In ten answers, photographer Davide Edoardo talks on HYPERMADE about trust, gaze direction, and the silent power of visual intimacy.
HYPERMADE: Dear Davide, how does a project like Bad Boy Charm come to life? Did it start from an aesthetic intuition or from a more narrative idea?
Davide Edoardo: I would say it was born mainly from an aesthetic intuition. When I shoot, I always try to start with a basic idea and the goal of publishing the work on a specific platform (in this case MMScene). However, projects like this are always born very spontaneously: I often collaborate with people who contact me through social media and in whom I see interesting potential.
HYPERMADE: What do you look for in a figure even before photographing them?
Davide Edoardo: A face that can convey something with just a glance.
Courtesy of Davide Edoardo
HYPERMADE: What is your relationship with seduction in imagery? Is it a side effect or a goal?
Davide Edoardo: Seduction is an important aspect. When I shoot, the subject must feel comfortable, trust me, and know they are in a safe environment. But through the lens, they are aware they are posing for whoever will see the photo. So creating a space where they can “seduce” the viewer naturally is a priority for me. In the case of Bad Boy Charm, published exclusively by MMScene, the model’s seductive side emerged immediately and became a declared goal.
HYPERMADE: How would you define your way of working: more instinctive or more constructed?
Davide Edoardo: It depends on the context. Basically, as a fashion and portrait photographer, I like to plan: study the mood and then shoot in the studio. But it’s the interaction on set that creates the real magic, the unexpected. However, sometimes, when it’s worth it, I also like shooting in more “live” contexts, such as artist performances or fashion show backstages: there, the models are ready to walk, styled by professional hair and makeup teams. For me, it feels like being on a film set, and I enjoy capturing “stolen” shots instinctively.
HYPERMADE: Your portraits often seem to revolve around the presence of the body. What role does it play for you?
Davide Edoardo: It depends on the type of shoot. Portraits remain my passion: I’m drawn to the face, expressions, the gaze. But certainly, in fashion photography, the body allows the image to become more dynamic and interesting. That’s why I’m exploring it more and more recently.
Courtesy of Davide Edoardo
HYPERMADE: What makes you say during a shoot: “This is the right moment”?
Davide Edoardo: During a shoot, even while I explain to the subject what I want to achieve, I often notice a glance, a pose, a detail that strikes me. That’s why I always keep the camera ready: I might shoot while talking or ask them to reproduce a specific expression. Many people, especially if they’re not models, stiffen in front of the camera. They go for “safe” poses where they know they look good. But that leads to monotony. I try to mix up the situations and also capture them in unexpected moments.
HYPERMADE: What visual references feel close to you – even beyond photography?
Davide Edoardo: Definitely cinematic ones. In photography, I admire both past and contemporary masters, from Helmut Newton to Peter Lindbergh, Albert Watson to Paul Kooiker, and also Jack Davison and Nadia Lee Cohen. I also really appreciate the intuition and work of “behind-the-scenes” photographers like Tazio Secchiaroli, one of the Italian photographers who inspired the term “paparazzo,” coined by Fellini in *La Dolce Vita*. Over time, he moved into more “glossy” studio photography. Some of his photos of Sophia Loren, with whom he had a friendship, are wonderful. I also love the work of Magnum photographers, especially those sent to film sets to capture actors in intimate moments or while getting ready. I remember having a book with these kinds of photos as a kid, and I don’t know how many times I looked through it…
HYPERMADE: Is there something you consciously avoid in your images?
Davide Edoardo: I try to avoid trends, which are very present even in photography.
Courtesy of Davide Edoardo
HYPERMADE: How do you think the way we represent masculinity is changing today?
Davide Edoardo: Today social media has a huge impact on the representation of masculinity, often tied to a certain erotic allure, because it works in terms of engagement. Unless there is a clear and deliberate erotic intent behind it, I personally prefer to portray a sweetness and gentleness that visually contrasts with a strong physique or bold look.
HYPERMADE: What does photography represent for you at this moment in your life?
Davide Edoardo: It’s like breathing. For years I did other things: I had a wonderful career in fashion, working in product development, but I always had a camera in my bag. After the pandemic, the thought of turning that passion into a profession grew stronger and stronger. Eventually, I found the courage because it had become a pressing need I could no longer ignore.
HYPERMADE: Thank you, Davide, for your time, your thoughts, and your sincere gaze through the lens.
Courtesy of Davide Edoardo
Davide Edoardo is an Italian photographer based in London. After a long experience in the fashion industry, he decided in 2023 to turn his passion for photography – which has accompanied him since childhood – into a profession. His work focuses mainly on portraiture and fashion photography, but he also often adopts a documentary slant – such as backstage at fashion shows or when shooting behind the scenes of a music video or other event. His images, predominantly in black and white, tell a story – even through a simple portrait: they are essential but evocative.
