Marco Ansaloni is, in my opinion, one of today’s most interesting Italian travel photographers. After studying architecture and photography in Italy, he moved to Barcelona where he currently lives with his family.

Marco Ansaloni

Hypogeum in Hal Safleni | Malta


Characterized by a desire for discovery and a deep interest in the historical background of his subjects, Marco’s portraits of distant and near cultures are evocative and vibrant. This isn’t surprising given that his main purpose is to develop knowledge and build education through his lens, which is why he often collaborates with many international magazines such as National Geographic, Archaeology Magazine and GEO.

The best way to get to know him and understand how he sees the world from behind his lens, is to let him talk…


marco ansaloni

Hasbed Balyan, Monastery of Haghpat | Armenia


What made you fall in love with photography?

I didn’t grow up with a camera around my neck, but I’ve always looked for a way to express some of my feelings. During my student years I found that photography was a tool, a way to do that. Ever since then I’ve been trying to perfect it. I add small pieces to my mosaic every year.


Why is the relationship between photography and history so important to you and your projects? 

The other passion I have always had is history, the stories of the myths and legends that have built our culture. So I try to find a magical formula that connects these 2 great passions. I then realized during some of my photo-projects that knowing the history of a place or a city, including the people who have lived there, is essential to understanding the present. History has become a way for me to understand the present.


Pueblo Viejo | Lurin Valley, Perù


What do you think about the technological innovations in photography  and have they impacted your work? 

Innovate or die. I am convinced that evolution is always the correct path and not just in photography of course. Technology cannot be ignored.  For better or for worse we need it.

In just 10 years we’ve experienced 2 great revolutions in photography” the transition to digital and the spread of the web. Then we have to add social networks, web 2.0, video, iphone, blogs, etc … For a professional the actual photographic part of the job has been reduced to 30-40% of his work because the rest is marketing and promotion. I recognize that at times I jumped on things too late, but I was lucky enough to try and recover when I experienced the benefits new technologies can offer.


How would you describe Barcelona and why did you move there? Is there another place in the world that is important to you because of your photography?

I’ve lived in Barcelona for 10 years now. My wife is Catalan and, after living in Italy, the euphoria and the new prospects we experienced in Barcelona convinced us to move. It was definitely a choice that has contributed to my personal and professional growth.

Every city leaves me with a feeling, some positive, others not so much. I have to divide cities between those where I would love to take photos and those where I would like to develop my career. I love Jerusalem, the Turkish plains, the smaller towns in Italy, the south of Spain. At professional level I’d like to gain experience in the U.S.  or northern Europe.  Every place has its own allure if you know where to look.


Marco Ansaloni

Mitzpe Ramon city | Negev Desert, Israel


Living in Barcelona do you have any habits that you think are distinctly Italian?  Is there anything you always bring back with you after visiting Italy? 

Ok, are we talking in terms of commonplaces? I make coffee in traditional way but then I find myself explaining to my daughters to throw the pasta in the water when it  boils and not when it is cold (I really have seen this happen, I swear)!  I still have the typical accent of an immigrant who has just arrived. It ‘s great.  And yes, I gesture with my hands when I talk.

When I travel to Italy, I try to come back with a good book, that’s all …. ok, some parmigiano too.


marco ansaloni

From Konya to Mersin | Turkey


Marco Ansaloni

Palio | Ferrara, Italy