Basics

Channels:
Photography, Art, and Music
Genres:
Editorial, Event, Fashion, Photo-Realism, Rock
Role:
Photographer
Specialties:
Music Photography, People, Travel

Biography

I was born and raised in New York but now reside in Los Angeles. I studied photography under my Grandfather Aurellio Gatti from an early age. Growing up in a very artistic Italian family encouraged me to pursue the arts, music and guitar was my first love, then photography. My first professional job in the industry was building and designing sets for David LA Chapelle in the late 90's with good friend and art director Antonio Ballatore. Studying lighting techniques and set design inspired me to seriously pick up the camera and start shooting on a pro level. But I did not want to compete with the million of fashion or advertising photographers out there, in my opinion they are a dime a dozen all going for the same look and feel to satisfy corporate needs of the client. In that world it's really not even about photographer anymore, everything relies on the set designer, wardrobe stylist, makeup artist, camera assistants and especially the post production RETOUCHER. I use a minimal amount of photoshop on my images because I am a photographer not a graphic designer or airbrush specialist. I want my photographs to be based in reality and look real, not like a painting.
I see photography as a pure medium and prefer pictures in their natural state because it speaks to my creative side and will have the longevity to last forever and never be out of style. Less is more, always remember that. Photography is a personal journey of discovery and I want capture and document the music I love like no one else ever has. I can go out here in Los Angeles any night of the week with no appointments and or phone calls and shoot live music till 2am. It's the freedom of really doing what I want that attracts me to it so much. Rock & Roll is freedom, and being in that moment with a good band is the ultimate high for me. A good rock show can literally be a revolution of the mind.
I really enjoy combining music and photography and working with both mediums at the same time. It's like a friendly duel at the front of the stage where the art of music and photography merge. That's where you will find me capturing the definitive moment.

Statements

Imagine life without Rock & Roll music and it's imagery? Elvis, David Bowie, Elton John, The Beatles, Hendrix, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and T-Rex just to name a few. Pictures of these bands and artists have inspired so many future artists and given hope to many others. It has also helped push American culture more towards the arts and away from the conservative train of thought. Every great culture has had a thriving and vibrant community of artists.

Styles

Live music photography and studio shots for musicians and bands.
I also do album covers and inserts, promotional pics. Some fashion and portraiture also.

Creative Tools Used

My camera with multiple lenses, Profoto Lighting.

Techniques

I like to keep mine secret. Whatever it takes to capture the definitive moment. Hanging from the ceiling upside down would be cool. Figure out your own!!

Achievements

What I am doing is an achievement in itself. The praise of others is not my goal. Artistic achievement that satisfies myself is what I aim for. When it's good, I know it's good.

Exhibitions

I exhibit myself every night. www.myspace.com/gattiphoto

Specialties

Music Photography, People, Travel

Inspirations

Freedom and Rock & Roll. Loud and dirty guitars help.