A Myriad of Emotions: Andrea Corsi at SILK INSPIRE 2017

As a wedding photographer, you owe it to your clients to deliver the best possible results of their big day. How you photograph their wedding, is how they will remember it, making it a tremendous responsibility. One way of ensuring that you live up to your craft and produce the best work possible, is to always keep evolving as a photographer.

SILK INSPIRE 2017 brought together an assortment of photographers from around the world. Each brought their unique view on how to photograph weddings. While their methods and vision may have been different, their goal was the same. They all were there to share their vast experience to help attendees better understand the language of photography. Among these masters, was the incredible Andrea Corsi, from Tuscany, Italy.

An evocative melody played in the background, as Andrea presented his work. Andrea’s photographs cut through the chaos and bring out the very core of weddings – the emotions. According to Andrea, it is the only thing that matters at a wedding. It is why we shoot weddings in the first place.

Emotions Are The Only Thing That Matters At A Wedding

His mostly black and white photos tell lilting stories of love and togetherness, crafted with a strong, simple vision. His frames are rich with laughter, tears, unfiltered expressions of children, funny moments, tenderness between the bride and her parents, a proud groom. “I like to put my taste, my personality into the photographs. It’s not important to photograph the dress or the details… what is important are the hugs, the tears, the kisses,” says Andrea. Not a single eye was left tear less in the auditorium by the end of his talk.

After a debilitating motorcycle accident, Andrea took stock of his life and found his calling in wedding photography. As a person who finds it difficult to emote without reservation, Andrea was drawn to the depth of emotion that he could capture at a wedding. “I usually try to control everything which is why, when I see people letting go at weddings, I’m attracted to that. It is to improve that reserved side of me.”

Apart from a captivating talk, Andrea conducted a 1-day workshop. Here, participants were further taken into his evocative imagery. “With the emphasis that Andrea laid on emotions, I was reaffirmed that my wedding photography was on the right track,” says Rishita Gangji of Fuego Photography & Films. “He photographs the moments that make you realise how awesome and beautiful your life is and make you feel grateful for everything you have.”

Develop A Deep Understanding Between Photographer And Client

This strong current of emotions shines through because of a deep understanding between photographer and client. This was something that Andrea stressed on in both his talk and his workshop. “I want to connect to my clients. I can tell right away from the voice of the email whether we would be a good fit or not. If they’re looking for “a photographer” it doesn’t work. I want clients who say they’re looking for me and connect with my work… the emotions and my ability to capture that,” says Andrea.

“Andrea was very open and generous during the workshop,” says Nitin Dangwal, a wedding photographer and one half of Shutterink, based out of Chandigarh. “Andrea showed us a full set of images from a wedding, helping us understand his storytelling. He took us through his thought process, how he understands the environment he’s shooting in, and most importantly how knowing your clients and how they may react helps you make better images.”

Wedding photographer Sameer Walzade of Sam & Ekta, realised the importance of slowing down through Andrea’s workshop. “One of my takeaways was to step back and understand the context of the moment, and not just the moment in isolation. I went into the workshop hoping to learn to strike a balance between stepping into a scene, and stepping out of it. Getting pictures in both these situations. Being comfortable with stepping out once in a while. Grappling with these questions, Andre’s workshop proved to be the perfect answer.”

For Andrea, photography has a deeper purpose, and he often quotes Magnum Photos photographer Ferdinando Scianna,

“To take photos is to be testimony to a present time that will always inevitably become the past.” Ferdinando Scianna

Andrea’s photographs, however, speak volumes and do more than just bear testimony to time. They speak eloquently of the richness and beauty that life has to offer.

Undoubtedly, participants found themselves changed after the workshop. If you missed SILK INSPIRE 2017, there’s no need to fear. SILK INSPIRE 2018 is coming to Bengaluru with an great lineup of talks and workshops. We hope to see you there!

If you attended SILK INSPIRE 2017, and met with Andrea, we would love to hear your feedback and experiences in the comments below.