Judith Balari

Judith Balari

TIFA 2021 Interview with Judith Balari
1st Place winner in Advertising, Non-Professional, “The Sea Tree of Life”

Q: Tell us a bit about your background? How did you discover your love for photography?

My name is Judith Balari. I discovered photography many years ago, but back then it was just a pleasure during my holidays. Then, once arrived in Italy (born in Argentina) I started taking pictures in a different way. It became a real passion, specifically food photography. I learned to cook like Italians do, and then took pics of my dishes. It was great fun!

Q: What was your last work and how did the initial spark of inspiration come about?

My last work is connected with food and interior photography. During a visit to Maggiore lake in Northern Italy I stayed in a traditional pink house with a lot of character. There I had the possibility to cook and take pics in a real location. The owner of the house – journalist and writer – and I are on a book project where the house history and pics of my cooking are going to be combined to create an inspirational book. This is a great project and we are looking forward to seeing it published.

Q: You were awarded TIFA 2021 Non-Professional Advertising Photographer of the Year for your incredibly creative work, Sea Tree of Life. Can you tell us a bit more about the technological background of this image?

The image was created with raw fish called cepola (bandfish), very attractive pinkish colors. I took different pics of them and finally I decided to create a tree-like shape putting them on a blue hand painted background that I made for the shooting. The pic is a flat lay taken with a Nikon D 850, Nikon 24-70 mm lens, ƒ16, ISO 80, held on a tripod.

Q: Is there a message behind your concept?

Certainly, the message is how fragile the environment is at the moment. Oceans, seas and rivers must be saved from extinction for future generations.

Q: What other genres do you enjoy creating in and why?

Now I am very dedicated to food, but when the opportunity comes when traveling I love reportage and landscape. I love macro photography of flowers as well.

Q: What does winning this award mean to you?

It means so much to me, it means hours of shooting and trial, trying to get the best styling, the best light, the best shot with optimal results. Afterall being recognized in another country competing with thousands of pictures from around the globe is breathtaking. What else can I ask?

Q: What would be your dream project in photography if there would be no budget limits and you could travel anywhere, photograph anything/anyone?

Whatever the future brings will be welcome. I am open to new challenges wherever they might be.

Q: Which professional photographers have inspired you most?

Many, but the black and white photography of C. Bresson, Doisneau, D. Lange, J. Lartigue made a print in my mind. Even though my pics are far from being similar to their work, they made me love photography in all its forms. As regards food Linda Lomelino and Eva Kosmas Flores are my best inspiration

Q: Are you working on something new right now? Can you tell us a little bit about it?

Now, I am taking a little holidays pause. But, in fact, since the Covid lockdown I have been taking pics every single day. Photography was the only entertainment and pleasure and helped me to have my mind occupied and free of bad thoughts and fears.