Words by Pat Eggleton
This week we have a photo blog for you. Pat talked to Giacomo of the Livorno Daily Photo blog.
At Italy Magazine we love your blog but we don't know anything about you two! Can you tell us a little about yourselves?
We are Gianna and Giacomo and we have have been together for almost 12 years. We like books, movies and to travel, when we can afford it. Favourite destinations: London, Paris and, recently, New York City, taking pictures almost all the time.
Are you both professional photographers?
Neither of us is a pro. I always carry my camera with me and so I can catch interesting photos. This is also the reason why most of the pictures posted are mine.
How long have you lived in Livorno?
Both of us are natives of Livorno.
What do you like best about the town?
The sea.
When did you start your blog and why?
We discovered photo blogging with our second trip to New York City, in September 2008. Other people's blogs were quite useful in finding some interesting things off the beaten track. A month later we started our blog at home, just for fun.
What sort of photos do you feature?
Anything about our town: places, events, details and funny things. I have another blog with travel pictures and another one, which many friends help me with, about benches from all over the world!
The bench blog is certainly different! Is there ever a day when you feel uninspired?
Quite often. I hate hot summer days when even the camera is a burden and the light is unforgiving.
Your blog also appears in an Italian version. Do you translate it yourselves?
We are Italians so our problem is usually the English version. Our typical post is often not much more than captions beneath each picture. Translating it back to Italian is quite boring, but it helps local followers.
What are your criteria for a good photograph?
I like sharpness, details, colours and, obviously, an interesting subject.
I have to ask and you can shoot me if you want! Do you ever use Photoshop or similar sites?
Only to cut, resample or set the contrast right. I hate tampering with photos and any kind of 'effects'.
What sights should a tourist see in Livorno?
The coastline and the Terrazza Mascagni, the fortresses, the old harbour, the Venezia quarter and Montenero.
Of all the photos on your blog, which are your favourites?
It's like asking a mother to name her favourite child, I know, but I won't say... As last year's best picture I picked this one and this was the runner-up.
Happy snapping, happy blogging and thank you both for talking to Italy Magazine.
