footage in part by photographing all the employees that were representing the various industries. These photos, however, were shot with his Hasselblad format 6x6. While in the United States, he befriended many students. One of them, Paul Elledge, became a photographer in Chicago. Paul loves Italy and married an Italian woman. With his friend Paul, they organized various projects together: once in Barbagia, in the central areas of the Sardinia region (a beautiful island) and once in Sicily, always electing unconventional ways by stationing themselves at the first agritourism locales - country inns. For two weeks they scouted the areas with assistants, searching for the best portraiture possibilities in the rural community. In the evenings over dinner, they would use their time discussing the day ’s work. Paul later published some of this material. Giorgio used a wooden folding Deardorff & Sons 4x5. Folding cameras are ones that may be folded into a compact and rugged package when not in use. Therefore, it was practical and easily manageable, but versatile at the same time. This type of camera was used a lot in the United States and by legendary photographers such as Ansel Adams and Wegee (Arthur Fellig). Giorgio purchased his first professional digital camera only one and half years ago. A 12 mega-pixel Nikon 2 DX, this camera offers opportunity. Its ultra high resolution, lends itself to almost any variation of daylight and atmospheric conditions, handling each very well and offering astoundingly clear results. Being able to go on a shoot completely unaccompanied just one man, the Nikon and a computer and being able to review the work almost instantly, is very empowering. No longer does one have to bring along an assistant carrying the heavy equipment and lights. No longer does time have to be wasted waiting for the lab to develop the pictures. Gone are the days of light meters. There is much less hassle and there are no unnecessary distractions. There ’s also a great additional advantage, considering that this is a more ecologically friendly technique. Although we are talking about a new process and a new era, it ’s still important to keep in mind that the resulting creations are still dependent on the knowledge and interpretation of the person that is operating the instrument. Giorgio indicates that the commissioned work he considers most important is the one he developed for the F.A.I. (Fondo Ambiente Italiana). It comprised a photographic documentary about cultural and historical buildings and places in Italy. Since 1975, F.A.I. has worked to save, restore and open places of art and nature that are among the finest in Italy, to the public. A private, non-profit organization, F.A.I. obtains sites of historic, artistic and naturalistic value via donations, bequests or loans. The buildings are used, restored and opened to the public, ensuring that everyone is offered an opportunity to enjoy them. Daniele: “What does your future hold in store? ” Giorgio: “My plans for the future include focusing on photographic research, communication and continuing to present my photos in exhibitions. I ’d like to investigate certain subjects, in particular ones referencing body language
and movement. I ’m also interested in studying the possible relations between tree trunks and the human chest. From a professional point of view, I ’d like to work with architecture, interiors, and gardens. ” His artistic sensitivity is becoming increasingly mature while, at the same time, maintaining a fresh, crisp and young approach. He harmoniously combines the past and the future in his persona, by reflecting the familiar elegance of an Italian gentleman along with the presence of a family background filled with inspiration. He is at the leading edge of the photography frontier, embracing every wonder ranging from life to nature. He does justice to nature by employing the best possible tools available. He makes its beauty shine from every aspect, awarding it the recognition and attention it deserves. He is a man who is carving his well-deserved niche in the history books of photography, while creating masterpieces and inspiring others. Writing about Giorgio Majno is comparable to writing about the history of Milan or the history of photography from the ‘70s to the present. It was a very impressive and personally enriching experience. D
Giorgio Majno with his family
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