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  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  People,  Portraits,  Summer

    Al Di Meola, Peo Alfonsi, Sergio Martinez – Live @ Teatro della Villa Comunale – Roseto degli Abruzzi

    July 30, 2025 /

    Last night I “covered” the Abruzzo leg of Al Di Meola’s tour, where he performed in a trio with Peo Alfonsi (second guitar) and Sergio Martinez (percussion). As a musician, I wore out the vinyl records of his albums through sheer use, and I later met him over twenty years ago when I acted as his interpreter during a tour with Chris Carrington and Arto Tunçboyacıyan—the World Sinfonia Tour, which marked his acoustic turn after epic electric albums such as Elegant Gypsy, Casino, and Electric Rendezvous. Work aside, it was a pleasure to see him again and exchange a few words, even if, understandably, he couldn’t remember anything about that past meeting. The gallery…

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    Andrea Monti

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    The Scooter

    March 1, 2013

    Nightlife

    June 20, 2013

    The Casual Observer

    September 5, 2013
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  PhotoCritics,  Photography,  Portraits,  Summer

    On Tips’n Tricks to ‘take you photos to the next level’

    May 29, 2025 /

    I recently asked a friend, who works on the editorial side of the music industry, to share his thoughts on one of my photographs taken during a flamenco concert. His response was a deep and thorough analysis, which I will spare the readers in full. In brief, however, he praised the lighting as particularly effective for flamenco photography, noting how the chiaroscuro effect recalls the classical paintings of Caravaggio. Regarding the composition, he observed that the bailaora’s body fills the frame dynamically, without ever feeling cramped. In his conclusion, he remarked that the image captures the very soul of flamenco. As flattering as this commentary was, I must admit that none…

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    Andrea Monti

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    Duel

    November 20, 2014

    National Security

    April 4, 2014

    Ghosts

    October 19, 2016
  • Actors,  Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  People,  Reportage,  Winter

    A Night at the Opera – Plays and Opera Photography

    December 21, 2024 /

    This is an abbreviated version of a talk I gave to a local chapter of the Italian Federation of Amateur Photographers (FIAF) on the challenges of photographing in a Teatro all’italiana environment. A word to the wise: this post has just a few pictures because it talks about what happens behind the camera and not about what happens in front of it Initially published by 35mmc.com To approach professional photography in Italian-style theatres, it is essential to understand and deal with a series of difficulties and critical issues that characterise this particular environment. The Italian-style theatre, with its architectural structure, lighting layout and show dynamics, imposes a series of technical and…

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    Andrea Monti

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    Mid-Morning Break at Place Jourdan

    March 24, 2014

    The Misplaced Buoy

    April 26, 2014

    Alessandro Valle – Live@Anfiteatro La Civitella

    August 11, 2022
  • Artists,  B&W,  Daily photo,  Summer

    The Stupidity of Being Stubborn

    August 31, 2024 /

    I knew exactly that I was going to fail, but I did it anyway, irrationally thinking that for some not well clear reason the law of physics and optics could be defied by the sacred mission of the photographer. Thus, contrary to basic common sense, a few weeks ago I brought a Nikon 35TI loaded with a Ferrania P33 (ISO160) to a jazz manouche concert of the Tchavolo Schmitt trio at the French Embassy in Rome. The outcomes, as it was easy to predict, were just (euphemistically) poor – Initially published on 335mmc.com Let’s start with a test shot to ascertain if there was some issue with the hardware: Apart…

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    Andrea Monti

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    Inside the Nazario Sauro

    November 26, 2020

    Come on in…

    September 11, 2013

    Not AI-made…

    September 17, 2022
  • Artists,  Autumn,  Colour,  Daily photo,  Fighters,  Spring,  Summer,  Technique,  Winter

    Photography and the Importance of a Proper Training

    April 23, 2024 /

    In photography, among the various activities falling under the ‘preparation’ label, training is oftend underevaluated. Just as many newcomers to the world of guns think that buying expensive equipment will make them better shooters, many photographers think that mastering a bunch of exoteric camera settings will be enough to get decent pictures. This is summed up in a common piece of advice to novice shooters (of both guns and cameras): get out there and shoot. Results will just happen. I have nothing against a ‘Zen’ approach to things, based on instinct and intuition, but my Western, Benthamite mind does not allow me to forget that preparation is necessary to achieve…

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    Andrea Monti

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    Matching Nails

    September 18, 2017

    Becoming a Human Tripod

    January 9, 2017

    Right before the gig

    September 14, 2018
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  Winter

    Frank Gambale All Stars – Live@Teatro Marrucino

    November 22, 2023 /

    Rockol has just published a gallery with some of the photos I took at the Frank Gambale All Stars concert last 20 November.I’ve been a fan of Gambale’s for a long time and meeting him was a very nice experience: friend, easygoing, positive attitude despite the stress of the Italian tour: a great human being (and I can’t say the same about many of the ‘artists’ I’ve met in my career as a photographer and interpreter). On the technical side, the X-T4 and the lenses (Fujinon XF150-600 and an XF18-120) worked well. At ISO3200, the images have more than acceptable noise, which becomes almost invisible when the shadows are pushed.…

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    Andrea Monti

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    Crate

    January 24, 2015

    HeadButt

    August 5, 2023

    The Driver

    August 8, 2015
  • Artists,  Boston,  Colour,  Daily photo,  People,  Seasons,  Summer

    Elishéva live@Faneuil Hall

    July 8, 2023 /

    Boston is an incredibly vibrant city and hosts many live events in theatres and outdoor venues. At Boston’s Faneuil Hall, I took some pictures of Elishéva, a soulful jazz singer, while she was rehearsing.

