A Beach to

Remember

During the summer of 2015, amidst the picturesque ambiance of Barcelona, I found myself in pursuit of the perfect shot.

In those warm August days, I was drawn to the iconic scenes of Barcelona, particularly the beachfront with its distinct hotel rising in the background – a sight that had become a hallmark of the city.

Despite multiple attempts, I was yet to achieve the desired shot that matched my creative vision. Kiaretta, faithfully held by my bestie, remained the subject of focus, yet the composition eluded me.

Amid my efforts, an unexpected turn of events introduced an element of reality into the frame. The tranquility of the beach was disrupted as a police raid descended upon the area, targeting the illegal “gin and tonic vendors” (bless them!) who sought refuge there. In the midst of this chaos, one vendor dashed toward us, seeking cover under Kiaretta – a scene that would later prove instrumental.

In this moment of unexpected convergence, my lens captured a passerby in the background, his gaze inadvertently directed toward Kiaretta and the scene that was unfolding. The resulting image was a fusion of chance and intention, capturing the intricate interplay of the unexpected, the serendipitous, and the genuine.

Le Freak, C'est Chic

There isn't much of a story behind this photo; Kiaretta was still taking shape. The goal was to have her appear next to the most famous landmarks in the world, and the Eiffel Tower certainly couldn't be missed. But in this photo, it was important to have her friend Margot too, as she is from Paris…

A Selfie on the Go

This photograph represents my initial experimentation with perspective and is part of a trilogy. Kiaretta – Fake Subject, Real Life, began casually but was motivated by a prevalent trend I observed – the mindless and often cringe-worthy selfies that people take with no apparent purpose, typically laden with sexual undertones and often shot in front of a bathroom mirror.

Observing these selfies prompted me to portray Kiaretta in a 'selfie style’, but with a bold twist, capturing her in full action without feigning prudishness or ignoring the sensuality within the image. This photograph serves as an encouragement to fully commit when pursuing one's passions, with no shame. Being a coward is far more embarrassing.

Mash-Up

This is one of the few studio photos where neither places nor people are featured. However, Kiaretta also ventures into modelling, so why not?

For this image, I drew inspiration from a photo of a contestant from one of the editions of Big Brother Italy, Mascia Ferri, nicknamed the 'man-eater.' Apart from the first edition, I have never watched the show again; I don't see the point in it. Nevertheless, I used to follow a satirical program hosted by a trio called Gialappa's Band, where they streamed many trashy moments sarcastically commented on by the three hosts.

This way, I was aware of the participants in various editions of Big Brother, including Mascia, who, at the end of the program, posed for a sexy calendar that Kiaretta references in this image. The title of the photo is inspired by Mascia's name.

Now Say "Lollipop"

This photo, along with A Selfie on the Go, is part of a trilogy. Here, I was still playing with perspectives, trying to enhance the proportions between Kiaretta and the surroundings. Living in a shared flat, my room was my world—the place where I carried out all my activities, primarily remaining a bedroom. The idea for this photo was inspired by one of the intended uses of the bedroom. Poking again at the theme of faked innocence and unintentional sexuality often expressed by many women through selfies, Kiaretta takes a bold stance—an explicit one.

The title of the photo draws from numerous stories shared with me by some friends, who confessed how many men seem clueless about what's right in front of their eyes, often skipping even that step. Kiaretta embodies those friends of mine for whom you have to pass through the starting point first.

Hold It Right There!

Hold It Right There is the third photo in the trilogy alongside A Selfie on the Go and Now Say 'Lollipop'. Once again, playing with proportions, I wanted to playfully jest about the theme of receiving phone calls at the most unusual moments. Hold It Right There is ambiguous—between the two, who should pause?

Sun-kissed Skin

So Hot,

I'll Melt Your

Popsicle

With a holiday vibe that had me and my friends enjoying Santorini's beauty, I embarked on a mission to capture Kiaretta on one of the island's most iconic beaches.

As we arrived at the sun-kissed Red Beach, my first goal was to find the perfect spot. 'A good friend is worth his weight in gold,' says a saying. I am rich! My friends didn't even discuss it and joyfully supported my request when I found the perfect spot. My iPhone lens focused on Kiaretta amidst the strong winds – a challenge that many who visit the island have to deal with. Yet, with friends attuned to my needs, they rallied around, shielding me with a towel and ensuring nothing was lost to the wind's mischievous grasp.

