Di Minnicucci
Name: Di Minnicucci
Camera: Bronica ETRSI, Canon AE1 and Fujifilm X-T-series
Favourite type of photography: Experimental portraiture
Location: London, UK
Website: dianneminnicucci.com
Instagram: @diminni
How did you get into photography?
I studied Fine Art Film and Video, but I feel as though the more I take photographs, the more I learn.
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
I have a degree in Fine Art Film and Video. I’m a qualified teacher. I currently have a solo exhibition at Autograph Gallery.
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
I remember before I studied at degree level, experimenting with film, so lots of B&W images of my family.
What do you love about photography?
I love being experimental, playing with the camera settings, it’s still magic for me. I see everything differently when I look through the lens of a camera. With film, I don't quite know what to expect, but that is also the beauty of it. I love being able to tell stories and also being able to confront fears.
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What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
To not be afraid of the technical side and just do it, because I still believe that there are many different ways that you can take a photo.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
I always enjoy taking photographs outdoors. I love open places, the beach, the woods, the streets. Combining walking or exploring with photography is such a wonderful experience.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
I especially love things that are supposed to be ‘wrong’ - light leaks, overlapping images, blur, interesting compositions and altering the image, thus creating something unique to me.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
Sometimes I’m not sure what I want to produce, at other times it’s quite clear. Photography for me is alchemy, being able to experiment and experience failure - it’s important. As a teacher, I usually say try everything and improve your craft. As a photographer, I’d say just continue to experiment, so practice as much as you can.
What's your favourite lens?
My 50mm.
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Do you have a favourite accessory?
No.
Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
Yes! All of my camera bags are Manfrotto - a brand I love.
Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
So many. Zanele Muholi - for their courage and inventive approach to portraiture, and the fact that they are a visual activist. Zohra Opoku for her ability to beautifully blend photography with other mediums such as screen printing. Ming Smith for her ability to play with light.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Zanele Muholi @muholizanele, Zohra Opoku @zohraopoku, Ming Smith @mingsmithphoto
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
A Hasselblad.
Is there a genre of photography that you love but that you haven't tried yet?
I’d like to experiment more with digital post-processing.
What's your proudest photographic moment?
My solo exhibition. It was a collaboration of sorts with my students.
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
To be in two places at once. Photographing in another country.
Your favourite baked goods are?
Pastel de nata.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a secondary school teacher and live to see students create. I love it when students overcome their own fears and restrictions to create beautiful or interesting photographs. I love it when they find themselves. I’d like students to have a positive experience of photography. I simply love to look and then try to capture what I see through the lens in my own way- my own interpretation. I also love drawing and screen printing. I love travelling and exploring new places. I love photographing people, especially.