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    Andrea Monti

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    Distraction

    February 10, 2016

    Sea Anemones

    August 20, 2014

    A Nikon’s Portrait Made With a Fuji

    January 14, 2016
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  Spring

    Niccolò Fabi – Meno Per Meno Tour 2023 – Live@Teatro Massimo, Pescara

    May 7, 2023 /

    Covering Niccolò Fabi’s concert for Rockol, gave me the opportunity to test an X-T4 with an XF 150-600. The image quality is on a par with the X-T3. This was to be expected. However, I have some reservations about the autofocus. The lens also needs to be examined in more detail before I can form an informed opinion.

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    Andrea Monti

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    Conversation

    November 27, 2013

    Gigi Cifarelli Guitar Solo (feat. Michele Di Toro) – Live@Florian Espace Pescara

    March 7, 2016

    The Curious Mushroom

    November 16, 2013
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  People

    Another experiment, now with a Kodak Portra 400

    May 4, 2023 /

    This is a DSLR scan of an old Kodak Portra 400 roll of film shot during a 2015 concert by John De Leo Grande Abarasse. The editing with Affinity Photo was quite challenging, however, the result is a fair rendition of the film aesthetic.

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    Andrea Monti

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    True Leather (Saved by Photoshop’s Crop)

    January 18, 2016

    Enough…

    March 2, 2013

    The Sniper Option

    February 7, 2014
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  People,  Winter

    Daniele Silvestri – Teatri 2022 – Live@Teatro Massimo, Pescara

    December 16, 2022 /

    This is the Daniele Silvestri’s Teatri 2022 coverage I did on behalf of Rockol.it using good old Nikons (a D610 with the Sigma 150-600 contemporary and a D750 with a Nikkor 24-120). As a matter of personal taste, I still like a reflex more than a mirrorless camera. The possibility offered by the latter to shoot in total silence with the Electronic Shutter is invaluable in specific contexts such as classical concerts or theatrical plays, nowthistanding the downfalls (banding and distorted images). However (and, once again, this is a matter of personal opinion), a reflex still allow a better connection with the environment at least thanks to the optical viewfinder.…

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    Andrea Monti

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    A promenade

    February 24, 2013

    Is This Photo Illegal?

    March 20, 2014

    The Google Experiment

    February 1, 2014
  • Artists,  B&W,  Daily photo,  People,  Summer

    Alessandro Valle – Live@Anfiteatro La Civitella

    August 11, 2022 /

    When I cover singers’ concerts, I make a point of not leaving band members behind. On their shoulders lies the burden of getting the show right. Without them, there is not much a singer could do unless he is gifted with a beautiful voice and proper technique. Still, they often come unnoticed. Kudos to these musicians who make the magic happens.

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    Andrea Monti

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    Lonely cart

    March 4, 2013

    The Unresting Lawyer

    February 6, 2017

    Though Choice

    June 23, 2014
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  Reportage,  Summer

    Venditti&DeGregori – Live@Anfiteatro La Civitella

    August 11, 2022 /

    Here is the link at the gallery of the 10 August Antonello Venditti and Francesco De Gregori concert. A rather unpleasant experience, indeed. Photographers have been confined on the extreme left of the stage and not allowed to move. Of course the show comes first and any annoyance imperiling the performance must be prevented. A tad of flexibility for people who is there to work, though, would have been much appreciated.

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    Andrea Monti

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    Stantsted Lounge’s Chairs

    December 31, 2013

    A shot wasted by Iphone 7 plus poor low light performance

    January 22, 2019

    Reflexes

    December 30, 2015
  • Artists,  B&W,  Daily photo,  People,  Seasons,  Summer

    José Ignacio Franco – Live@Auditorium Petruzzi

    July 31, 2022 /

    He doesn’t need to sing. His fingers do it for him. Captured in mid-strum, tocaor José Franco radiates something far more profound than musical virtuosity: duende — that elusive spirit of flamenco, born of sorrow, defiance, and joy. His guitar is not just an instrument; it’s a second voice, one that speaks the unspoken, channeling generations of Andalusian lament and celebration. Notice the scene: the blurred silhouettes of fellow musicians in the foreground, the intimacy of a rehearsal or a small performance, where the bond between tocaores is more powerful than any spotlight. The photograph’s depth of field creates a natural hierarchy — we’re drawn not just to Franco’s position, but to his expression. His smile…

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    Andrea Monti

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    A Virtual Glance Dance

    December 28, 2019

    Missed Airplane

    December 4, 2017

    A Night at the Opera – Plays and Opera Photography

    December 21, 2024
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  People,  Seasons,  Summer

    LP – Live@Anfiteatro La Civitella

    July 22, 2022 /

    More pictures available on Rockol’s Gallery section.

