Striking a Chord: A Double Bassist’s Journey to Capturing Emotions as a Photographer
Let me take you on a journey through the eyes of Francesco Tobia, also known as Frank, an Italian professional musician, and passionate photographer based in the picturesque city of Guiyang, China.
With his incredible talent for the double bass and passion for photography, Frank captures the beauty and emotions of the world in a stunning and powerful way, offering a unique perspective on the world around us.
Four years ago, I had the privilege of helping Frank organize a trip to the Jinshanling Great Wall, and I was immediately struck by the sheer beauty of the photos he took.
The colors and stories in his images were so powerful that they stayed with me long after the trip ended.
Fast forward to today, and Frank has returned to Jinshanling to create a stunning video that has reignited my desire to visit this amazing destination after the lockdowns end.
As a passionate hobby photographer, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to interview Frank and share his remarkable work with the world.
So, come along with me on this exclusive journey, as we explore Frank’s artistic vision and unwavering passion for photography.
From breathtaking landscapes to captivating stories, we’ll dive into the heart of Frank’s creative process, and discover what makes his work so unique and inspiring.
Let’s get started!
Cameras Trends: What inspired you to become a photographer?
Frank: Initially, my goal was to preserve my memories through photography.
However, I soon realized that capturing a technically perfect photo wasn’t enough to convey the emotions I was experiencing.
As a result, I developed my style of photography which allowed me to better express my feelings and convey the essence of the moment.
What’s your favorite type of photography to shoot and why?
My photography style is rooted in evoking emotions.
I aim to capture the strongest feeling I experienced at the moment of the shot.
As a nature enthusiast, I mostly focus on capturing landscapes as I find they best convey the essence of emotions.
I also seek out places with a unique story to tell, such as the Great Wall of China, to add an extra layer of depth to my photos.
How do you approach a new photography project or assignment?
For me, planning the photo is the most crucial step.
Before heading to the location, I always have a clear idea of the shot I want to capture.
I conduct thorough research on various factors such as weather, seasonal colors, and the position of the sun, stars, and moon.
All these details contribute to the overall mood and feeling of the photo.
That’s why I was thrilled to work with Rick, who provided me with valuable information and suggestions, making the photo shoot a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
What’s your favorite piece of photography gear and why?
My go-to piece of gear is the 360 pano L bracket.
I use it in combination with an HDR panoramic workflow to achieve a unique point of view and high-resolution files.
Typically, I stack together 60 to 90 different exposures, taking only the central section of each shot for its sharpness and lack of distortion.
This allows me to achieve a compression effect similar to telephoto lenses and a wide field of view like that of a fish-eye lens, without any blurring or distortion.
This approach also enables me to print my photos on a large scale, without losing any quality.
The final blended result is a single photo that looks seamless and polished.
How do you stay motivated and creative as a photographer?
Photography is not just a hobby for me – it’s a passion that runs deep within me. It’s an art form that allows me to express myself in ways that words cannot.
Whenever I pick up my camera, I feel a sense of purpose and excitement that I simply cannot find in anything else.
Whether I’m exploring new places or revisiting old favorites, photography has a way of making everything feel new and exciting again.
There’s something about looking through the lens that allows me to see the world with fresh eyes, noticing details and beauty that I might have missed before.
Traveling to new locations is one of my favorite things to do because it gives me the opportunity to capture images that are completely unique and one-of-a-kind.
When I look back at the photos I’ve taken during my travels, I’m transported back to those moments in time and feel an incredible sense of nostalgia and joy.
In short, photography is not just a hobby or a pastime for me – it’s a way of life.
It’s a constant source of inspiration and fulfillment that I couldn’t imagine living without.
Can you share a photography project or shot you’re particularly proud of?
I’m proud that I can experience both Italy and China because I appreciate the best of both cultures.
Italy has amazing history and architecture while China is full of bright colors and excitement.
As a photographer, I get a special view of both cultures which allows me to show the beauty of each in my photos.
I like showing how similar the two cultures are and how we all share the same human connections.
I use my photography to help people understand and appreciate both Italy and China.
Whether it’s the beautiful landscapes, delicious food, or unique customs, I want people to see the beauty in both cultures.
I believe my photography can bring people together by showing the beauty of both cultures and helping them understand and appreciate each other better.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?
The weather is a significant factor when it comes to photography, and it can often be a major obstacle that photographers have to deal with.
Dull, overcast skies can create a bland and uninspiring backdrop, while haze and light pollution can obscure details and affect the quality of the final shot.
To overcome these issues, I make sure to conduct thorough research on the locations I plan to shoot.
This involves identifying the best times of day and weather conditions that will provide optimal results.
For instance, if I want to shoot a landscape, I’ll check the weather forecast to ensure that the skies will be clear and bright.
If I’m photographing a cityscape, I’ll look for times when there’s less traffic to minimize the amount of light pollution.
In addition to researching the weather, I also consider other factors that can affect the quality of the shot, such as the time of year and the position of the sun.
For example, during the golden hour (the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset), the light is soft and warm, creating a beautiful and flattering effect on the subject.
How do you handle criticism or negative feedback about your photography work?
Although I’m always open to constructive criticism to improve my photography skills, I find that some people may hesitate to offer negative feedback out of politeness.
Unfortunately, this can prevent me from learning and growing as a photographer.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting in photography?
If you want to become a great photographer, it’s important to start with a solid foundation of knowledge.
Learning the fundamentals, such as the rules of composition, is essential in building your skills and creating visually pleasing images.
This will help you create a solid base of knowledge that you can draw upon as you develop your own style.
Once you have a strong foundation, it’s important to begin pre-visualizing your shots.
This means thinking about the final result you want to achieve before you even pick up your camera.
This will help you make deliberate choices about your camera settings and composition, and will give your photos a more intentional and purposeful feel.
Developing a unique style is crucial in creating a body of work that reflects your vision as a photographer.
This involves experimenting with different techniques, angles, and editing styles to create a cohesive look and feel for your photos.
By developing your own style, you’ll be able to stand out from the crowd and create a distinct brand for yourself.
Once you have established your style, it’s okay to break the rules. Sometimes, creating something truly unique and captivating requires taking risks and pushing the boundaries of what is considered “normal” in photography.
By breaking the rules, you can create photos that are truly one-of-a-kind and showcase your unique perspective and artistic vision.
In summary, becoming a great photographer involves learning the fundamentals, pre-visualizing your shots, developing a unique style, and taking creative risks.
With dedication, hard work, and a willingness to take chances, you can create images that are both beautiful and meaningful.
What are your future goals as a photographer?
The Guizhou province in China has many hidden beauties that are not well known to the public, even among Chinese people.
As a photographer, I am passionate about showcasing the unique and lesser-known aspects of this region.
I am particularly interested in promoting Guizhou in Italy and abroad through photo exhibitions and social media.
My emotional style of photography enables me to capture the essence of the moment and convey the true beauty of the Guizhou province, which I believe can inspire people from all over the world.
Frank’s WeChat Video Account: Frank-photography
