Eolo Perfido is a renowned Italian portrait photographer and creative director based in Rome.
As the founder of one of Italy’s largest photography studios, and is also represented by the prestigious photo agency Orion57.
Throughout his career, he has worked with leading advertising and communication agencies, with his work featured in esteemed international publications. A Leica Ambassador, Perfido is also a Leica Certified Photographer and an instructor at the Leica Akademie.
Capture feels honoured that he is one of our esteemed Judges of Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers 2025.
Portrait Photography
Perfido's portrait photography is a testament to his belief that a portrait is a collaborative process, a dance between the photographer and the subject. He views the subject as an active participant, bringing their own unique personality and experiences to the shoot.
This philosophy is evident in his approach to working with actors, whom he admires for their ability to transform and embody different characters. He sees actors as chameleons, adapting to the context created by the photographer and the situation. This collaborative approach allows him to capture authentic and expressive portraits that reveal the true essence of his subjects.
Perfido's use of light is another defining characteristic of his portraiture. He likens light to the ink with which photographs are written, shaping and defining the subject.
While he is proficient in complex lighting setups, he prefers a more minimalist approach for his portraits, often working with a single light source. This allows him to create images with a cinematic quality, emphasizing the subject's form and presence. His preference for continuous light enables him to observe the interplay of light and shadow on his subjects in real-time, further enhancing the dynamic and evocative nature of his portraits.
Clownville
Perfido's "Clownville" series delves into the deeper, darker aspects of the human soul. He discovered that the mask of a clown could liberate his subjects from their inhibitions, allowing their true nature to emerge. The series is a reflection on the human condition, using the image of the clown to represent the sadness and loneliness hidden behind the desire to please.
Street Photography
Perfido's passion for street photography is rooted in his love for uncovering the hidden beauty within everyday urban life. He is drawn to the subtle "whispers" of beauty that emerge from the city's chaos—fleeting moments that challenge our perception of reality and invite us to see the familiar in a new light. His work explores the unexpected relationships and juxtapositions that naturally occur in the urban environment, crafting images that are both visually striking and rich in narrative.
For Perfido, street photography is more than just capturing passing moments; it is a deeply personal philosophy—a kind of "personal zen" that allows him to fully embrace the present and the unpredictability of the world. This mindset fuels his willingness to experiment, take risks, and wander the streets with an open mind and a camera in hand. His photography is a testament to the power of observation, revealing beauty and meaning in the everyday.
Fine Art Photography
Perfido's fine art photography focuses on creating tangible, archival prints of his portraiture work. He believes in the enduring value of physical prints, especially in the digital age where images are often fleeting. He prints on museum-grade baryta paper to best showcase the nuances of skin tones, dramatic lighting, and intricate details. Each print is carefully produced in limited editions, emphasising the psychological depth and emotional resonance of his subjects. Perfido sees these prints as a way to elevate portrait photography beyond documentation, transforming captured moments into lasting artistic statements.
Education and Workshops
Perfido is passionate about teaching photography and has developed a series of international workshops on portrait photography, travel portraits, street photography, and post-production. He is a Leica Akademie instructor and organises workshops in Rome and Tokyo, where he teaches alongside his friend and renowned photographer Steve McCurry. He has collaborated with prestigious institutions and enjoys sharing his experience and knowledge with aspiring photographers. He views teaching as a mission and finds fulfillment in helping young photographers discover their own potential and develop their unique vision.
Eolo Perfido's photography is a testament to his passion for capturing the human spirit in its various forms. Whether in the studio or on the streets, he approaches photography with a deep respect for his subjects and a desire to reveal their true selves. His work is both a celebration of human connection and an exploration of the deeper emotions that lie beneath the surface.
You can see more of Eolo's work on his websites.
https://www.eoloperfido.com/
https://www.walkingphotographer.net/
