Sunita Sassudelli

"It's simple to take a picture - it's more difficult to take one that means something" 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 Sunita Sassudelli, Sunny to her friends, a very talented artist with a soft spot for Arabian horse photography.
1. Hello Sunita. Welcome onboard! Let's start from the very beginning. Did you go to school to study photography? Or are you a self-taught? 1. Hello everyone! Yes, I got a BA in Photography and I graduated from the Art Academy in Brescia. Before that, I attended the Art Institute where I studied architecture, industrial and design photography. 2.Who were your early influences? 2. Honestly, I don't know who influenced my point of view, but I got captivated by the shots of many photographers. I think it is very important to learn something from every single artist since every shot is made with the heart. My professors taught me that it is not enough to have learned the technique, but you need to bring passion and feeling into it, so that your shots will speak for you. 3. What is your favorite subject to photograph? 3. That is an easy one. My favorite subject are horses, forever my deepest passion. Horses are my life! 4.Which is your favorite lens? Why? 4. Now, I prefer my 70 - 200 lens. I think it is the best for horse shooting. 5. What photo-editing program do you use? 5. I usually use Photoshop, just for lights, colours and frame. 6. Are you a detail oriented person? 6. Of course, I am. It is essential to focus on details so to better understand what we have in front of us. 7. What does photography mean to you? How would you describe your photography style? 7. Photography is a way of being and thinking. It's a world I feel to belong to since all forms of photographic artistry serve to offer other people a different point of view. I don't know how to exactly describe my style. I always try to put my heart and soul into making shots that can speak for themselves, without explanation. It's simple to take a picture - it's more difficult to take one that means something… 8. What makes the good picture stand out from the average? 8. In order to have a good quality image, it is necessary to keep in mind a few but fundamental things. Not necessarily is it mandatory to study the shot before. Especially with subjects such as horses, you will hardly be able to get the set photo always as you wish. Thus, according to what I have learned, in order to have a good shot, it will be sufficient to take into account the light, moment/pose, framing and photographic cut. These elements can help distinguish a nice shot from a mediocre one. 9. What inspires you? 9. I know this may sound crazy, but it can be anything, even a small thing. A leaf, a shadow, a glimmer of light... if inserted in a certain context can create a wonderful image! It is also important to look around, follow different photographers and learn something from each of them. 10. How do you educate yourself to take better pictures? 10. I always try to improve myself. Looking for unique shots makes me very happy. Each time, I think I can do it better, so if I find I have missed something the first time, next one I will try to focus more on it, so as not to make the same mistake again. In short, since I always have doubts about the final result, I am always putting more efforts into it. 11. Whose work has influenced you most? 11. My last three Arabian horses shows - the Straight Egyptian World Championship in Milan, the Italian Nationals in Cattolica and the Purebred Arabians in Bergamo - are the ones that have impressed me the most. And they gave me the opportunity to show my vision. A difficult situation may also thrive a much better job. Being able to capture unique moments pays off all my hard work. 12. Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why? 12. I just don't have a favorite work. As any good photographer knows the best job, thus, the preferred one, it's the one yet to come. 13. What kind of tools do you use for post processing? 13. The post-production must be almost nothing, as natural as possible, without altering the subject, otherwise we are talking about a distorted shot and a fake one to me. At most, something can be removed whether it creates disturbance or a wrong reading of the photo. The few things I'm going to review are simply lights, colors and photographic cut. 14. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a photographer? 14. I have approached the world of Photography since I was a child. I have always liked the idea of being able to freeze a particular moment and make it immortal over time. After the Art Institute, I studied Design for three years, I was enthralled by Photography and, from there, I moved on with a two-year course in Photography to further expand my knowledge of the subject. 15. What is the most difficult part of being a photographer for you? And the most rewarding part? 15. For me, it is all about living up to the expectations of other people about my works. But, even more so, it's important that I am fully satisfied about my own works. For sure, the most rewarding part of being a photographer is to see the final result. When you make someone happy about your work, it is peerless satisfaction and everlasting memory. 16. What are your hopes and dreams or future goals, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 16. I hope I will be able to continue this journey in this beautiful world. There's a lot of joy that comes with being able to immortalize Arabian horses through Photography. For the future, I am not making too many plans, but I would certainly like to give my little point of view. Thank you so much Sunita. Have faith in you and you can make everything 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 dream. Best of luck from all of us on the AHM Team.