Amid laughter, windblown objects, and the spirit of camaraderie, the shot was nailed – an authentic moment that showcases both Kiaretta's vibrancy and the unwavering support of friendship. The title is inspired by a verse from 'California Gurls' by Katy Perry.

What Are You

Looking At?

Inspired by the Red Beach, I decided to capture another shot but in a different location, hoping to find a spot sheltered from the wind. I find it, far from everyone, just as I prefer, and so does Margot. Annoyed, she removes her glasses, shooting me a glance that inevitably becomes the title of the photo. While Kiaretta smiles, as always, undisturbed by whatever is happening.

Retro Ride To

Santorini's Seaside

This photograph was taken during a long-awaited holiday in the Greek Islands. At that time, I was working in a toxic environment, waking up every day at 4:15 AM and enduring long, gruelling days. I was exhausted, stressed, tense, underweight, and struggling to hold myself together. That holiday was like my beacon of hope, my Ghost City to reach. Planning the holiday for Kiaretta also helped keep my spirits high. It was the first time I embarked on a vacation with a mixed group of people I didn't really know.

This holiday turned out to be one of the best I can recall, and it marked the beginning of a profound friendship that started one night on a balcony. Sat on two typical summer house plastic chairs, while sipping beer, we shared experiences about all the "mentors" we've encountered in life, not necessarily in a pleasant way, actually, quite the opposite.

While this unique bonding experience was happening, a few restaurant owners downstairs continuously interrupted us, relentlessly inviting us to dine at their establishments the following day. We were quite annoyed by their persistence, to say the least. This relentless pursuit even made us more determined to avoid them.

One morning, before this daily interruption began, I took a photo of Kiaretta and Margot in the yard just in front of the restaurants. I wanted them to appear ready to escape, yet not leaving without striking a pose, running away from that annoying situation to explore the seaside and having a relaxing time.

Greek Horizons

It was a beautiful day spent on a boat visiting neighbouring wild islands while celebrating Valeria’s birthday, the first roommate Kiaretta has ever had in London.

Unfortunately, there’s no shot of Kiaretta on the boat. I tried to capture her with Margot, but Margot dropped her sunglasses, and we immediately started the search for them. The boat was crowded, and the hit made it even worse. In the end, I gave up the plan and decided to wait until the end of the day when we would arrive in Oia to admire the sunset, one of the most beautiful in the world.

Once we arrived at the small arbour, on my way to leave the boat, the skipper gave me Margot’s sunglasses that he found somewhere during the day. At that point, I forgot about it, but he witnessed the whole drama when it happened, so he knew.

Waiting for us were a few men selling rides to the top of Oia on a donkey. We found it cruel and felt pity for the donkeys going back and forth to the top in that heat. We refused the ride and decided to walk, as others did. However, one of the donkeys stepped on a friend's toe, breaking it, and the whole thing became hell. There was no hospital, no emergency service, and no way to leave Oia from there; the only way was up.

The journey to the top was very slow, and the heat was unbearable. At one point in the ‘climb,’ I found a lovely spot that seemed perfect to take a shot of Kiaretta.

We made it to the top, but at that point, Kiaretta left the stage to give room to the beauty of life itself.

Posing in Paradise

Posing in Paradise is the crystallisation of a beautiful holiday that ended on the island of Mykonos. Unlike many people, my friends and I didn’t go for the party scene. We rented a small villa outside the city and asked the owner for tips on non-touristic places. He advised us on the best beach on the island, and we spent every day there, sometimes roaming in the town. That holiday still holds the record as the best, and the relaxation and lack of daily pressure allowed me to refine my technique, getting ready for the proper launch of Kiaretta’s adventure, which evolved from being just a holiday thing.

Hustle and Bustle

in Piccadilly Circus

Errands in Harrods

Initially, I had intended to capture this photograph on Brompton Road. However, upon my arrival, it didn't feel quite right. I also wanted Kiaretta to blend in as a local, going about her day rather than appearing like a tourist. Prior to taking this photograph, I couldn't recall ever having been on Hans Crescent. It appeared perfect - serene, with people going about their daily routines. I carefully selected a spot, ensuring that I wouldn't inconvenience anyone, and positioned Kiaretta.

