Giancarlo Gallinoro

As a child, I was fortunate to spend my holidays in the breathtaking mountainous regions of central Italy. It was there that I fell in love with nature, exploring the outdoors, tracking wildlife, and skiing amidst the magnificent landscapes. My connection with the natural world was established long before I even held my first camera, and it has been a driving force in my life ever since.

I vividly recall the pivotal moment when my fascination with cold and remote places took hold. At the age of eight, I watched a documentary about Greenland, with its icebergs, glaciers, and polar bears roaming the snowy hills. My young mind was captivated, and a seed was planted that has remained with me throughout the years. Hours were spent lost in the pages of a photography book on the Arctic, dreaming of the day I would explore those incredible landscapes for myself.

Little did I know that my dream would eventually become a reality. I immersed myself in photography, learning to capture and freeze those moments and places I held dear. It felt like a natural extension of my love for nature and a means to share its beauty with others.

Inspiration for my work comes from a multitude of sources, but I find myself particularly invigorated in cold and harsh environments. The struggle and challenges they present push me to be present, focused, and truly immersed in the moment. Stepping out of my comfort zone and facing the elements fuels my creativity and drive.

Throughout my journey, I have discovered and admired the work of many talented photographers. Paul Nicklen, with his ability to tell conservation stories through photography, has been a significant inspiration. Benjamin Hardman and Stian Klo captivate me with their unique colour palettes and styles. And Konsta Punkka’s dynamic wildlife portraits never cease to amaze me.

Ecology and sustainable development are at the core of my photographic production. I believe that we all have a responsibility to preserve and protect the natural world, regardless of where we live. While it’s easy to succumb to despair when confronted with the challenges our planet faces, I strive to focus on the beauty, diversity, and intrinsic worth of nature. Through my photography, I aim to inspire others to take action and join the cause of conservation.

In my journey as a nature and wildlife photographer, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing many incredible moments. One anecdote that stands out is my encounter with a wolf in the central Apennines. After weeks of research and countless hours waiting, I was on the verge of giving up. But just when I thought all hope was lost, a wolf crossed the road right in front of me. It was an unexpected and exhilarating moment, and I managed to capture a few precious seconds of footage. To this day, I can’t help but shake my head in amazement when recalling that incredible encounter.

Choosing a single significant captured instant from my repertoire is a challenging task. However, there’s one photograph that holds a special place in my heart. It was taken in Svalbard, an arctic fox curled up on a dark scree against a misty background. This image represents the realisation of a lifelong dream to visit and explore the Arctic. More importantly, it embodies the sense of awe and wonder that I strive to convey through my work.