ThomasDe Franzoni

I am a fine art photographer based in the northeast of Italy, with a deep passion for minimalism and the quiet beauty of natural landscapes. My journey into photography began in 2018, when I felt the need to express through images what words could not capture — the sense of solitude, balance, and harmony I find in nature. Over time, photography has become much more than a passion; it is a form of introspection and a way to connect with the purity of remote and untouched places. My work focuses mainly on solitary trees, silent woods, and open landscapes, where simplicity and emotion coexist in perfect equilibrium.

What inspires me most is the silent dialogue between nature and solitude. I am deeply moved by the simplicity of a landscape stripped to its essence — a lone tree, a misty forest, the reflection of light on still water. These scenes evoke a sense of calm and timelessness that I try to translate into my photographs. My inspiration often comes from remote places where nature still breathes freely, untouched and pure. Through my work, I seek to capture not just what I see, but what I feel — the quiet emotion that lies beyond the visible.

My photographic style is deeply connected to nature — I love exploring forests, trees, and the small streams that run through the woodlands. I’m drawn to colorful scenes where composition plays a crucial role and where every element contributes to the overall balance. At the same time, another part of me is strongly attracted to minimalism — to black and white images stripped of distractions, where simplicity and emotion take center stage. I’m still exploring which of these two directions defines me the most, and whether I should fully embrace one path or continue nurturing both sides of my artistic vision.

The greatest influence on my artistic vision has always been nature itself — its silence, imperfection, and timeless balance. Being surrounded by wild and untouched landscapes teaches me to look beyond appearances and to find meaning in simplicity. I have also been inspired by photographers such as Daniel Kordan, Martin Podt, Martin Rak, Nick Green, Filipe Correia, Ole Henrik Skjelstad, Kai Ziehl, and Max Rive, whose sensitivity to light and atmosphere deeply resonates with me. Each of them, in different ways, has encouraged me to pursue my own path — one where emotion, solitude, and harmony with nature are at the heart of every image.

I’m a Sony user and currently work with one camera and four lenses. I always use a sturdy tripod and very often a polarizing filter. I know my equipment very well and consider it essential for achieving the best possible results in the field. My philosophy is that the photographer creates the image, but good equipment helps elevate it to a higher level of quality. Especially when it comes to fine art printing, having reliable and high-quality gear makes a real difference.

The Gathering was taken on a quiet morning when a group of flamingos stood motionless in the calm water, surrounded by mist. What struck me most was the harmony of their positions and the silence that filled the scene — it felt almost like a visual symphony of balance and grace. I wanted to capture that fragile moment when nature becomes pure abstraction, where light, form, and emptiness coexist in perfect equilibrium. The black and white treatment allowed me to focus on mood and minimal structure, transforming a simple natural scene into a reflection on serenity and connection.

The most important decision was to embrace simplicity and reduce the scene to its essential elements. I chose to work in black and white to remove any distractions of color and focus entirely on form, mood, and atmosphere. The soft light and mist created a delicate balance between the visible and the invisible — a sense of stillness that I wanted to preserve. I waited for the moment when the flamingos formed a natural rhythm within the frame, creating a composition that felt both spontaneous and perfectly ordered.

Light, composition, and emotion were the core of this image. The soft, diffused light of the mist created a dreamlike atmosphere, erasing details and allowing only subtle tones to emerge. I composed the scene with great precision, letting the flamingos form a natural rhythm across the frame — almost like musical notes in silence. Emotion came from the stillness itself: a sense of calm, solitude, and fragile beauty. My intention was to let viewers feel the same quiet awe I experienced in that moment, when nature seemed suspended in perfect harmony.

I hope viewers feel a sense of calm and contemplation when they look at The Gathering. I would like them to pause for a moment and experience the quiet harmony that nature can create on its own. The image is about simplicity, balance, and connection — not only between the flamingos, but between the viewer and the natural world. If it evokes a feeling of peace or reminds someone of the beauty that exists in silence, then I believe the photograph has fulfilled its purpose.

Photography is a significant part of my life. It allows me to express my vision and to connect with the natural world in a deeper way. Over the years, it has become a constant journey of growth — I continuously study, explore, and refine my skills to keep improving and evolving as an artist.

I hope my photographs invite people to pause and feel something genuine. When someone tells me they stopped to look because an image touched them, it means a lot to me. My goal is not only to create something visually pleasing, but also to evoke a sense of intimacy and quiet emotion — a moment of connection between the viewer and the natural world.

I was very happy and proud. Winning an international competition means a lot to every photographer, and knowing the high level of the participants made it even more meaningful. It gave me great confidence in my work and encouraged me to continue developing my artistic vision with even more dedication.

Photography is a central part of my life. I am very active in international competitions, exhibitions, and publications, and I plan to continue sharing my work with a wider audience. My dream for the future is to dedicate myself completely to photography — to make it not only my passion, but also my full-time profession.

I think NIPA is a very well-organized competition with a wonderful team of judges and a very high overall level. The website is well designed, the prizes are great, and everything works perfectly. I honestly have no suggestions — it’s already an excellent platform for photographers.