Susan Sontag, one of the most prominent voices in photographic criticism, once wrote that “photography is an inventory of mortality.” Indeed, photography has a unique ability to freeze time, to capture fleeting moments that are gone in an instant, and to preserve them for future generations. Italian photographer Stefano Azario aims to do just this in his work, capturing the significance of fleeting moments in time, keeping those alive and guarding them for eternity.
Azario’s work spans multiple genres, from commercial photography to fashion photography to fine art photography. However, what unites all of his work is his ability to capture the essence of a moment and to convey its significance through beauty. Whether he is photographing a model or a decaying building in an abandoned city, Azario’s photographs always have a sense of urgency, a feeling that this moment is important and deserves to be remembered.
In her essay “In Plato’s Cave,” Sontag writes that photographs “are a way of imprisoning reality…One can’t possess reality, one can possess images–one can’t possess the present but one can possess the past.” Azario’s photography embodies this idea, taking moments from the present and turning them into something that can be possessed and cherished long after the moment has passed.
One of the most striking aspects of Azario’s work is his ability to capture the beauty in decay. In a culture that often values newness and perfection above all else, Azario’s photographs of decaying buildings and rusted metal serve as a reminder that there is beauty to be found in imperfection. As Sontag writes in “On Photography,” “The painter constructs, the photographer discloses.” Azario’s photographs disclose the beauty that is hidden in plain sight, revealing it to the viewer in a way that is both surprising and profound.
Azario’s fashion photography is equally impressive, with each photograph telling a story and capturing a moment in time. His approach to fashion photography is unique in that he focuses on the personality of the model rather than the clothing they are wearing. By doing so, he is able to create images that are not just visually stunning but emotionally resonant as well. In Sontag’s words, “photographs are a way of imprisoning emotions in the way that poetry captures feelings.”
Capturing the true essence of a moment
Stefano’s memorable photography of infants and children is about the fleeting phases of childhood, an encouragement to parents to value these times and be present through these most formative of periods. Stefano’s artistic range and versatility are also evident in his projects exploring human relationships and his collaboration with members of his own family. In these works, he captures the complex emotions and bonds that exist between family members, creating a narrative that is both intimate and universal.
Stefano has also recently embarked on a new project titled “In cerca della retta via,” which draws inspiration from Dante’s travels in the region of Lunigiana, Italy. Through this project, Stefano aims to capture the inherent beauty of the people and landscapes of the area.
These diverse projects showcase Stefano’s range and versatility as a photographic artist.
Connects with whatever he captures
With his exceptional ability to capture the essence of a moment, his gift for connecting with his subjects, and his masterful use of light and composition, it is no surprise that Stefano has become one of the most sought-after photographers in the industry. His work is a testimony to the power of visual storytelling and the enduring appeal of timeless beauty.