After a few minutes, two ladies approached me. They worked at Harrods and asked if they could take a photo of Kiaretta. I agreed but requested they keep a certain distance, for no particular reason, of course. At one point, an Indian family unexpectedly started taking pictures of Kiaretta with their phones without asking permission. In response, I covered her, once again, without any specific reason. I then resumed photographing her.

Various intriguing situations unfolded, and a diverse array of captivating individuals passed behind Kiaretta. It was a delightful experience, with many of them glancing back at her. I was taken aback, and at that moment, I decided to transform her into an icon.

As the photo session concluded, I was brimming with excitement but wanted to ensure I had captured the shot I had envisioned. It was an exceedingly bright, beautiful sunny day. I positioned myself beside the tripod where Kiaretta stood and, like seeking refuge in a makeshift tent, I briefly retreated inside my jacket, using it as a shield to get a better view of my iPhone display. I was so engrossed in my work that, at one point, I had the distinct sensation of someone calling to me from above. I moved the jacket I had been using to shield myself, and to my surprise, there were two police officers inquiring about my well-being and what I was doing. I explained and showed them Kiaretta on my phone. They smiled and departed, wishing me an enjoyable time.

Leaving

Buckingham Palace

For this photo, a police officer threatened to arrest me if I didn't leave. It was quite early in the morning, and my goal was to avoid the throngs of tourists who flock to this spot daily, taking photos, videos, staging dances, flash mobs, various performances, and just about everything imaginable.

I arrived at the location, attempting to capture various moments, carefully selecting the perfect spot, and positioning Kiaretta, who, with her perpetually unchanged expression, graciously waved while her 'bodyguard' thwarted any overly curious photographers attempting to snap her leaving the palace. Little did I realize, I inadvertently set up an omen.

After several shots, a police car pulled up with two officers inside. One of them, definitely the 'happier' of the two (insert sarcasm here), approached me. After casting a glance at Kiaretta, the officer inquired about my activities. I explained my endeavour, emphasizing that I was using only my iPhone, hardly what one would consider professional equipment. However, the officer argued that I was somehow damaging the image of the palace. Me.

At that point, I decided it was best to leave, likely wearing the same unchanging expression that Kiaretta always has on her face.

Wrecking Doll

Wrecking Doll was taken after I left a job for the first time ever due to excessive bullying. I had worked for that company for 10 months. After just 2 months, someone attempted to kill me by pushing me off the second floor of a scaffold while I was working on a stepladder. Following the attempt on my safety, I reported the incident to my manager. Unfortunately, he had no interpersonal skills whatsoever.

However, the day after, I found myself completely isolated on the same project with the person who had posed a threat to me. The bullying continued, with more builders joining the campaign against me. After enduring this for 10 months, my only viable solution was to leave in order to protect my well-being.

“Wrecking Doll" is a photo that portrays softness challenging the harshness of toxic masculinity. Inspired by Miley Cyrus's song "Wrecking Ball," Kiaretta, representing childhood, femininity, and vulnerability, confronts the construction industry and the toxic masculinity in power. It's not by chance that I chose the backdrop of the restoration of the Battersea Power Station, symbolising the need to dismantle toxic power through kindness and softness, rather than perpetuate it through imposition, which can feel like a wrecking ball in a challenging environment.

Night Out in Camden

This photograph draws inspiration from the quintessential big city nightlife, particularly in London. "Night Out in Camden" is a reflection of numerous personal experiences and observations accumulated over many nights out. The apparent indifference of the individuals in the scene reflects the resilience that life in a bustling metropolis instils in people.

In this image, my aim was to convey a profound sense of non-judgment, evoking the universal feeling of "We've all been there." However, there's always that one friend—in this case, Margot—whose role is to keep us grounded, the one who knows us all too well and persistently urges us to halt our indulgence in 'just a few' more drinks.

Margot's vexed expression is a testament to her unwavering commitment as that dear and understanding friend, the one who knows it was bound to happen but chooses to stand by our side through thick and thin.

Really?

As I've mentioned in previous writings, my career in construction has contributed significantly to my personal growth. As an openly gay man, I have faced numerous challenges. Each instance I've encountered follows a familiar trajectory: confronting abuse, enduring questioning, and ultimately earning respect.

