Visit to the village of Atri, the well-known photographer Giuseppe Tracanna.

It is a humid Saturday evening in March when I decide to visit photographer Giuseppe Tracanna. His studio is in the admirable historic center of Atri, a few kilometers from Silvi. A professional since 1980, he has worked with major companies such as Alitalia, and with directors such as Pupi Avati. He met Gavino Ledda and in 2011 the Michetti Museum in Francavilla opened its exclusive spaces to him for his exhibition, where Michetti, D’Annunzio and Tosti hover, achieving gratifying success. It may be strange, but when I see a breathtaking landscape I think of Giuseppe, his exclamations, his photos, his silver salts, and his passion for the traditions of Abruzzo.

I see the lighted study and enter. He is sitting by the lit fireplace, together with a friend. He is often in the company of friends. As he pours me a liquor, I am suddenly inspired by an almost theatrical light and ask him if I can take a picture of him. He hands me a very heavy camera, his Nikon. I frame and against the light I shoot. I think about the questions I am about to ask him:

“Joseph, what is photography to you?”

“It’s seizing the moment. When my son sees my photos he will know what life was like today. It’s mostly the witness of the moment, the memory.” Analog or digital? “The answer is very simple: Digital photography has given everyone the opportunity to photograph. But it is cold photography. Analog has a different value. All the great photographers use it.” What kind of photography do you prefer? “Portrait. The essence is in capturing one’s identity. A cheerful person you won’t be able to make sad, and vice versa. That’s the concept.”

What shots do you think an amateur or professional photographer can take in Abruzzo? “It can span 360 degrees.

From the mountains to the hills, all with small shifts. Certainly Abruzzo is pastoral, it is D’Annunziano, archaic. Just think of the mountain expanses, the pastures, and then the maritime background. Celommi. The Natural Parks, like Cerrano Park, or beautiful places like the lakes of Scanno, Campotosto. The stunning views of the Maiella or the Gran Sasso, the “Sleeping Giant,” and all the natural beauty. L’Aquila, in spite of the earthquake, Chieti, Pescara now defined as the Shanghai of Abruzzo, not to mention all the Abbeys scattered in the countryside, the places of transhumance, Michetti’s house in Francavilla, where D’Annunzio, Tosti and Michetti used to gather to paint, compose music and poetry. These places should be visited.”

Would you like to do a Workshop on Photography in Abruzzo?

“Certainly, with indications of places, of the beautiful view in photography, using suitable and targeted techniques to photograph landscapes, portraits, architecture, sea, hills, mountains. Also to approach visions of other people not from the place, perhaps a photography prize could be announced for the best realization of a chosen theme.”

From an interview then to the idea for a Workshop and the conversation becomes interesting and to be further explored at a future meeting. However, a phone call arrives that interrupts the conversation; it is a friend of Peppe’s. I then decide to say goodbye to him, and he thanks me, giving me an appointment for next week. Thank you Giuseppe, and see you next time!

Come to Abruzzo and spend your vacation at Hotel Cirillo!