Stolen smiles: a collection of authentic portraits

The importance of a smile should not be underestimated. In the more or less troubled life of each of us, it is good — I would say healthy — to dwell on smiles. There is suffering in the world, and there will be more, but that is no reason to smother and snuff out those beautiful smiles that light up our faces.

With this project I wanted to highlight and share, reflect and multiply, those moments of joy that punctuate our lives. Just as art has the technique of pointillism, so I want to show that the collection of our smiles can give rise to a life of light, joy, hope, energy, optimism and trust.

This collection of mine is a kaleidoscope of smiles — the smile in its many interpretations, in its most varied forms.

From the defenceless gaze toward those close to us, to the irreverent grimace, the pleased surprise, the tender shyness, the youthful wonder, the sincere and roaring fun, the mocking wisdom… to the amused, curious disbelief at everything we see and will yet see.

By its very nature this photographic folder will be ever-evolving… fed by the ever more numerous smiles I hope to come across.

My photography does not seek the technical perfection of the studio, but the truth of the instant. I never ask anyone to smile: I wait for it to happen. This project was born from the desire to stop time a moment before the expression becomes a pose, when emotion is pure and untouched. Whether a high-contrast black and white or a vibrant colour, every shot is an attempt to preserve that vital spark that makes us human, celebrating the joy of living in its most spontaneous form. It is my way of making portrait photography: no studio, no poses, no asking.