The 19-year-old Albanian Sirio Berati tells us another dimension of the photography. His instagram is packed with special works that differ in the details and confessions. Listed in "Vogue" and "IMDb", he shows that these achievements are all the results of a constant work, dedication and passion. Sirio is now in Canada studying Law, but the photograph still takes a good time of his day. Follow his story in this interview for Blitz.al and adapted in English by Oculus News.
Who is Sirio?
I am Sirio Berati, a 19-year-old who worships beauty and makes art. I am a young digital artist and my work focuses mainly on producing portrait videos and pictures. I always associate with an emotional confession because I like to touch issues like identity, self-development, etc. Recently I have released my first song "Snakes".
How did your desire born to take pictures and what were your first photos?
The desire to take pictures has started simultaneously with the use of social platforms such as Instagram or Tumblr, but besides that, I can say that I started shooting when I started using Iphone, a smartphone with a very good quality camera.
I remember that when I recognized Instagram I was attracted to much of the audio-visual content.
I'm a detail person, and I can say full of words that I judge the book from the cover. If something is aesthetically beautiful to the full, this is perfection for me. The design of the application itself, the few photographers that were then and the mere possibility of having an Iphone pushed me to create and exploit every opportunity that new technology offered.
These are some of the pictures I made in 2014...
Have you had someone who supported you to continue this journey or were you alone?
At the beginning of this journey, I did not have any special support, as the ideas and what I wanted to do to some extent were considered taboo. So far I have been alone, while at the moment I speak I have found support, especially from foreign users and followers. I'm no longer affected by mentality or prejudice. This has helped me realize big projects and get activated off Instagram.
What is the routine that you follow to make photos / videos?
For some special projects I get inspired by foreign or Albanian artists, find a certain theme, I do a lot of research, create an idea, generate alternatives, and then offer it somewhere. Then there are those days where I just shot pictures without a specific purpose and then see what I can do beyond just a random photograph.
Where does you find the inspiration? Have you had idle times that you might have thought and leave the picture?
I find inspiration from people like me, from movies, colors, music. Surprisingly I never thought about leaving the picture, moreover because I would feel empty if I did.
Why you choose to study Justice and not your passion?
As I am identified with the art, photography is not a form of profession to create a basis in life. I want to have a profession and be formed in other areas besides this. Moreover, with Justice, I continue the family tradition.
Is it a costly path, whether for materials, programs etc? Or can anyone with minimal incomes be involved?
It is very costly and has huge expenses. Who says it is not, maybe does not do it right. I have had the good fortune of being supported economically by the family for any requirement that this field has to go forward. The materials are expensive: different lenses and handsets. Not just physical devices are espensive, but also applications, programs, marketing, promotions. You can be born talent, but if you do not promote yourself properly, then you are just a bubble.
What are your biggest achievements in this area?
My achievement is the fact that I have explored and proven different aspects of art such as sculpture, digital creations, drawings, paintings, collages, fixtures and typography. Two of the greatest achievements are the presentation of my first art exhibition in England - "Approaching Chaos" (with alternative media) and the first prize winning nationally in an art competition in England. This is the artwork that won the prize - "Conflicting journey to reality"
Peace in itself speaks of dreams that are often part of a reality. A conflict is created where the character fights for a magical world. The subconscious is placed on the right, the consciousness in central, and ideality on the left. Again, the process of self-realization and transformation is created in fragments. The image is also associated with a 'dreamcatcher', which protects the character from the fears that the present holds.
How was to be contacted by Vogue Italia and become part of them?
Who does not wants that their work to be approved and published under Vogue's name? I feel appreciated and it is a special pleasure.
If you live in Albania, will you follow the same passion? (given the situation and the possibilities of art in Albania)
Absolutely yes! I think that Albania needs photographers and I would do it with pleasure. In a small place like this, you can easily exhibit and target more simply an audience. I have some special projects that will come out when I come soon. Maybe with showbizz people.
How much time do you spend per week?
I spend a lot of time, I can say about 20 hours a week. Of course it also depends on the client's requirements. Except forbeing my passion, here in Canada, I also have a good deal of work. Right now I'm working for a local company and a real estate firm.
What is your most beloved work and what does it like this?
Well said is this video that has a special value for me, namely for the simplicity and the direct message that conveys....
What should a photo have to be beautiful accoriding to you?
A few details and a confession accompanying it.
You shot mainly beautiful things, but if you have a sad and painful situation, did you ever find it in your camera?
So far, not because I'm not very spontaneous in what I do.
If you were to be a photo warrior, would you accept it? Why?
I would not like to be a war photographer because I do not want to be part of something I do not support, believe or admit. It would be morally wrong.
What are your aspirations for the future?
At present is the education. Then neve you known, maybe I see the possibility of having contracts with big companies.
What is your advice for younger artists, more specifically those of photography?
Be special in what they do by experimenting, find a subject that easily identifies and go out there without being influenced by people's opinions. And above all, create.