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    Andrea Monti

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    Should I Seat?

    December 15, 2021

    A Bookstore in the Gallery

    December 22, 2013

    A Zen Garden?

    February 22, 2014
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  Summer

    LP – Live@Anfiteatro La Civitella – The photogallery

    July 11, 2022 /

    This is the full photogallery of July 22 LP’s concert at the Anfiteatro La Civitella. I was covering the event on behalf of Rockol.it.

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    Andrea Monti

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    The Lost Hotel

    September 5, 2014

    The Bystander

    February 5, 2018

    Abstract

    May 9, 2023
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  People,  Spring

    Piero Mazzocchetti – L’ultima notte di Bonfiglio Liborio@Teatro Marrucino

    May 12, 2022 /

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    Andrea Monti

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    @ Rome’s Maker Faire – 6. Lost In Texting

    November 23, 2014

    The Hands of a Drummer (Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez)

    April 24, 2013

    High-Tech Elder Care Tool

    April 2, 2013
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  People,  Portraits,  Winter

    Kristina Miller live@Teatro Marrucino

    February 21, 2022 /

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    Andrea Monti

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    PI Room At Palais de la Découverte

    June 7, 2015

    A jam in via Alessandria

    December 8, 2023

    Fixing the ship

    August 18, 2021
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  People,  Winter

    Sergey Krylov live@Teatro Marrucino

    February 21, 2022 /

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    Andrea Monti

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    For Sale

    May 5, 2014

    Nagasaki Biker

    February 13, 2024

    A Sunny day in Rome

    May 10, 2014
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  Streets&Squares,  Winter

    Busker and Covid-19

    January 26, 2021 /

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    Andrea Monti

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    Waiting For The Elections

    June 24, 2014

    60×40 Borderless Printing with a HP Z3200ps 24

    May 11, 2014

    An illuminated escape path will help you to reach the exits …

    November 10, 2013
  • Actors,  Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  Reportage,  Winter

    Il barbiere di Siviglia – Don Bartolo mad at Rosina

    November 28, 2020 /

    A shot from the mise en scene of the Il Barbiere di Siviglia I did as a scene-photgrapher for the Teatro Marrucino

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    Andrea Monti

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    Street Food in Via Salaria

    March 13, 2014

    EOS-M. Manual focus tips and results for Street-Photography and more

    August 9, 2013

    Footprints in the Snow

    December 25, 2012
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  PhotoCritics,  Technique

    Counter-intuitive Focus

    February 9, 2020 /

    This photo I took during a reportage for a theatre hosting a concert of Uto Ughi shows a counter-intuitive use of focusing. Rather than go for the obvious option, the attention is shifted on the two musicians in the background capturing their concentration, with the leading violin blurred and conceptually, thus, ‘left behind’. The global effect is reinforced by a neat separation between the dark and light parts of the frame.

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    Andrea Monti

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    So long and thank you for the fish

    February 6, 2014

    The Floating Relic

    December 13, 2013

    What’s the Time?

    October 8, 2019
  • Artists,  Colour,  Daily photo,  People,  PhotoCritics,  Portraits,  Technique,  Winter

    The Power of Underexposing

    December 25, 2019 /

    Properly mastering underexposure helps to obtain pleasant results in challenging light conditions. I took this picture of a soprano by lowering the camera exposure by two stops, thus preserving skin tones burning, and “fading” the background to black. A proper in-camera under-exposure has the advantage of requiring lesser work in post to toggle clarity, temperature and black point.

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    Andrea Monti

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    Somewhere in Japan

    May 19, 2014

    Lightspeed

    August 6, 2015

    A Fix for the Wikipedia Photos’ Copyright Scams?

    December 19, 2020
  • Artists,  B&W,  Daily photo,  People,  Seasons,  Winter

    Davide Grotta – Live

    December 8, 2018 /

    Read More
    Andrea Monti

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    The Compelling Power of Photography

    September 22, 2022

    The Street Photographer Dilemma: Film or Digital

    March 21, 2015

    Hard Worker

    February 9, 2014
  • Artists,  B&W,  Daily photo,  People,  Portraits,  Winter

    Marianna D’ama – Live

    December 2, 2018 /

    Read More
    Andrea Monti

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    Alessandro Valle – Live@Anfiteatro La Civitella

    August 11, 2022

    Mediterranean Games 2009

    June 28, 2015

    Portrait of a Judo Master

    November 14, 2013
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