The Sunday interview: 5 questions for Francesco Latino

Today I will present Francesco Latino the author of Project Home. Francesco is a photographer documenting the idea of home for people around the world.

1) Why photography?

There’s one thing that connects humans from ancient times till our days: telling stories. Over time, the way we tell them has changed, from simple talk over campfires to paper, painting, novels, poetry, and music. People have always tried to convey messages and feelings through art. Photography, for me, happened as a natural evolution of my interests and curiosity over time. At the beginning, I felt it was a great excuse to walk and explore cities and places. Now, it’s becoming more of a way to express my thoughts. What I love about it are its limitations. You’re presenting a frame of a continuous and ever-changing life, capturing something that no longer exists. And if done well, it has the power to move souls and change the world for the better.

2) What is your favourite gear? (camera, lens)
A couple of years ago, I tried most medium-format film cameras. I ended up choosing the Mamiya 6 because it’s a great companion for travel with its retractable lens, and the 50mm that comes with it is phenomenal. It’s a 6x6 square format, and this might not be the best for every situation, but it forces you to think differently. I always keep a Ricoh GRIII in my pocket, as it’s perfect for personal research and documenting daily life. I’m now investing more time with a Chamonix 4x5 field camera with a 135mm lens. I can’t say it’s already my favorite, but it’s a new way to interpret photography for sure.

3) What are your favourite subjects to photograph?
The strong connection between people and the place they live in. I love to explore how places shape the way we act, think, and live. This could mean photographing a single cup of tea outside a window I encounter every day or taking a flight to experience how people in Uganda live in deep connection with the forest since the early days of humanity. I find it fascinating. This year, I’m committed to exploring the art of portraits more, as it allows me to connect with a variety of people.

4) Can you name a few of your favourite photographers?
One of the first photographers who made me think "how in the world is this possible?" was Alex Webb. A complex and chaotic world that always feels ordinary. It’s far from my style or thematic interests, but I appreciate his ability to anticipate the moment. As a Sicilian myself, Ferdinando Scianna and his photography played a huge role in shaping my interest in the medium. In the contemporary world: Alec Soth. If I had to choose one, it would be Josef Koudelka.

5) What can the Substack community expect from you/your publication in the future?
I’m documenting what the concept of home means for people around the world with a newsletter that has a huge focus on photography as a storytelling medium. I’ll explore and experience myself as much as I can, but as the African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” That’s why I’m including interviews and featuring photographers who have worked on the theme. I think this whole research is so big that it needs to be covered from different points of view. In the future, I’ll experiment with short documentary videos as well. I want to have people and humanity at the forefront of the publication. I'd be happy to see you over there and hear your story!