by Yvette Depaepe 
Published the 19 juli 2021

Fabrizio Massetti  is a talented photographer attracted to a vast range of images such as abstract, architecture, portraits and reportage.  But his biggest passion is mostly dedicated to landscape photography. He loves to travel, to meet new people and to discover new cultures. Today, Fabrizio is guiding us through superb locations and tell us more about the artist behind his work.

'Long Ji Rice Terrace at Sunrise'Image

Can you briefly tell us about yourself, your hobbies and other jobs, Fabrizio?
First and foremost, I would like to say that it is an honour for me to be interviewed and I'm  grateful for this opportunity!  I am a photography enthusiast from Fermo (Italy) working as a manager developer of female footwear for a Singapore group in China. I have two children and two splendid grandsons.

My biggest passion is photography, which has fascinated with since the age of 18. I still remember fondly my first camera Fujica ST 701. I have always been a very active person, which I think is reflected in my photos. I love the way the photographic technique has evolved. I started off with a film camera transitioning also through the large format with Linhof Technika 6x9.

Besides photography, I enjoy nature trips, travelling, meeting new people and discovering new cultures. Being blocked in China since January 2020, my only wish now is to return to Italy in order to visit my family and grandchildren, and then resume work and travelling again.

How has your history and life experiences affected your photography?
My fascination for photography began when I got my first camera, a Fujica. I spent a number of years taking photos of my kids and developing them on my own in a darkroom. However, after my Fujica has been stolen, I abandoned photography and dedicated myself to my job and other hobbies, like cycling and scuba diving.

Which are your most important experiences that have influenced your art?
Having started my work experience in China and other countries in 2006, I bought a Nikon D2 and met Lee, a passionate photographer who took me to new places and sights. China is such a charming country and triggered my desire to capture and immortalize it through my lens.

'Ethereal sunrise'

'In the clouds'

What first attracted you to photography?
Even though I started taking photos early in my life, I believe that my true journey in the field of photography began in 2006, in China. Besides my fascination for nature, I suppose my acquaintance with China has significantly influenced my photography as it allowed me to absorb the essence of oriental culture in addition to the western culture, including diverse aesthetic perspectives on our natural world. Chinese landscapes mainly represent a general contour to the objects, atmosphere and the magnitude of the surroundings.

'Xianggong Shan at dawn'

'The rice fields'

'Li river'

Describe your overall photographic vision.
At first, when I seriously started with photography, I mainly focused on landscapes. Step by step, I felt the need to explore other themes. Today, I am attracted to a vast range of images: abstract, architecture, double exposure, black and white, creative editing. But I undeniably have to admit that landscape photography is still my favourite.

'Village market'

'Sunrise on the Li River'

'The terraced fields'

You have your very own style but your work is very diversified. Can you explain why?
The diversity in my work simply illustrates the different phases of my photographic experiences.  Being passionate about image capturing techniques, I have experimented a lot to realize what I really wanted to achieve with as a result, that diversity.

'Val d'Orcia in the morning'

'Belvedere at dawn' 

'Pudong'

What is more important to you, the mood, story behind your images or the technical perfection?
The technique is of fundamental importance for the final result; however, the real goal is to create an image that could have a stimulating visual impact on the viewer. I believe photography should be considered as an entity where all these elements coexist in harmony. An image should always tell a story, even though its significance varies in degree depending on the genre.

'Tuscany fog'

'The Li-River

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?
My approach has changed throughout the years. Nowadays, I go back several times to the locations where I want to shoot to test out several compositions and to fully explore them.  I always have a strong bond with my subjects because of the meticulous preparations.

'In the morning' 

Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?
As said previously, if possible, I certainly do, especially if it is rather close to my home.  Weather and light conditions are essential for a good result, so I check the weather forecast while planning my short or long-distance journey. Anyway, I do not think one can plan everything. In fact, spontaneous explorations and a fortunate stroke of serendipity are important aspects in photography.

'Mirrors'

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?
I currently own a Nikon d4s
Lenses: Nikon 24/70 f 2.8
Carl Zeiss Distagon 21mm
An old 50mm AIS
Bags:  Lowepro Pro Trekker & Lowepro Trolley Pro Roller
A Gitzo tripod

 
What software do you use to process your images?
Capture One and Photoshop 2021
Nik Collection

 
Can you tell us something more about your work flow?
I always shoot in raw format. Then, I select and load images into Capture One, which I use to adjust basic parameters, such as exposure, brightness, shadows, contrast, etc. before the final polishing in Photoshop with Nik Collection and luminosity masks to obtain the desired result. 

'Sunset in the forest'

What is your most important advice to a beginner in Photography and how do you get started?
I think it is essential to decide for yourself what you want to achieve with your photos.
Set a goal, have a clear vision regarding your style and work towards it.
Do not avoid capturing different types of images; at the beginning, you are not really aware of what type of photos you could prefer: landscapes, wild animals, architecture, abstract or street photography… Make sure you try all of them, and then you will discover your favourite genres.  After that, stick to them and begin to grow. In the meantime, remain open to constructive feedback and stay humble.

'Hong Kong city'

Who are your favourite photographers and more importantly, how has your appreciation of their work affected you own photographic approach?
I prefer not to mention some names because there are too many and none of them deserves to be left out. They all had a very strong impact on me, and I would like that my images have the same impact in a similar way but through my own individual style.
All of my favourite ones have their unique personal style. Our environment and surroundings will always remain a source of inspiration but our unique visions and ways to express ourselves make the difference. 

 
Is there any specific photo taken by another photographer that has inspired you a lot and why?
There are a lot photos inspiring me but it is impossible to me to share only one between all the images which had a  profound effect on me.….....

 
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?
I have not yet thought about my future as a photographer. I am working on improving my technical post-processing abilities as I still lack some skills to realize all my fantasies. I would like to master those skills so that I can achieve the desired vision in a quick and simple manner.

'Golden Mirrors'

Describe your favourite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you?

'Golden hills'

 
I have chosen this one because it was taken just a week before a 6.5-degree earthquake which has destroyed this paradise located nearby my Italian residence.

 
Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?
I spend more time at 1x than all the other photography sites combined. I didn't have found any other website who's content makes me want to experience the same kind of delight. 1x has played an important role in my development as a photographer. It is a place where we can learn through observation from the greatest talents offering top quality and incredible aesthetics, which is always a source of inspiration.

'XianggongShan-,another world'