An Exclusive Interview with Mauro Squiz Daviddi

Mauro Squiz Daviddi started photographing in 1976 with the camera of his father, a Vitoret Voigtländer. Photography is his love, and in 1986 Mauro obtain the degree of “Master of Art” at the Art Institute of Bologna. His last photographic exhibitions was from 16 November 2012 to 16 January 2013 at the Museum of Wax Anatomical Bologna. Currently Exhibition ASCE in the European project EUCEMET, and “The Charterhouse of Bologna through the eyes of Dickens” at the town hall of Bologna is in process.

In this “Exclusive Interview” section, today we have the opportunity to talk with Mauro Squiz Daviddi, as his photograph was winner of Photo of the Month – 33rd Month, 1st Place. Let’s discover more about Mauro Squiz Daviddi, and his forays into photography in the following interview with him.

Light & Composition: Hello, Mauro Squiz Daviddi. How does it feel being selected as the winner of Photo of the Month, 1st Place?

Mauro Squiz Daviddi: Wow! It’s great! I feel happy. It was a beautiful surprise!

L&C: Your photographs, Sunflower, was selected as Photo of the Month, is a beautiful Close-Up photograph with artistic perspective, correct lighting, and very well presented. Overall, they are great composition! Tell us more about your experience of taking these two photographs.

Mauro Squiz Daviddi: I took this picture in a large field of sunflowers. I searched a lot to find the flower that I liked. During the summer in this area there are many fields with sunflowers. Find the right flower for the right light is a search relaxing. The petals folded over the center of the flower and geometric pattern at the center capture the view.

L&C: Besides this winning photograph, many people liked and voted for other photographs of yours in the Photo of the Month contest. You must be proud. How do you see your journey to the world of photography so far?

Mauro Squiz Daviddi: I am very happy and proud that my photos are appreciated. My journey in photography began over thirty years ago. I think that the journey will never end. I always find new ideas for photographing. More years pass and the desire to photograph increases. Photography is something magical, is an extraordinary art and makes you love life.

L&C: As we know, you are originally from Italy, which has its own rich artistic heritage. Do you think depicting life in Italy portrays a different essence? How much does that influence your work?

Mauro Squiz Daviddi: My district, my city, my country and its art, have been crucial. They made me grow as a photographer. As a child I started photographing the streets of my neighborhood. Then I photographed my city, I discovered his art. My country, Italy, is an art. This art is often shown in my photos.

L&C: We see so many different genres of photography in your portfolio. Do you like a particular genre of photography?
Mauro Squiz Daviddi: I really like the street photography, why so I started. I love to photograph the art around me, I want to make it known.

L&C: One of the keys to any style of photography is visualization. Please tell us how you started this process and what you did afterwards.
Mauro Squiz Daviddi: Imagination is very important. But not only that. For me, along with the imagination there must be inspiration. Photography is meditation, Photographer alone. I do not want to be distracted by anyone. It is a unique moment, wonderful. From this comes a moment forever …

L&C: Mauro, have you ever exhibited your work? If so, then tell us about your first exhibiting experience.
Mauro Squiz Daviddi: Yes, I have exposed. The first time was very exciting, it was like a dream. Working for 20 years on the Certosa of Bologna (monumental cemetery of Bologna, Italy), I created a site on the Certosa, with my photography (www.certosadibologna.info). The association ASCE (Association of Significant Cemeteries of Europe) has organized an exhibition of a European project (EUCEMET). The exhibition is a collective, and my work was chosen from one of many photographers. One my photo became the iconic image of the exhibition (on Maribor, Slovenia), and used as a backdrop for the official photograph, with the presence of the authorities of Maribor and ambassadors French, Spanish and Cyprus, which are part of the cultural. This exhibition will be traveling at the time and is expected to Avilés (Spain), Nebbiu (Corsica) and Nicosia (Cyprus). This exhibition was an unexpected gift. I am very happy. http://www.maurosquizdaviddi.com/eucemet-photo-exhibition.html

L&C: What advice would you give our readers who want to take part in the journey around the world with Photo of the Day?
Mauro Squiz Daviddi: Showcase your photos. Show the world your talent.

L&C: Thank you, Mauro Squiz Daviddi, for sharing your feelings and experiences with us.