Photography through the eyes of Domitilla Mancini

Today we bring you our interview with Domitilla Mancini, a young photographer from the Pixtury community.

After a first brush with photography as a child, she only came back to it in recent years, when she realised it was her true passion. Instinctive and sunny, a lover of summer sunsets and female portraits, not much interested in technicalities or forum critics, she has plenty of plans for the future and dreams of seeing one of her photos gain international fame.

Alongside the interview, you'll find some of her best photos, on sale in her Personal Gallery.

Hi Domitilla, and welcome! Would you start by telling us a little about yourself?

Hi! I was born and raised in Rome, I'm 22 and I'd describe myself as a very down-to-earth girl, someone who always finds a good reason to smile and joke around!

What do you think photography is?

Photography is art; it's a way of expressing yourself, of creating. Sometimes it helps me let off steam because it makes me feel good. When I don't have time for it, on the other hand, I feel awful and think about it constantly.

Photography is absorbing, and it's also a way to spend time with friends and have fun, creating sets, make-up and outfits you'd never wear in real life. I love going out and looking for the right locations, when I can't wait to start shooting and bring the idea I had in mind to life! Sometimes it works, and other times, of course, it doesn't. I'd say photography is my greatest passion, and I don't think I'll ever tire of it.

When and how did you discover photography, and where did you learn to take photos?

I think photography has always been part of my life. My father was an enthusiast, so I grew up surrounded by Polaroids and rolls of film. When he took me out, I'd watch him and, to copy him, make a square with my fingers like a viewfinder, pretending to look for the perfect framing.

As I grew up, I started drawing instead. But the idea of photography was always there, so when I turned eighteen I was given my first little Samsung compact, which I used for my first experiments. Then I was given a Nikon J1. To be honest, I knew nothing, so I didn't know how to use manual mode. I was starting from scratch, and a friend explained how to adjust the exposure according to the light and everything else. That's how I began, until a year and a half ago I bought my first, and current, DSLR. Books, the internet, but above all taking lots of photos have helped me get what I want from a photograph.

What do you like most about this world? And what do you like least?

I'll start with what I like least: there are too many fake photos. I try to keep post-production invisible, or almost. I've also done some very small photomontages: for example, I photographed a breakfast cup and put a whole universe inside it, something that has been interpreted in a thousand different ways and that I loved!

I've also been part of some forums, where you share your photos and wait for constructive criticism. But I realised there are too many people who talk big because they've studied fancy words and photographic techniques and think they're somebody. That's something I hate! I'm not a professional, I'm not very good at putting things into words and I don't know most of the technical terms, but I don't care: as long as the photo satisfies me, I'm happy and I don't need anything else!

What equipment do you use for your shots?

I have my Nikon D7000 with its 18-105 mm kit lens, to which, after a few months, I added a 50 mm f/1.8 that I treated myself to. I love it and haven't taken it off since! Apart from the tripod, which I bought a couple of days ago, I don't have anything else, and I'm fine with that for now.

Do you remember a project that took you a long time and was particularly meaningful to you? Can you tell us how it went?

This year I've photographed christenings and weddings, and I've realised it's absolutely not what I want to do! Never, ever again. It's stressful and I don't find it fulfilling in the slightest. Of course, when you deliver the finished work and see that it's appreciated you're very happy, but what I enjoy is something else entirely!

I once made a promotional video for a company sponsoring a riding stable near where I live. I threw myself into it and made my first video! They gave me carte blanche and I must say it went pretty well: a lively video, jumping horses and rock music!

What's your favourite colour? How does it influence your photographic style?

I absolutely love colours! Especially burgundy and petrol blue. I also love the vintage style, so I mix the warmer colours.

How did you discover Pixtury?

Through Facebook, if I remember rightly.

If you had the chance, how and where would you like to see your best shot displayed?

It would be wonderful to see one of my photos travel the world, maybe for National Geographic! The magazine Digital Photographer published one of my photos, and that alone is a small milestone for me. Getty Images recently got in touch, and I hope my photos will be bought, perhaps even for the cover of a lovely book.

What are your favourite subjects to photograph?

Lately, female portraits, without a doubt!

What inspires you to take a photo?

Sometimes I see a beautiful place and imagine coming back with my model, wearing a special dress. In general, it takes very little: the desire to photograph envelops me, and sometimes I look around precisely to get new ideas or to suddenly capture an expression, a pose, a landscape! Anything I find appealing, really.

How would you rate yourself as a photographer? Come on, be objective.

My photos are quite well received, and sometimes that surprises me. All things considered, though, I think I'm fairly good, because photography comes naturally to me, so the effort I put into it doesn't weigh on me at all!

Have you ever won a photo contest?

One with you at Pixtury! The theme was Soffio. Then another for Digital Photographer magazine on the theme of Creative Portraits, and a couple more on Flickr.

Who do you think is the best photographer around?

There are lots I consider phenomenal, but I don't think they're well known.

What are your favourite lighting conditions?

I love the light at the start of a summer sunset, which creates wonderful glows. When I photograph someone in that kind of light, the atmosphere becomes magical!

What are your photography plans for the future?

I have lots of projects in mind! In particular, I dream of a great trip to California where I can offer my services as a photographer and take loads of photos.

Once it's published, where will you share this interview first?

On Flickr and on my Facebook profile, for sure!

Thank you for your time, Domitilla, and the very best of luck with your future projects!

To discover more of Domitilla's work, you can visit her personal profile on Pixtury, where you can buy posters and prints online of all her shots!