Behind the Scenes: ’Nzìm

LFI: How did you get into photography?
Caimi & Piccinni: We hail from different backgrounds and, as a result, our motivations for pursuing photography have distinct nuances. For Jean-Marc, it all began with a youthful passion for black and white photography, and darkroom printing in a friend's basement, which later seamlessly integrated into his routine as a music journalist, and eventually blossomed into a full-time career as a documentary photographer. On the other hand, Valentina, an art history graduate, initially channelled her love of photography within the art realm, where she also held a role as a gallery curator. Her profound expertise in this field subsequently became pivotal in her burgeoning interest in documentary and reportage photography.

Who or what inspires you?
Our wealth of influences grows continually as our style matures and becomes enriched. Committing one’s life to photography is an ongoing voyage that runs parallel to personal growth, ideally marked by constant discovery and development. To offer a glimpse of the individuals who have resonated with our sensibilities, we can cite notable Japanese photographers such as Daido Moriyama and Shomei Tomatsu, along with the intimate photography of Masahisa Fukase. Additionally, we've been fascinated by the meticulous approach of contemporary American documentary photographers, like Alec Soth and the fervent photographic journey of Stanley Greene.

'‘Nzìm' (“together” in the Apulian dialect) is the title of the series. How did it come about?
In recent years, we've embarked on a series of explorations in various cities and territories, producing photographic projects that often culminate in book publications; places such as Rome, Istanbul, Naples, Normandy, the Umbrian Italian countryside, and Strasbourg. Through these diverse environments, we've sought to uncover the realities and zeitgeist of the times we live in. What unites these works is a profound fascination with humanity, a deep dive into the lives of the people who call each place home. It is akin to an anthropological journey. In all our photographic works, human connection serves as the initial spark, as our encounters grant us access to people's lives, offering a window into their unique worlds. This year, the theme of Being Human at PhEST, the prominent photography festival set in Monopoli, Puglia, resonated deeply with our approach. Consequently, the festival curators – Arianna Rinaldo and Giovanni Troilo – invited us to create a series to be the subject of the exhibitions set in the old city port.

We see quite unusual and very artistic photographic techniques in this series, which could be linked to fashion photography.
We frequently employ flash photography, even in broad daylight. Our preference lies in capturing images illuminated by intense, direct light that exposes every facet of the scene. We trust in the intrinsic visual potency of the situations and subjects we encounter, finding poetry in each scene, regardless of any softening effect of the available light. Our choice often involves using a handheld, off-camera flash, a technique that, as a duo, we can seamlessly manage, effectively assuming the role of each other’s assistant. This approach grants us the flexibility to use flash even in chaotic or challenging situations, eliminating the need for cumbersome stands or heavy equipment.