Tonio Lombardi- the winner of *Optimal-Photo's portrait club contest is a great new artist whose work I immediately fell in with right away!


He won first place with this deviation, "thinkin of you..."



Here's a short interview with the artist:

1. How long have you been a photographer; how long have you been interested in taking pictures?

I've been into photography ever since I bought my frist digital camera some 8 years ago. I started taking it seriously around 2 years ago.


2. What is your favorite style of photography?

I'm mainly into portaiture. I like artistic fashion, glamour and conceptual portaiture. I also like event (especially concert), documentary & abstract photography.


3. Did anyone inspire you to be an artist? Who?

I guess it's a gene that runs in the family. I've always been inspired by the fashion magazines, you can find some really artistically inspiring work within. Music also plays an important role in my work. It was also the urge to express myself and looking at other artists' works I would say to myself: "I can do that" go grab me a camera...


4. What types of cameras and equipment do you use?

I use a Canon EOS-350D, a 50mm F/1.8 lens, a 24-70mm F/2.8L lens (soon) and Canon speedlight flashes and other bits and peices of lighting including the handy relfector to use the best lightsource your money could buy: the sun A beefy PC, Bibble Pro, Lightroom and Photoshop also help do the trick.


5. How does art/photography tie into your everyday life?

Art is an integral part of my life. I'm mad about photography and music. I get my ideas from the places I visit, movies I watch, Music I listen too, feelings I go through and people I meet. I am not into photography on a full time basis so for me its a sort of escape.


6. In what ways does your environment help you become a successful artist?

I live in a country which offers endless opportunities for shooting outdoors with its cloudless skies, beautiful beaches and old architecture sometimes you feel you're in photo-heaven.



Some extras about the artist...

Tonio is 28 years old. He lives in a tiny country called Malta in the middle of the Mediterranean sea. He likes photography (of course) and most genres of visual arts, music, travelling and design. He's also a freelance web designer. You can visit his website at [link]



Tonio's favorite work.




*Optimal-Photo's favorites...