How did you get into photography/videography? 

Thanks to my brother because he bought an old Sony mirrorless that I started playing with. Then my two friends Eman and Mauro Lamanna, respectively singer and actor, hired me to follow them as a photographer on their tour. From then on I have always been passionate about this world.

What did you first use to take photos?

A cheap sony a3000 and soon after I bought a fujifilm x-t1 with a 18-55 f2.8 / 4.

Where did you go to school? Do you have any formal training/self taught?

I have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Calabria and I have never attended a photography course. My training consists in spending many days photographing and read many, but many books of photography.

Do you have any nicknames?  How did you get that name?

Yes, It’s Characoal. I was watching a documentary talking about Caracol that is a large ancient Mayan archaeological site, located in the Cayo District of Belize. And on the same day I watched a program that talked about a beautiful African feline, the Caracal. Both documentaries really fascinated me. Because of this, I merged those words and that has given rise Characoal.

If you could take photos of any 3 people who would it be?

David Gilmour, Barack Obama and Emma Watson

If you could take photos of any 3 people that are no longer living who would they be?

Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Salvador Dalì

If you could take photos in any 3 cities what would they be?

Probably Firenze, Amsterdam and Sapporo

What is your goal when you capture photos of someone?

Always impressed me how much emotion you can convey with a picture and my goal is to create something unusual that arouse strong feelings

What music do you listen to when you edit photos?

I listen basically jazz, ambient, rock progressive and rap. Some examples: Pink Floyd, Odesza, Bonobo, Alt-J,Grant Green, Kendrick Lamar and Weather Report.

What's your favorite app on your phone?

It’s Instagram, because I can share my works quickly and with many people.

What is your dream as a photographer?

My dream is to become an official photographer of some great editorial editorial staff. And also that my photos being recognizable by the style I can give on them.

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to be a photographer/videographer?

The advice I can give is to be patient and decisive. The world of photography is very difficult, to be able to emerge we must create something highly creative and innovative. In addition you need to create your own style and colors. 

Where can people find you? (social media, website, etc)

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, 500px, yourshot.nationalgeographic

https://www.instagram.com/characoalphotos/

https://www.facebook.com/Characoalphotos/

https://twitter.com/CharacoalPhotos

https://500px.com/characoalphotos

https://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/profile/1657932/