Before embracing photography, Vitor Schietti cultivated his artistic sensibilities through drawing and watercolor painting during his formative years. This foundational training instilled in him a profound desire for visual expression, a drive that persisted as his creative tools evolved. The transition to photography, especially with the advent of digital technology in the early 2000s, provided him with a more immediate and versatile medium to translate his conceptual ideas into visual forms. A pivotal moment in his artistic development occurred in Montreal in 2006, where his immersion in street photography, extended exposure techniques, and light artistry solidified his identity as a photographer.
Schietti's photographic endeavors are not rooted in mere factual representation but rather in the boundless expanse of imagination. His compositions frequently possess a dreamlike quality, sculpted by the interplay of memory, movement, and subtle emotional undertones, rather than adhering to linear narratives. This deliberate approach stems from his conviction that memory and imaginative faculty are central to human interaction with the world. He finds immense satisfaction in crafting visuals that stimulate the viewer's fantasy and evoke a sense of nostalgic reverie. To achieve these ethereal effects, he extensively employs techniques such as lengthy exposures, light artistry, and multiple exposures, which enable him to transcend conventional photographic depiction. His creative palette draws inspiration from a wide spectrum of artists, including renowned filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa, Alejandro Jodorowsky, and Richard Linklater, as well as celebrated photographers such as Gjon Mili, Gregory Crewdson, and Reuben Wu, alongside contemporary artists like Anish Kapoor and Eric Staller. These varied influences converge to forge a visual lexicon that is simultaneously cinematic, surreal, and richly textured with emotion.
For Schietti, the pinnacle of artistic fulfillment is reached when an image not only possesses visual appeal but also conveys profound emotional resonance. He perceives photography as a means to contribute positively to the world, producing images that encourage introspection and foster connection. He articulates his artistic aspiration as creating something beautiful, imbued with layers of significance, and featuring colors and forms that captivate the observer and beckon them on a journey. When he succeeds in capturing such an image, he feels he is making a valuable contribution to enhancing the world. Many of his most personally significant works are intimately linked to his relationships, travels, and personal challenges, transforming these lived experiences into visual narratives that hold deep meaning for both himself and his audience.
Schietti's creative methodology oscillates between spontaneous exploration and meticulous preparation. In his more intuitive mode, he traverses urban and natural landscapes in a state of open receptivity, keenly observing light, gestures, colors, and serendipitous encounters. While many resulting images might be competent, it is through persistent engagement that he often stumbles upon something truly unexpected and compelling. This philosophical stance underpins his ongoing 'Extended Moments' series, which now encompasses nineteen cities, with Hong Kong being the latest addition. Conversely, projects such as 'Impermanent Sculptures' demand a highly structured approach. These intricate images, which involve 'drawing' with light during prolonged exposures, necessitate thorough site visits, securing specific permissions, and detailed equipment setup. The post-production phase then becomes a revelatory process, where the true form of the image emerges. He finds the excitement in editing, as he unveils images that prompt viewers to ponder the boundaries between reality and imagination.
A profound reverence for the natural world permeates a significant portion of Schietti's artistic output. Although not primarily a wildlife photographer, he is drawn to capturing animals when circumstances permit, particularly within sanctuaries or protected habitats. Street photography constitutes another consistent theme in his work. The unique blend of serendipity, keen observation, and readiness required to immortalize fleeting urban moments continues to invigorate and challenge him. Based in Barcelona, he imparts his knowledge of street photography through the Pentaprisma school, frequently photographing alongside his students. The act of scrutinizing human behavior in urban environments, even through indirect cues or architectural elements, has evolved into both a method of understanding humanity and a form of creative catharsis. He describes the experience of perceiving an individual through various perspectives as magical. Light painting remains a particularly vital creative avenue, connecting him to his roots in traditional painting. Whether employing fire, water, or strategic camera movements, Schietti wields light as a brush, pushing the boundaries of photography towards abstraction and painterly expression.
While intuition plays a crucial role in Schietti's artistic decisions, a strong grasp of technical principles remains indispensable. Elements such as exposure, depth of field, focus, and composition are constantly considered, serving the overarching intent of the image. Years of rigorous experimentation, including learning from setbacks, have enabled him to refine how technical choices can amplify emotional impact. He acknowledges that a great deal of his intuition stems from years of dedicated practice, emphasizing that technical aspects are paramount and require constant vigilance.
Among his extensive body of work, several photographs hold particular personal significance. A recent image of a tree in China's Huangshan province, created using long exposure and deliberate camera movement, remarkably echoed a similar photograph he captured in Greece years prior, establishing a poignant dialogue across different times and locations. Another seminal piece, 'Submerged' (Brazil, 2012), was conceived with the camera partially underwater while a close friend dived nearby. This photograph carries the emotional weight of their shared experience and is currently on display at the Nordic Contemporary Center in Xiamen, China. 'Tree of Life' (Brazil, 2015), an early creation from his 'Impermanent Sculptures' series, has become the most iconic image of that collection, marking a pivotal shift in his artistic trajectory.
Schietti's aspirations extend beyond the realm of still photography. His long-term goal is to sustain himself entirely through his artistic endeavors while progressively venturing into cinema as a director of photography. He states his greatest ambition is to fully devote himself to artistic photography and cinematic direction. Having spent many years working in advertising photography in Brazil before relocating to Barcelona, Spain, he has continued his photographic work with new clients and has increasingly engaged with video production. Currently pursuing studies in Direction of Photography at the Barcelona School of Cinema and Animation, he skillfully balances commissioned projects with his personal artistic explorations. A recent artist residency in China further ignited his passion for travel and creation. New developments within his 'Impermanent Sculptures' series are already underway, with further announcements anticipated in 2026. Across all mediums and techniques, Vitor Schietti's work remains deeply rooted in the concept of connection. Through his 'extended moments,' illuminated light formations, and meticulously observed fragments of the world, he invites viewers to pause, engage their imaginations more deeply, and rediscover the inherent beauty and intricate complexity of their surrounding
