To some individuals, a shell remains just a shell; a shoe is merely a shoe; a gourd, nothing more than a gourd. However, in the realm of still-life photography, that driftwood resting on the dunes transforms into a potential set piece awaiting its place beside a rustic loaf of bread in the next artistic endeavor. For the creative pair, anything holds the promise of becoming a prop—even antique surgical instruments.
“Although some found them eerie, they were exquisite pieces,” Luca remarks casually, recalling a recent discovery on Facebook Marketplace. Intrigued by the peculiar allure of these items, the duo embarked on a venture to incorporate them into a geometric obstacle course for a photoshoot. Their collection now includes an array of curiosities, housed in a shed in the backyard, ranging from sculptures to seashells. “Our circle of friends and family is well aware, so whenever they chance upon something quirky, they immediately suggest it as a potential prop,” Lara chuckles.
Like many artists, they are meticulous in their craft. The domain of still-life photography eliminates external influences, given that their role as a creative pair encompasses all facets of production. With no models, stylists, or producers involved, they maintain the purity of their concepts. “We’ve found that still life is the perfect medium for us to articulate our style, our perspective, and our identities,” Lara explains.
In the subsequent sections, Lara and Luca delve into their background, elucidate their diverse wellsprings of inspiration, and respond to a series of quick-fire personal inquiries.
Origins and Evolution:
Lara Ferri: Both hailing from Italy, we pursued individual studies at art school before serendipitously crossing paths years later in Milan, where we delved into photography. Our lives and careers intertwined approximately 16 years ago. While both photographers by trade, our roles have evolved over the past three years to encompass a collective identity as a creative duo. Beyond capturing images, we now steer the creative direction, assuming roles as set designers and prop stylists.
Luca Nocera: Our journey commenced in the realm of fashion in Italy and subsequently transitioned when we relocated to London 11 years ago. It was here that we gravitated towards still-life photography, drawn to the autonomy it offered in orchestrating every aspect of the shoot—from the setting to the design and style. This autonomy facilitated the realization of our artistic vision with greater precision.
Early Influences and Inspirations:
LN: Our formative years coincided with the film era, just as digital photography was emerging. Reverence for renowned fashion photographers like Richard Avedon and David Bailey fueled my aspirations during adolescence. My initial ambition was to emulate their success in the realm of fashion photography, albeit the trajectory unfolded differently from my teenage fantasies.
LF: With degrees in graphic design from the same art school, our educational background instilled in us a profound appreciation for geometry and architecture. I am particularly drawn to clean, minimalist imagery, a predilection that crystallized upon relocating to London and immersing myself in the distinct artistic milieu. The works of Irving Penn, known for his prowess in both fashion and still-life photography, resonate deeply with me and inform my creative endeavors.
LN: Our foundation in film photography instills a preference for a streamlined, hands-on approach, minimizing reliance on post-production interventions. We prioritize meticulous preparation before each shoot, underscoring the significance of on-set execution over digital manipulation.
Prop Curation and Creative Process:
LN: Natural elements feature prominently in our compositions, often sourced firsthand during exploratory forays along beaches or through woodlands. We infuse our imagery with a harmonious, organic quality, meticulously selecting props that resonate with the composition and product at hand. While clients typically furnish us with a brief, granting us creative freedom yields the most gratifying outcomes, enabling us to authentically articulate our vision while meeting the client’s objectives.
LF: Composition and color theory serve as linchpins in our creative process, with each chromatic selection underpinned by a deliberate rationale and its alignment with the overall composition or product aesthetic.
LN: Our repository of props, housed in a backyard shed, facilitates spontaneous ideation and experimentation, fostering a dynamic creative environment conducive to innovation.
Artistic Vision and Execution:
LN: Our approach to photography transcends mere product representation, imbuing each image with an element of narrative intrigue. While the primary focus may be a product, we endeavor to introduce supplementary elements that enrich the visual narrative, infusing the composition with a fine-art sensibility.
LF: Our primary objective is to evoke emotion and imbue each image with a distinctive ambiance, seamlessly merging artistry with nature to create a captivating visual tableau that resonates with viewers.
LN: The integration of diverse elements, such as antique tools procured from a local source, underscores our commitment to infusing each project with a sense of history and narrative depth. The satisfaction derived from such creative endeavors transcends commercial success, encapsulating the essence of self-expression and artistic fulfillment.
Aesthetic and Stylistic Identity:
LF: Our style is deeply rooted in artistry, drawing inspiration from a myriad of mediums ranging from sculpture to painting. Nature, our immediate surroundings, and artistic influences collectively inform our visual language, imbuing our work with a timeless quality that transcends fleeting trends.
LN: Striving for a minimalist aesthetic, we gravitate towards compositions characterized by spatial clarity and visual simplicity. By paring down extraneous elements, we aim to cultivate a sense of tranquility and visual harmony, channeling influences from Scandinavian and Japanese design philosophies.
Innovative Approaches and Unconventional Props:
LF: Our penchant for experimentation extends to unconventional prop choices, with liquid elements posing unique challenges due to their unpredictable nature. From utilizing eerie surgical tools dating back to the 18th century to incorporating nostalgic childhood artifacts, our repertoire of props spans a diverse spectrum, each item contributing a distinct texture or narrative layer to the composition.
LN: The precarious stacks observed in our compositions are emblematic of our commitment to authenticity, with minimal reliance on post-production enhancements. The organic interplay between objects and textures, often teetering on the brink of balance, lends a dynamic quality to our imagery, underscoring our dedication to visual storytelling through tangible, tactile means.
In conclusion, the artistic endeavors of Nocera & Ferri epitomize a harmonious fusion of artistry, nature, and narrative depth, culminating in visually arresting compositions that transcend conventional boundaries and captivate the viewer’s imagination.