PAOLA DRERA

Successful photographers often become idols of new generations. It's always interesting to see them in life, to take a glance behind the scenes, and hear their unique stories on how they got into photography. That's the aim of the interview with Italian photographer Paola Drera, a very talented artist with a soft spot for Arabian horse-photography. ________________________________________________
1. Hi Paola. Welcome on board! Let's start from the very beginning. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a photographer? Did you go to school to study photography, or are you self-taught? 1. Hello everyone, and thank you for this great opportunity! Photography has accompanied me since my childhood, as it was already a passion with my father's painting. It was him who put the first camera in my hands to let me play with it. It was a small camera! From there, I started taking pictures of everything around me, most of all, photographing my animals, including the horses with whom I was lucky enough to grow up. When this passion that was born a bit for fun added to the great love for horses, I had the opportunity to meet many people in the sector who appreciated my work and started asking me for photos. Then, you know, one thing led to another, and now all this has become the job of a lifetime. 2. What does photography mean to you? How would you describe your photography style? 2. Photography is first and foremost about passion. To be able to immortalize those details and expressions that few can capture. I don't like 'posed' photographs. I always try to capture the most spontaneous and 'intimate' moments both for horses and people. 3. Who were your early influences? 3. Surely great Master Gigi Grasso. His photographs have always fascinated me. His style is so unique, as it is his way to immortalize horses, which has made him an icon for all of us in this sector. 4. What is your favorite subject to photograph? Why? 4. Obvious answer: The Arabian horse! His charm, charisma, expressiveness, and personality are unique. Going from the elegance and sweetness of a mare to the power and vanity of a stallion to capture the foals' tenderness, it is poetry each time! 5. Which is your favorite lens? Why? 5. The lens I use most is a telephoto lens. When I photograph horses, it allows me to work at a distance that does not interfere with their action space, but I still have the possibility of framing from the full-body to the close-up photo, with an excellent quality of sharpness. 6. What makes the good picture stand out from the average? 6. I guess that a good knowledge about the horse is the basis of a good shot, in addition to the photographic technique. 7. How do you educate yourself to take better pictures? 7. I try and try again! A lot of patience and humility is necessary, knowing that there is always something to learn. 8. Among all of your pictures, which one is your favorite? Why? 8. One of my favorite photos, though not the best, is a shot taken a few years ago in the Abu Dhabi desert of Expressia TV, a Polish mare who particularly struck me for her charisma. It was one of my first engagements in the Middle East and my first time in the desert. I remember the excitement and goosebumps of that moment as if it were yesterday. 9. What kind of tools do you use for post-processing? 9. The tool I use is Lightroom. 10. How did you get involved in the Arabian horse world as a photographer? What's your favorite national or international show competition? Why? 10. Although I come from the mounted horse world, I have always had Arabian horses. I have been doing endurance for many years, but at the same time, I followed the shows as a spectator whenever I could. I always had my camera with me, and, sometimes, I published my shots on socials. I met several breeders who started contacting me. I started shooting some breeding farms and several shows as an official photographer. My favorite show is Aachen, but it is the most difficult as a photographer. I have always liked the atmosphere, the quality, and the tradition that reigns in that competition field. 11. Who are your best friends in this sector? 11. My great friend and companion of adventures, Alessio Azzali. 12. What is the least enjoyable part of being a photographer for you? And the most rewarding part? 12. The hard part, but at the same time, the most beautiful one is traveling. Having a baby at home is always difficult to leave and stay away for several days. Whenever I can, I try to involve her by bringing her with me, but it is not always feasible. The opportunity to travel the world, experience different cultures, meet people everywhere with the same passion is a great fortune. 13. What are your hopes and dreams or future goals? Where do you see yourself in the next five years? 13. In the past years, I mainly concentrated on shows, but now I am trying to focus more on farms, thanks to the "Farm Tour" project conceived by Gianluca Martino. My dream is to be able, soon, to work exclusively for a Farm, but not only as a photographer. I would like to have the opportunity to follow the horses directly and also experience them outside the shows. I hope to carry out this project in the coming years and to have more chances to involve my daughter Giorgia in this beautiful adventure. Thank you so much, Paola. Have faith in yourself, and you can make everything come true. Think beyond your ability, go beyond your dream, have such courage to handle any situation. It is your journey, and you can make it smoother with your dreaming. Best of luck from all of us on the AHM Team!