By: Alva Ree
Carlo Collodi is an Italian portrait photographer and journalist originally from Milan, now based in New York, where he opened Lovestyle Studio and Agency. Carlo specializes in capturing unique, personal stories through his photography, whether in weddings, fashion documentaries, or portraiture. His artistic background heavily influenced his work in Milan, where he developed a strong appreciation for composition, detail, and the aesthetics of everyday moments. Carlo’s approach to photography is all about connecting with people and telling their stories, making him a sought-after photographer in both the wedding and fashion industries.
Q: You’ve built Lovestyle Studio and Agency from scratch here in New York. Can you tell us more about what you do and what makes your work unique?
A: Lovestyle is my passion project, a space where I blend my love for art, fashion, and storytelling. We focus on wedding photography but with a twist. I don’t just capture moments; I tell the stories of my models. Each couple has a unique narrative, and my goal is to reflect that in every shot. Besides weddings, we also work on fashion documentary projects and portraiture. The common idea behind my photography is always storytelling—whether it’s a wedding, a fashion shoot, or a personal portrait, it’s all about capturing the real emotions of the subject.
Q: You mentioned storytelling is central to your work. How do you approach this when shooting a wedding?
A: Weddings are such personal, emotional events. My approach is to really get to know the couple—what they value, their history, and their characters. I spend time understanding the dynamics between them, their families, and their friends. When the big day arrives, I’m not just an observer; I’m almost a part of the celebration, capturing the moments that make their story unique. I aim to create a visual narrative that they can look back on and feel the emotions of the day again but after many, many years. My photography has a purpose; it’s not only about here and now but about the emotions that people will feel when looking at the photos later.
Photo Courtesy: Lovelystyle
Q: That’s beautiful. Your work seems deeply personal and artistic. How does your background in Milan influence your style?
A: I shoot a lot of black and white photography. Color photography is about graphics, style, and contrast, but true emotions are black or white. Milan is a city of art and fashion. It’s where I developed a strong feeling for composition, color, and texture, which are very much part of my photographic style. The fashion world in Milan taught me to pay attention to detail and to always look for beauty in every situation, no matter how small. That idea influences everything I do, whether I’m shooting a high-fashion editorial or a simple, intimate portrait.
Q: Carlo, Lovestyle Studio and Agency is renowned for being more than just a photography studio. Can you explain how Lovestyle operates as a high-end agency, particularly in a role similar to that of a PR company, helping clients organize their events and ensuring they feel secure throughout the process?
A: Lovestyle Studio and Agency is a high-end photography studio with several nice locations in Manhattan that offers much more than just artistic images. Operating like a production company, Lovestyle provides photography, video, and reel creation and a group of young, happy creators who will create any story for a couple in love. We also have a 24-hour policy, giving back final images within 24 hours after the shooting is done. Though we are new in town, this level of service, comparable to other prestigious old-school studios and agencies in New York, ensures that clients feel completely secure and can enjoy their event without any worries.
Photo Courtesy: Lovelystyle
Q: What advice would you give aspiring photographers who want to build a career in wedding photography, especially those who are also interested in other genres like fashion and portraiture?
A: My advice would be to focus on developing your own voice. Don’t just mimic what’s popular or trendy—find what speaks to you and pursue it. Wedding photography is more than just technical skills; it’s about connecting with people and telling their stories authentically. Also, don’t be afraid to explore other genres. The skills you learn in one area can enhance your work in another, making you a more versatile and creative photographer. Lastly, be patient and persistent. It’s a competitive field, but if you stay true to your vision and keep pushing yourself, you’ll find your place.
For more information, visit the photographer’s Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lovestyle.nyc.
Published by: Holy Minoza
