Carlo Draisci - Photographer

There are four brothers from Cerignola who moved to London in the nineties. They are the Draisci brothers - all artists: an Architect, a Musician, a Web Designer, and Carlo, 35-year old photographer who's lived in London for over ten years. His art portfolio encompasses a wide range of subjects - landscapes, objects and contemporary people - all appear to have a great personality. In addition to technical expertise, Carlo is renowned for attention to details that provide a greater sensory experience. Light and emotions are cuptured with discretion: Carlo is an invisible photographer. From Cuba to Bombay, from London to Nairobi, the subjects of his photography transport the viewer beyond expectations. Carlo Draisci has been working freelance since 2000 - Mulberry, Laura Ashley, Nokia and the Victoria and Albert Museum are some of his current customers. The Observer Magazine, Domus and Dove are among the jmagazine that have published Carlo's work (www.carlodraisci.com).

(Please refer to the bottom of this page for useful links related to the field of Photography)


Accademia Apulia has asked Carlo Draisci the following questions:


What attracted you to London?

As I gre up in Italy, I loved British music amd thought of London as a great place but never thought that one day I would end up living there. It just happened that I came to visit my brother who had been living in London for a few years already and immidiately fell in love with the city. What I love most are the people that I meet everyday.  
   

How did you get into photography? 


Almost by accident. I studied both music and cinematography before discouvering photography. I always felt that that I needed to express myself in some way other than words. Then, after winning 3 photographic competitions, one in Italy and two in London, I decided to take up photography as a profession.

What aspect of photography you like best? Which less?

I like everything about photography, including all cameras but the compact digital ones. Being able to capture a moment in the life of a person, a building, an object and make them yours forever it’s just magical. To do it well it takes years of practice, perseverance and luck. What I less like about being photographers are the stresses that come with any job and that should not interfere with the wonders of the camera.

Do you prefer taking pictures of people or objects?

Un mix delle due cose e quello che cerco di fare. Mi e’ capitato di fotografare persone famose come attori o musicisti tra i quali Nick Cave o Bill Wyman dei rolling stones o Sienna Miller e Joseph Fiennes. Cio’ mi da’ un enorme soddisfazione ma e’ anche duro lavoro quindo a volte mi piace chiudermi in studio e fotografare un orologio d’epoca - cercando di dargli vita. E’ il mio modo per rilassarmi.

Both, I try to photograph people and things. I have also taken portraits of  celebrities - actors or musicians including Nick Cave and Bill Wyman or Sienna Miller and Joseph Fiennes. This is of course satisfying work but it’s hard work too, so there are times when I lock myself up in my studio and take shots of a vintage watch – to bring it alive. This is how Irelax.

 

How does one train to become a photographer in London? Are there any specialised good courses?

There are so many courses. I have a degree in photography. But one can also become a photographer by assisting someone who’s established in the field for a few years and learn that way. Photography isn’t always easy to learn/teach and a degree in photography isn’t enough – only good practice makes perfect.
 

What has been the most gratifying photographic project that you have achieved so far?

I was lucky enough to travel the world shooting for Nokia, working on a series of advertising campaigns in Kenya, India and Dubai. This experience has changed me as a photographer but also as a person.
 

Do you believe that Italian artists and still high on the list of  today’s demanding clients always on the lookout for cutting edge visuals?

There is a demand for good artists irrespective of where they come from. However, I believe that my Apulian heritage mixed with my acquired London culture of 13 years has helped me find and retain customers. The love of good food, good taste and being  passionate about things are things that the Italian take for granted. All of these things do add a pinch of chilli to any English recipe. 
 

Is there a master of photography that you admire?

My favourite photographer is my 7-year old nephew Gabriel. I believe that for images to communicate, sometimes is best to put aside techniques and use spontaneity insteade - like that of a child. I also find inspiration in movies or music - or even in a video clip. I look to old masters too - I particularly like Caravaggio.
 


What is your next dream to realize?

I’ll tell you about it when it has come true.  

 

 

 

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