Meet Leonardo Vicario | Fashion photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leonardo Vicario and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leonardo, why did you pursue a creative career?
As for pursuing an artistic or creative career, I’ve often asked myself that question. I never considered myself 100% a photographer. I feel that photography is just one of many tools I can use to express myself. When I was a child, I had dreams of various careers, such as archaeology, piloting, professional diving, writing, or film directing. But photography was not on my list. I believe I’ve always been looking for a career that could offer a sense of adventure and freedom. Art was my favorite subject in school, and I always received good grades in it, although everyone tends to excel in art classes, don’t they? Looking back, I’ve always been passionate about different forms of art, including drawing, fashion, music, and cinema. I spent hours of my childhood in libraries, museums, bookstores, theaters, and movie theaters. Perhaps that’s why I love art so much and why I chose to pursue a creative career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, but I moved to Florida in 2016. In 2005, I began my studies in the field of communication and marketing. Photography was a mandatory class in the bachelor’s program I was enrolled in at that time, and it was my first real exposure to the art of photography. I was fortunate to have an amazing photographer as a mentor who guided me into this new world. He taught me how to take pictures using old 35mm film cameras and develop them. He also helped me develop a critical thought process about how photography represents society and its issues. Looking back, I realize that those studies and practices were essential for my development as a professional at a deeper level.

I started working professionally around 2012, when I did my first paid job as a photographer. The job was relatively simple; I was hired to work as a second photographer at an event. I remember the mix of emotions I felt that day, being both excited to hold all that professional equipment in my hands and nervous about the responsibilities. After that experience, I was sure that this is what I was meant to do. In truth, I never really planned to start my own business; it was a natural progression in my life. I built my career through job after job, trying and testing new things. Living as an artist isn’t easy, at least not for me. Everything happens so fast, and it’s hard to keep track of everything. Not only are you a photographer, but you also need to handle customer care, marketing, editing and post-production, finances, and much more. I’m still trying to find myself and my own work style, but it’s a process that takes time, and I know I’m not even close to where I want to be yet.

After 10 years of photographing people, I can say that the secret of my success lies in being honest with myself and my clients. It’s all about relationships. Photography is an art that connects people in different ways and on different levels. When I participate in a photoshoot, it’s also an opportunity for me to become intimate with my subjects, to share my passion and my vision of that specific moment in their lives. Whether I’m photographing an event, a fashion editorial, or a portrait, from the moment I have my camera in my hands, I know that I’m creating lasting memories for my clients and for myself. I believe that being able to convey this in my pictures is the secret of my brand and my work.

As for my end goal, I don’t want to sound presumptuous, but I hope to be recognized as an artist one day. I care about the kind of legacy I may leave to the world and its future generations. I also like the idea of having my work featured in exhibitions or hanging on other people’s walls. I suppose that’s what all artists aspire to, right? I am just afraid that my art might not be appreciated or might be forgotten. It’s something I constantly think about, and it genuinely scares me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are a lot of cool places that I love to take my friends and clients. For a short trip, I recommend exploring Miami. I like to start with Wynwood and then continue to the Miami Design District, and finally, head to South Beach. I believe this is a great itinerary because it combines a variety of experiences. You can appreciate the art scene in Miami, explore the beautiful Art Deco architecture, and enjoy all the wonderful colors of Miami Beach. Not only that, but all of these spots are filled with great gastronomy and museums. There is no way to go wrong with this trip.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Of course, I cannot think about my career without considering a list of people who have pushed me forward. My family is certainly the foundation of everything. I grew up in a house that inspired me to pursue art. A lot of siblings. My mom is a teacher, my granddad was a musician, and my grandma was a tailor, creating a wonderful environment for an artist to grow up. Additionally, I had an important mentor who taught me the art of photography. Not only that, but I also had my husband, who supports all my crazy ideas.

Website: https://www.leonardovicario.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonardovicario/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardovicario/

Other: https://www.fotosemmiami.com.br/

Image Credits
01 – Maggie Krebs 02- Loren Darioli 03- Jessica Foux 04- Daniel Del Sarto 05- Tiphanye Vecchio and Giovana Ventorini 06- Tiphanye Vecchio and Giovana Ventorini