Italian photographer Gianluca Gianfieri, who works as a bank employee, won the prestigious Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award for a picture of Mount Etna in Sicily.
Gianfieri describes his passion for photography as a hobby that has turned into an obsession. He loves to take on challenges and overcome difficulties, which allows him to break the mold and move from one experience to another. For him, photography is a necessity that brings balance, feeds the mind, and helps him make friends he wouldn't have in his daily life.
The key to his victory was a photograph showing glowing volcanic fragments contrasting with pure white snow. Gianfieri noted that this work reflects the competition's theme, "Power." He emphasized that nature is a subject he cares deeply about, and he prepares his shoots 90% of the time, starting with the idea and choosing the perfect location, studying the geography, weather, and necessary equipment.
The photographer also stressed that nature photography requires patience and respect for nature. He will forgo a shot if capturing it would harm animals or the environment. "I don't consider a harmful photograph a victory to be proud of," he stated.
Gianfieri, who only photographs once or twice a month, admitted he did not expect to win. "To this day, I can't believe I won this prestigious world award, which is incomparable to any other," he shared. He added that the win will give him the strength and motivation to continue and create even better photographs.
He recounted that he had always dreamed of photographing a volcanic eruption and had visited several countries for this purpose, including Iceland. However, this type of photography requires being in the right place at the right time, which can be difficult. In early December 2023, while in Sicily, he heard sounds resembling seismic tremors, grabbed his cameras, and headed to the volcano. Due to flying volcanic debris, they had to change their shooting location. It was there, at a safe distance, that he captured his famous shot.
