Capturing the Strange Characters of Rome: Street Photography by Paolo Rabuffi

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

Eric’s Note: I am pleased to share the work of Paolo Rabuffi, a street photographer based in Rome. Working in both color and black and white, he loves to capture the “strangeness” of Rome – while being more present in the everyday moment. Check out some of his thoughts and images below!

Paolo: I’m half Roman and half Etruscan and after several years of relocations I am based in Rome. I’m a 32 year old full-time-precarious who sometimes uses to walk with a camera in his hands.

Why photography? I dunno, it was something that grew inside of me slowly about 2-3 years ago. I can’t stop it. Someone call it “obsession”, and may be right.

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

I feel like the photographic process drives you through those human moods that means you’re still alive: absorption, adrenaline, compulsion, satisfaction, blues. What else do you need? In some ways photography forces you to face yourself, to put your limits on probation, know more about who you are, what attracts you and why.

Even with ethics: I often feel like people talking about ethics want to put a bar around you. They talk about what is “legit” and “illegitimate”, basing this on their personal thoughts.

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

I feel this is unfair and hypocritical. Photography is, basically, visual evidence, that the photographer is a human who constantly battles with his/her conscious whether to take a photograph or not. I feel through this constant struggle a photographer begins to learn more about him/herself.

Why street photography? Good point. I could say the obvious answers but I will try to steer away from what has been repeated many times.

***

For me, street photography was a natural destination. One of the biggest reasons is that I have always been attracted by strange characters, crooked details, weird faces and so on. I find the so-called “normality” to be boring.

Before I started to become serious with my street photography, I walked the streets absent-minded. When I took the bus, met someone, or went to places- I never really took a hard look at them.

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

Street photography has allowed me to go back to my childhood, when I would pay attention to everything. I love the feeling of being present in the everyday world, and I can owe this all to photography.

Also through my journey in photography, I have learned a lot from my friends and colleagues. I would particularly like to thank all the FdS crew (in particular Laura Rodari, who is an extraordinarily talented photographer), the always willing, enthusiatic and outstanding Charlie Kirk, for his helpful and priceless advice, and the members of the Hardcore Street Photography Group on Flickr.

Color Street Photography by Paolo

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

+++

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

Untitled

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

B&W Street Photography by Paolo

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

Paolo Rabuffi Street Photography

Follow Paolo:

Which of Paolo’s images speak to you the most? Show him some love and feedback by leaving a comment below!