Yet, over the years, an additional layer has been added to this narrative. Amidst the clamor of tools and the hustle of construction sites, I found myself confronted with a new and unexpected challenge: fending off secret sexual advances.

The irony in these moments was undeniable—text messages riddled with grammatical errors from unfamiliar numbers, seemingly harmless yet uncomfortably intrusive.

However, a turning point came that I felt compelled to address. In an unexpected twist, I found myself confronted with an unsolicited explicit image. This incident propelled me into a contemplative state, prompting me to consider my response. And so, a decision was made, leading me to where we stand today.

Smiling Through

Boundaries

It was the first time Kiaretta landed in Eastern Europe, and I wasn't sure what was going to happen until I visited the historical center of Plovdiv. Roaming around the picturesque ancient streets, I suddenly stumbled upon Dzhumaya Mosque.

Apparently, the presence of this controversial landmark sparked disputes and clashes among citizens. The location is interesting as it divides the main street into two parts.

That's where the idea kicked in. In this photo, Kiaretta brings together the sacred and the profane, the exposed and the hidden, the followed and the transgressed rule. It's as if making fun of the ideological divisions that are valued more than life itself, unfortunately.

Via Arco Basso

Your Uber Is

Downstairs

Being a prisoner in a small village with no taxis, no stations, and no one who speaks English, I made the decision to create value out of such a challenging situation. It was when I unconsciously grasped what was about to happen that I took this photo. My unconsciousness communicates with me through two mediums: dreams and Kiaretta. Sometimes, Kiaretta appears in my dreams to emphasize the gravity of the situation and to forewarn me about what's coming next.

The moment I captured in this photo was a rare instance of tranquillity. More details about this story are described in 'La Reina del Rioja.' I was still entangled in the cycle of toxic relationships, but that moment marked my realisation that no, I don't have to accept everything and everyone to avoid being judgmental; being kind doesn't mean having no boundaries, and above all I learned that I should never again embark on an assumed romantic holiday where Uber is unavailable.

La Reina del Rioja

I was on a family visit to Sicily when I stumbled upon this Scottish guy—or at least, that's what he insisted he was. We had a pleasant night out, and when I returned to London, we decided to maintain our newfound connection by texting and calling each other incessantly. He seemed like the perfect match, you know, lovely, caring, and kind. He was a wine tour organizer, so we hatched a plan to spend a solid ten days together in the Rioja region because he wanted to plan a tour there.

Now, up until that point, one of my absolute favourite movies was “Me, Myself, and Irene” with Jim Carrey and Renée Zellweger. I mean, that movie had me in splits every time! But in those two months of non-stop communication, there was one tiny detail that somehow slipped through the cracks—his bipolar disorder. So, as it turns out, my lovely, caring, and kind wine tour organiser wasn't always the most responsible chap when it came to managing his bipolar treatment. And, to add a little spice to the mix, he had a few "interesting" addictions. I soon found myself playing the role of a guardian angel, preventing him from engaging in impromptu pedestrian-tennis at zebra crossings, breaking up potential WWE matches in restaurants or the streets, and much more. His moods? Well, let's just say they were as predictable as a rollercoaster with a broken track.

During this whirlwind experience, what was once an extremely funny movie became a scary and anxious real-life drama for me. That movie doesn't make me laugh anymore, or at least I'll try watching it again in a few years.

All the while, our dear Kiaretta was out there, blissfully enjoying her tour around the Rioja region, completely unaffected by the chaos. In one rare moment of serenity, I asked my tempestuous companion to pause so I could snap a photo. Kiaretta, in her infinite wisdom, appeared to be saying, 'Keep smiling, my friend, and enjoy the wild ride!'

50th Anniversary

of the Stonewall Uprising in New York

With a rich history spanning almost 15 years in the construction industry, I have encountered a myriad of challenges that have shaped both my professional and personal growth.

As fellow members of the LGBTQI+ community can attest, the act of "coming out" is an ongoing and often frequent occurrence, a reality that becomes especially pronounced within the Construction Industry.
Each instance I've faced follows a familiar trajectory: confronting abuse, enduring questioning, and ultimately earning respect.

