Michele
Bavassano
Michele was born in 1996, in Orvieto and grew up in a small town located on the border between Umbria, Lazio, and Tuscany. Since he was a child, he was always fascinated by the natural environment and continues to dedicate his photographic life to it every day. For several years now Michele has been observing nature through his camera with the aim of sharing his story to others who connect with his photographs.
Location: Tanzania, East Africa
Date: 3rd October 2022
Heroes of the extreme
An interview with Michele Bavassano.
Michele Bavassano in the forests of the Abruzzo National Park.
Meeting Michele
The journey to the extraordinary.
You are quite young, but it looks like you made it all the way to being a professional. How did that happen? Was it nature that brought you to photography, or the other way around?
I have been a nature lover since I was a child. I am part of the generation that had the opportunity to take the first photographs of the digital age. In fact, when I was just a few years old, I had my first encounters with cameras. The main step then took place at about 16/17 when I officially started taking pictures. Having a great love for nature, my first goal was to photograph wild animals, to show the beauty of nature to those close to me. Initially, I never thought that it could become my job, but then with time and social networks, receiving commissions and requests, my work began. So, I would say that photography is a passion that I have always had, as well as nature. But I believe that in reality it was and still is nature that drives me.
What is the animal that you prefer to photograph? And what is the one that you like the least?
Each animal is amazing. Each species has its own particularities and it is always wonderful to observe an animal in its natural environment. I don't think there is one animal above all that I prefer to photograph… because I have connections and memories with many different species with whom I have spent unforgettable moments. I can say without a doubt that I love mammals. I love portraits of mammals as you can get different images with them. When I see the eyes of a mammal it is always magical. I have always loved portraying the eyes of nature. Eyes in which you can perceive a spirit, a soul. Each glance communicates something to us, but each animal looks at us in a different way.
What is your highest ambition as a conservation photographer?
I would like more people to start loving nature in a conscious way. Today the theme of nature is more and more central but often many people are not aware of how even small things have a great impact on nature. An awareness that not only goes to make people love nature by showing its beauty but also to show how some dynamics are extremely delicate. However, I believe that this is something that cannot be achieved on social media, it is necessary to immerse yourself in nature and experience it. For this reason, I love workshops and tours in nature; they are the perfect way to talk about and feel our impact on nature.
Michele Bavassano using the Gitzo Systematic Tripod with a Fluid Gimbal Head.
Michele's gear
Ensure those moments are never compromised.
What is so special about the Gitzo equipment that made you choose it among all the others?
Gitzo for me has always been synonymous with reliability and quality. From the first product I got to use, I haven't gone back. As a wildlife photographer, I often find myself in "extreme" environments with prohibitive temperatures, humidity and adverse atmospheric conditions of all kinds. My equipment has always kept functioning, allowing me to work without interruptions in all conditions.
In terms of equipment, what gear do you usually take with you on your expeditions?
I can never do without the backpack – the Adventury 45L is my greatest travel companion. It has been around the world with me for years on my long hikes. Next in my classic kit is Systematic, series 3 4 sections and the Gimbal Fluid head. It’s a compact kit with great stability, that helps me to capture my images on all terrains.
Adventury 45L backpack.
Gitzo Systematic Series 3, 4 sections with Fluid Gimbal Head.
How do the extreme conditions affect the choice of your gear, and your way to operate in the field?
Not much actually. Obviously, my technical clothing equipment changes considerably but with my supports, on the other hand, I have never encountered any problems or needed to modify my kit. I’ve worked without interruption from -20 to over 50 degrees without ever feeling the need to change.
Framing the extraordinary
Capturing award winning photographs.
Your motto is very interesting “Research, into nature, of art”, can you explain it to us?
I believe, that like any wildlife photographer, my passion was born from the aim to document nature. But after a few years I began to feel the need to change. Nature is beautiful, always, but I started to observe it in a different way. I wanted to make my art from what I observed. This is why I immediately started working as a photographer, on the search for a personal style that reflected my ideas and the memories of those moments, captured with a photograph.
For this reason, over time I have defined my photography as "the search for art within nature". For some time now, I have tried not to limit myself to a classic photo-reportage /documentation. Rather, my goal is always to communicate and show what my eyes see out there.
Be inspired
Experience wildlife through the eyes of Michele.
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