Pietro Pazzi is an Italian-South African photographer with a diverse background and a passion for capturing captivating images. With a career spanning over two decades, Pietro’s journey through six continents and photographic genres that shaped his unique perspective and refined his skills in various areas of photography.

Having lived in Africa, Europe, and the South Pacific, Pietro’s experiences in different cultural settings have enriched his artistic vision and expanded his repertoire. His career began in the early 2000s when he dedicated himself to perfecting his studio lighting techniques in his fully equipped studio. During this time, Pietro honed his commercial, portraiture, and glamour photography skills, meticulously crafting striking images that captured the essence of his subjects.

Pietro’s seven years in Europe saw him delve further into studio work, operating another studio primarily dedicated to fine art nudes. However, while traveling extensively, he naturally drifted street, travel and landscape photography, where he found immense joy and inspiration. His work in this genre gained recognition, and he became an exclusive photographer for Getty Images, showcasing his talent on an international platform.

During his four-years in the South Pacific, Pietro’s focus shifted strongly towards photographing the enchanting beauty of nature. Exploring the region’s stunning landscapes and diverse cultures, Pietro skillfully framed and immortalized his experiences through his lens.

Pietro’s genuine love for photography is evident in his dedication to honing his craft. Despite starting his profound photography journey relatively late, he has always felt deeply connected to the art form. His earliest memories involved capturing images with an introductory film camera during his teenage years, which ignited a passion that would later flourish. Seeking to expand his knowledge and skills, Pietro attended night school to learn photography fundamentals and experimented with various genres. In the controlled environment of the studio, he discovered his fascination with manipulating light and shadow, spending countless hours perfecting the interplay between these elements.

He finds immense joy in the unpredictability of the great outdoors, where wildlife and landscape photography come alive. Guided by nature’s light and circumstances, he meticulously plans his shoots, recognizing that capturing the perfect moment requires skill and timing. This form of photography offers a distinct challenge, where Pietro must adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the environment, ensuring that every shot is a testament to the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

In addition to his studio and outdoor pursuits, Pietro’s fashion and glamour photography background adds another dimension to his versatile portfolio. These shoots, whether in the studio or on location, blend elements of his previous experiences, resulting in a hybrid style that merges controlled lighting with the vibrant energy of fashion and glamour. Growing up with a mother who was a dress designer, Pietro was immersed in manner from an early age, naturally gravitating toward this genre.

Pietro Pazzi’s passion for photography knows no bounds. Whether he is meticulously crafting images in his studio, embarking on a thrilling adventure through nature’s landscapes, or capturing the elegance of fashion and glamour, his dedication and creative flair shine through in every photograph. With an eye for detail and a commitment to capturing the essence of his subjects, Pietro looks forward to meeting new clients and bringing their visions to life through his artistry.

If you’ve read some of the information above, you would quickly surmise that I like to take on life. I follow opportunities. I live life to its max.

But I do so with intense passion and dedication. I delve deep into a subject and aim to be the best I can be at it.

I always tell my kids.

• Flow with life.
• Do not fear the future. 
• Do your very best at what life requires from you now.

My top tips are:

1. Know your gear.
2. Get the best equipment you can afford for your chosen genre.
3. Have backups of your essential gear.
4. Practice, play and experiment as much as possible.
5. Learn to use editing software at the most advanced level possible.
6. Stay up to date on using the latest software and gear.

After two decades of shooting with Nikon DSLRs, I recently switch my entire kit to Sony mirrorless. With all the travelling I had to lighten up and Sony, leading the mirrorless pack at the time, were my choices. I must say, the switch was made with a heavy heart. My Nikons served me well but were just too heavy for the out of studio work.

My current kit consists of 3 x Sony Mirrorless with one being a leader in the Videography space.

Lense are:

• 100-400mm 3.5
• 70-200mm 2.8
• 24-70mm 2.8
• 12-24mm 2.8
• 50mm 1.8
• 50mm macro 2.8
• 24mm 1.4

For lighting, I have 3 double sets of Elinchrom lights and 2 Sony Speed-lights. The gallery is fully equipped with a range of stands and light modifiers, including an infinity table.

After spending many years out and about travelling the globe, I return to the studio. We have set up a fully equipped studio at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, Cape Town.
In addition, I have amassed more than 120,000 images during the past 2 decades, of which we will select a hand full for exhibition and sale in our studio, also in the Old Biscuit Mill.
Why now? For years I toyed with the idea but never really felt ready. Now just feels right.
Why Cape Town? Cape Town has got such a unique artistic vibe. I believe it will become one of the world’s hot spots of creativity.