The year 2018 unfolded with surprising growth, marking a pivotal period in my personal and professional development. For the first time, following the progression through the stages I previously delineated, an astonishing turn of events unfolded: my fellow builders, with whom I collaborated closely, embarked on a mission to find a suitable partner for me.

Consequently, their interactions shifted from taunting, pestering, and beckoning women from the scaffolds to doing the same with men, all in the pursuit of securing a potential match for me. The incredibility of this situation was akin to stepping into a scene reminiscent of a Village People music video.

Yet, amidst the humorous spectacle, a profound revelation surfaced – the immense impact a single individual can wield upon society. It is worth noting that their endeavours, although seemingly annoying men instead of women, led to a valuable collection of cherished bonds and camaraderie, which I consider true treasures of the heart. The culmination of the year bore witness to significant professional growth, propelling my business in Restoration and Conservation to new heights and paving the way for the commencement of my own projects.

In the subsequent year, 2019, which happened to be the best year ever for my business, I felt compelled to commemorate this triumph with a gesture of powerful significance. This photo was captured at the intersection of Oxford Circus and Regent Street in London, precisely on the 6th of July, 2019, during Pride. This image stands as an embodiment of the unwavering spirit to persevere, resonating as a beacon of encouragement – a testament that each individual can effect meaningful change wherever they find themselves at this very moment.

Rubber Domination

Rubber domination took centre stage during the pandemic, at the beginning of the first lockdown. At that time, no one really knew what was going on, and there was a lot of speculation about how best to protect ourselves.

At a certain point in the debate, we find the use of the glove, how much it could protect, whether it was right to use it or not. Kiaretta clarifies this point: Probably gloves won’t reduce your risk of COVID-19, but they will keep you 100% clean.

Madonna Birthday Party

Amidst the agony of the pandemic, a time marked by stringent restrictions and the looming threat of yet another lockdown, Kiaretta, renowned for her extravagant birthday celebrations, encountered a unique challenge. I fondly recall a remarkable birthday bash when I secured an entire pub and transformed it into a "Pretty Woman Birthday Party," complete with an unconventional dress code – attendees had the choice of dressing as Hookers or Business Men. The majority of us enthusiastically embraced the whimsical theme, arriving in daring attire, much to the bewilderment of the pub's owner. He persistently extended birthday wishes to me, seemingly oblivious to the fact that it was Kiaretta's special day. Eventually, I conceded, graciously accepting his well-intentioned greetings. But that, my friends, is a story for another time...

In 2019, due to my demanding work commitments, I was unable to properly celebrate Kiaretta's birthday, and as for 2020, well, we all know how that unfolded. Faced with this reality, I made the decision to host a house party with a Madonna theme, offering a fleeting escape from the prevailing fear and uncertainty. Madonna Birthday Party is the second photo in a trilogy.

In this particular snapshot, Kiaretta can be seen encouraging her typically judgmental best friend to embrace the moment and revel in the carefree spirit of the occasion. Meanwhile, another friend, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings, is engrossed in capturing a selfie with the enigmatic GoGo boy who lingers in the background, blissfully unaware of the unfolding scene behind her.

Girls Rolling

When I planned this photo, my intention was for Kiaretta to adopt a 'yo-bro-social-houses' look, a style I personally understood better than any of the more upscale appearances I had previously tried on her. Initially, my plan was to capture the shot right in front of Shoreditch High Street Station, a popular hangout for skaters. Although not visible in the photo, Kiaretta was fully equipped with her pink rollerblades, ready for action. However, on that particular day, there were no skaters in sight. It was a gloomy, overcast day, and the area appeared quieter than usual.

My friend Clara accompanied me on this outing, witnessing my photography process for the first time. She kindly offered to assist me if needed. Surprisingly, Shoreditch seemed deserted that day, giving off an unexpectedly subdued vibe. Clara and I strolled around, and for some inexplicable reason, I felt drawn to the location. I appreciated the graffiti, and I held onto the hope that someone might pass by.

Clara volunteered to play the role of a passerby, and she began walking back and forth. A few people did eventually pass by, and I seized the opportunity to capture several photos in the midst of it all. Interestingly, I only stumbled upon this particular photo featuring the child on her pink scooter a few years after the photoshoot. When I saw it, I was captivated by the spontaneity of the moment, the vibrant pink, the presence of the women, and the dynamic motion in the scene.

