Patrizia Burra is an MQEP Master qualified European photographer. On her website she quotes: “With photography we try to reproduce the world. But the world is much more interesting when it becomes a work of art.” Her goal is to translate her wild, passionate and restless vision into her images. Let us take a look into her unique world...

Please tell us about yourself, your hobbies and other jobs.
I’m a professional photographer and painter. I love to read and always have a book with me 

How have your history and life experiences affected your photography?
With photography I would like to change the real world. So I never put my life or my experiences in my images. However, the photograph influences my vision of the world.

Which are your most important experiences that have influenced your art?
There are many influences, but two stand out. The first one is the Tim Andrews project. Tim Andrews, an avid photography lover has started a photographic project in which he was the only model. He suffers from Parkinson’s disease and has invited more than 300 different photographers to take a portrait of him over a time span of 7 years.

The other major influence was when I received the qualification of MQEP (Master Qualified European Photographer) by FEP (Federation of European Photographers).  I know that their selection procedure is very strict. This made me realize that your image should be perfect to be believable.

What first attracted you to photography?
The creativity. I was 20 years old when I started taking pictures and I was very attracted by portraits. I tried to see what was behind the eyes of my model. I wanted to draw their true soul.

Why are you so drawn by Portrait and Creative Edit photography?
My obsession is the soul-searching in the photograph, while I can not give up painting. In my creative images I can paint and take pictures at the same time.

What is more important to you, the story behind your images or the technical perfection?
Both. But I realize that I tend to lean towards the technical perfection.

What generally is the relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?
There must necessarily be a feeling. I can’t take a shoot without it.

Do you carefully prepare the locations or settings before shooting?
Sometimes yes and sometimes no. It depends very much on the time I have available. For example when photographing children preparation is impossible. I try to make the best with very little prepping.

What gear do you use and what software to process your images?
I use a Phase One P40+ - Capture one and Photoshop.

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?
I work every day. It’s impossible for me to stay without editing or taking photos. Photography is my life.

What is your most important advice to a beginner in portrait or creative edit photography and how do you get started?
Tenacity, passion and look at the photographs of good artists. I'm a self-taught. The passion and the desire to move forward and grow brought me up here. We must never stop learning. We must never think of having arrived and stop. Every day we can grow.

Who are your favorite photographers and more importantly, how has your appreciation of their work affected how you approach your own photography?
I love Gregory Crewdson, he is the best in my eyes. DDiArte also, they are fabulous artists.

Is there any specific photo taken by another photographer that has inspired you a great deal and why?
I have had the great opportunity to shoot with Ian Munro and Peter Kemp in Holland.

So their shots inspired me: This is an example

Are there any specific directions that you would like to take your photography in the future or any specific goals that you wish to achieve?
Grow and never stop learning

Describe your favorite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you? 
This is my favorite photo made of my little niece.

I love her expression. I remember that she did not want to have their picture taken that day. She was sick of staying in the pose. I took this photograph the moment she ran away to play.

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?
1X is a great platform to show your work. It is the best place to see and post great pictures.