who have come together for the love of exploration, scientific popularization and the use of modern technology to create online interactive expeditions. He is also a member of NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals), holds seminars and teaches digital photography courses such as the Toscana Photographic Workshop and the Canon Academy.
When not on assignment Gianluca lives between Italy and Switzerland.
Visit: http://www.gianlucacolla.eu
