Into the West

In keeping with our mission to support and inspire creativity, we ask the artists we collaborate with to offer insight into their work, a look behind the scenes, and the opportunity for our readers to learn more about the process. For our latest fashion feature, photographer Filippo Tarentini answers our questions.
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Who or what are some of the biggest inspirations for your work?
Definitely Richard Avedon, with In the American West, one of the most beautiful books ever. On top of that, I always look at David Sims (especially at the Isolated Heroes series), Glen Luchford, and Mario Sorrenti with his Kate Moss images. I also love to watch and take inspiration from painters such as David Hockney, Alex Katz, and Edward Hopper.
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How do you typically find inspiration for your work?
It’s difficult to say; sometimes I like to tell a story, usually based on my past and the city I come from, and some other times I find inspiration in the fashion collections. I also like to develop a concept, sometimes together with the magazine or the brand. There is no fixed way.
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What are some themes that you are frequently drawn to in your work?
As a teenager who comes from a small Italian town, I grew up with the American dream. I’m deeply influenced by everything American-related, such as cowboys and life in the deep countryside. After that, lighting, to me, is quite essential.
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Are there any trends that have caught your attention recently?
Fashion-wise, it’s transparency. I love to work with it, there is something voyeuristic and super sexy in it.
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Is there anything you’re experimenting with or hoping to explore in your future work?
Definitely videos, especially the ones my family used to take during our holidays. I like slow and very close-up zoom-ins, low-res images.
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How do you see your work evolving in the coming years?
I’m overwhelmed by the upcoming technology. I’m trying all my best to embrace it, but what I really like is to take pictures, and I want to keep on doing that. Right now, what I really want to focus on is to go back to the beginning of my career, when everything was more spontaneous and light, when mistakes were welcomed.