Touched Forever

on the Shores of Crete

It was my very first solo holiday, a step into the unknown. While I'm no stranger to independent travel, I had never embarked on a proper beach vacation alone. In the days leading up to my trip, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. However, as soon as I landed in Crete and picked up the rental car from the airport, a sense of familiarity and freedom washed over me.

On one particular day, I set out to visit Elafonissi Beach, both to enjoy the stunning surroundings and to capture a photograph of Kiaretta and Margot with my iPhone. It was then that I crossed paths with another solo traveller, and I shared my plan with him, inviting him to join me if he wished. We spent two delightful hours in the car, exchanging stories about ourselves, sharing laughter, and discussing various topics.

Upon reaching the car park near the beach, we shared a spontaneous kiss, marking the beginning of a beautiful romance that would last throughout the holiday. He even helped me find materials on the beach to build the set for Kiaretta and Margot. While there's much more I could say, the title truly encapsulates the essence of this unforgettable experience, a memory that lingers in my heart long after the vacation ends.

Crete's Timeless Bliss

That day, I was obsessively trying to capture Kiaretta relaxing on the beach. Initially, I took several shots with different backdrops. There were a few bathers next to us, enjoying their leisure time as well. I aimed to capture all the relaxation possible, but I wasn't satisfied with the results. I was so focused on the initial idea in my mind that I didn't realize I was missing all the action happening behind me. The relaxation I sought no longer belonged to me in that very moment. This photo serves as a reminder to myself about letting go of what I was holding onto, allowing creativity to happen without forcing it. Sometimes, we just need to sit back and relax.

Iconic Freedom

The inspiration for this idea struck me when I unexpectedly found myself behind the wheel on Tower Bridge. It had been a long day spent assisting a friend in moving flats, navigating the busy streets with my trusty, well-worn Peugeot Bipper, which I was the third owner of. Up until that point, I had always stuck to secondary roads, avoiding Congestion Charge zones to keep expenses in check. As a relatively new driver in London, I wasn't aware that the congestion charge only applied during specific hours of the day.

For context, London itself was already an impossible dream for me that I had since when I was fifteen. Simply envisioning being in London had been an enormous aspiration in itself. The idea of driving on Tower Bridge wasn't even a part of this dream because dreaming bigger was beyond my imagination. The unexpected reality of finding myself on Tower Bridge was a moment that transcended my initial dreams, which were already monumental due to my perceived limitations. It was a reminder of how life can sometimes exceed our wildest expectations. In that moment, I thought to myself, "If I'm driving on Tower Bridge, then Kiaretta must drive as well!" And that's how the idea was born.

London Skyline

Not big ideas behind this photo. I was shooting Kiaretta in different locations in London on that day. While walking between locations, I found myself on the riverside, admiring the city from a pier. I simply captured the moment.

Shopping in Soho

"Shopping in Soho" is perhaps the photograph where I successfully combined most of my skills into a single piece. In this composition, I meticulously crafted all the elements, even including my friend Alberto in one of the boxes. I aimed for this piece to be like an onion, revealing itself in layers rather than making an immediate impact. The overt surroundings of Chinatown in Soho distract from what is truly unfolding. In this scene, Kiaretta strolls along the streets of Soho, carrying numerous shopping bags, and carefully inspecting the contents. She seems unperturbed by what onlookers might think, as many other people had photographed her that day.

Her message is unambiguous, "We can do it!" and she has all the necessary tools for the job. The transparent bags she carries reveal a collection of items, leaving no room for misinterpretation. This photograph captures a moment of empowerment and self-assuredness amid the bustling streets of Soho's Chinatown.

It's Yoga O'Clock Bitch!

I had this photo shoot in mind for a while, and I purposely had the hoodie tailored. My idea was to capture Kiaretta on her way to something, embodying the essence of a typical Londoner caught up in the hustle of the city. In London, we are all seemingly in a rush for something, but as the saying goes, 'you can’t judge a book by its cover.' This is what I love about London. At a superficial glance, things, people, and situations may appear a certain way, but more often than we think, they are not as we perceive them.

In this photo, I wanted to make a statement that Kiaretta is not 'Barbie'; she is 'Britney'...