issue #49: Portraits
The portrait as a tool for connecting with the other and, at the same time, for self-discovery. We asked photographer Bea De Giacomo to send us a Postcard. Enjoy the exploration!
Welcome to Caleido, the diary about extraordinary people curated by MM Company / Read the Editor’s letter here.
1. Portraiture is an emotional journey, one of empathy and introspection towards the person we photograph. Have you ever had a diary in which you collected photographs? If so, what kind of relationship did you have with it? What did you include or write in it?
I began taking photographs as a form of diary, to preserve a record and memory of my experiences. Each shot is a way to fix a moment in my memory, making it indelible. I’ve never had the consistency to keep a written diary, but for me, every photograph is a page from my visual journal.
2. How did your passion for portraiture begin? What qualities do you look for in this type of photography?
My passion for portraiture stems from a need to connect with others, to build a relationship that goes beyond words. I’m a shy person, and photography is my way of reaching out to people—even those closest to me, like my family. For me, a portrait is a moment of intimacy, in which I try to understand the other person and, at the same time, discover something about myself.
3. If you had to make a quick escape with one object in hand, what would it be? Would you share a photo of it, taken by you?
A camera would be an obvious answer, so I’ll say my binoculars.
Bea De Giacomo is a freelance photographer who graduated from IED in Milan in 2008. After gaining experience in fashion, portraiture and publishing, she has collaborated with renowned names such as M Le Monde, Chanel and Hermès. Today, she focuses mainly on personal projects that blend documentation with magical realism, exploring recurring themes such as time, nature and contemplation. Her images evoke a sense of stillness and reflection, mixing poetry with everyday life.
