Riccardo Vimercati is one of New York’s hottest fashion photographers. If you’ve bought a fashion magazine in the past decade, odds are, you’ve seen his work. He’s shot everything from advertisements for Dolce and Gabbana, to high fashion magazine covers for publications like Mojeh. We asked the Milan-native to answer a few questions for our readers.

How were you introduced to photography?

I was born “breathing” photography. My father is a photographer and I have always wanted to be just like him. I can honestly say that I’ve wanted to be a photographer since I was 5-years-old. My dad was a still life photographer, so I was taking pictures of fruit in a bowl when I was about 10. I never really thought about an alternative career. I was so passionate that it felt very natural to become a photographer. It just happened.

How did you go from still life photography to fashion photography?

When I was young, I started flipping through magazines and big fashion catalogs and I fell in love with women and fashion. At that point, I knew I wanted to take my photography career in that direction and worked hard to get into the industry.

Fashion photography comes with a lot of stress, how do you handle it?

It can be stressful at times, but I’m a fairly laid back guy so my personality helps keep stress at a minimum. I also work to maintain balance in my life. I have a lot of hobbies that keep stress from building up. For instance, when I’m not working, I love to travel and ride my motorcycle.

When you’re working with a model, how important is communication during a shoot?

Communication is one of the most important aspects of a shoot. It’s through communication that we find a connection. When I have good communication with a model, we are both able to give our best.

What advice would you give a photographer who is working with a less-than-cooperative subject?

My best piece of advice in this situation is not to panic. You want to create a calm work environment and if you panic, you’ll lose that advantage. Instead of panicking, talk with the model or subject. Try to find a way to breakthrough. Sometimes it is a challenge, but if you keep your cool and work through it, you’ll be okay.

What do you look for when composing a shot? using an example of a picture you took, walk us through your composition checklist.

I don’t necessarily have a checklist, but I am looking for certain things. You have to work with what you’re given.

Your website showcases some dramatic black and white images. Is this your preference?

I wouldn’t say that black and white is my favorite per se, but I find it to be very dramatic in some cases. For some pictures, like the ones below that were shot for fashion magazine, Redmilk, I didn’t want the colors to interfere with the picture.

What’s the picture that you are most proud of?

I love this picture. It’s hard to explain why, but it speaks to me. It was taken as part of a fashion campaign for Premiata, an Italian fashion line. I just love their expressions, the smoke, all of it. It’s beautiful. (Yes, that is famous French fashion model, Aymeline Valade, in the picture.)

What’s the one piece of advice you would give a photographer to improve his or her craft?

Shoot, shoot, shoot. Talent is not enough. Have you ever seen a piano player who doesn’t practice, or an athlete who doesn’t workout? To succeed, photography has to be part of you.

Where to find Riccardo Vimercati online:
Website: riccardovimercati.com