I picked up my camera at the age of nine. I was fascinated (and indeed still am) by the shapes of trees. In the sixties, student ferment and sociology studies led me to social photography and ethnographic research to then develop a growing interest in the “New Objectivity” and in particular for the photographers of the Dusseldorf School. In the seventies and eighties I was able to closely follow the work of extraordinary Italian photographers such as Paolo Monti and Gabriele Basilico, who profoundly innovated the representation of urban space. From that experience was born my interest in photography also intended as a means of “cataloging” the elements of reality.

With this photograph I tried to give the same importance both inside and outside a work environment, trying to highlight details that, in my opinion, make the place represented original and at the same time “familiar”. This image is part of a series that documents the changes that have taken place over the years in the network of historic shops in Bologna.

The historic center of Bologna is known in Italy for having preserved and protected its most representative shops of the spirit and history of the city. In the last twenty years this precious economic and cultural heritage has undergone profound transformations behind which it is however possible to glimpse the original soul. This photograph also captures an ironic and somewhat paradoxical aspect in the relationship that is established between the nature of the activity that takes place in the shop (a barber shop) and the brand chosen by the owner. My work includes not only commercial shops but also many artisan workshops that have survived the changes taking place. They are mainly carpentry, small foundries, tapestries and glassworks.

The final series consists only of black and white photographs. For this photograph I preferred the color version which favors the “dialogue” between the external elements and the internal details.

What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!

On a formal level, the brightness of the interior in relation to the street light. In terms of content, the gestures of the barber.

If you would be able to make this photo once again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?

I would increase the depth leave more space to the road.

Marco Bruscolini shared this photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.

Photographer

Marco Bruscolini, Bologna, Italy

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Equipment and Settings

Canon 1D Mark III + Angenieux 35-70mm F2.5