Interview with Vito Dell'orto (Second Prize Singles at BSPF 2025)

©Vito Dell'orto

Tell us something about yourself and how you became interested in street photography

I was born in 1976 in Catania, Sicily, and grew up in a small town called Giarre. Love brought me to Seville, Spain, where I lived for ten years. I returned to Sicily and now I teach technology at a middle school.

I loved photography since I was a child, looking at old family albums, especially those of my grandparents who lived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. When I was around 26 or 27, photography became a daily need for me. It changed how I see the world and people.

For me, photography is not just about recording moments but expressing my feelings and ideas. I like street photography because it lets me see everyday life in a new way, using colors, shapes, and light to tell stories and show beauty.

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How would you describe your style of street photography?

My style is not just documentary, I like to create an abstract view of reality. I use framing, timing, and perspective to change how people see a scene. I focus on shapes, lines, colors, and how things relate in the photo to express emotions and ideas. For me, street photography is also a way of life. Going out without plans, ready to discover something special in the ordinary.

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Who or what inspires you in your photography?

I find inspiration in many things like books, movies, and everydaylife. My students also inspire me with their creativity.

I admire photographers like Alex Webb, Saul Leiter, Harry Gruyaert, Gueorgui Pinkhassov, Franco Fontana, Daniele Pesaresi, and many others. They all helped me see the world in different ways, especially through their use of color and composition.

Is it easy to do street photography in the place where you live? How do people react when you photograph them in public spaces?

I lived for ten years in Seville, where people are more relaxed and it is easier to take street photos. In Sicily, people are often more suspicious or sometimes annoyed when you take their photo.

It is easier to take pictures during events or festivals in Sicily because people focus on the celebration and don’t mind the camera. But on normal days, I try to be careful and respectful when I take photos.

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What does a typical day of street photography look like for you?

I usually plan to go out when the light is interesting, especially in the late afternoon. I walk a lot, watching people and waiting for the right moment. Sometimes I return to the same place many times because I want to understand it better and find new stories.

I try to be open and patient, ready to see something new every day.

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What type of material do you use for street photography and why this particular setup?

I use a digital camera because it is fast and easy to carry. I prefer lenses that let me work quietly and quickly, usually a standard or wide-angle lens. This setup helps me be ready for any moment without disturbing people.

Tell us something about your winning photograph.

This photo is part of a project called “Transit Tales”, about the Plaza de Armas bus station in Seville. For several years, I went back to this station again and again. I knew every corner and the best times when the light was warm and beautiful. The afternoon light made simple moments look special.

People’s faces there told stories of hope, loneliness, or connection. The station was like a stage where people met and separated, each with their own story. Through this series, I want to show the small human moments we often miss in busy life.

How did you get to know BSPF?

I found BSPF while looking for important street photography festivals. I liked that it is a place where photographers from all over the world share their work.

I was also very impressed that some judges are photographers I admire, like Harry Gruyaert. Knowing that they would see my photos made me want to join.

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What does the BSPF and winning second prize mean to you and your career?

Winning second prize at BSPF is a great honor for me. It shows that my work is appreciated by important people in photography.

It gives me more confidence and encourages me to keep exploring and growing as a photographer. It also helps me share my vision with a bigger audience.

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What advice would you give someone who is starting out in street photography?

Be patient and keep practicing. Learn to watch carefully and understand light and composition. Don’t be afraid to go back to the same place many times. Respect people and try to connect with the moment. Remember, street photography is not just about taking pictures but telling stories.

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