Bastien Lattanzio is a fashion photographer with a flair for capturing the soul and aesthetic of a sunny seaside. His books, Pantelleria & Riviera showcase his effortless photography style through a stunning montage of a European summer dream. We spoke to Bastien who shared his approach to photography, love for travel and current inspirations.

When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?

My parents bough me a camera when I was 8 or 9 and I really enjoyed it. But it’s more around 18 that I started to shoot a lot, with my friends, when traveling, etc.

Then during University, I knew I didn’t want an office job, and I went to class less and less. I preferred spending my time in the street shooting stuff, so when I finished school, I went to Paris and started working for a magazine.

You live & work in Paris, has the city had any influence on your work? If so, how?

Not really, I really love to shoot when I am traveling, mostly when there is sun and by the seaside. But obviously I love Paris, the architecture, the culture and its chicness.

Who has had the biggest influence on your work?

Photographers such as Helmut Newton, Ryan McGinley, Juergen Teller, Mark Borthwick, Henrik Purienne…

How would you describe your photography style and how has it developed?

At first it was a snapshot kind of style, and now it’s a mix of landscape, portrait and close up. It always has a main focus; a detail, a house, a belt, a boat, a hat, etc.

I don’t like to show a lot of stuff in a picture. I love contrast so I shoot in the sun or with flash in a way that seems easy or effortless. I don’t like when you can see the technique.

Outside of photography, what inspires you?

Design and architecture, Bellini, Boffil, Neutra, Prouvé, and Perriand. Art too- Rothko, Miro, Soulage.

But I really love hotels, I love the way humans can create a perfect place in nature, with a mix of architecture, good furniture, a good swimming pool, the perfect beach deck, the perfect restaurant. It’s an accumulation of choice and good taste. I am obsessed with Il Pellicano and la Colombo d’or.

**Can you tell us about the process of creating both Pantelleria & Riviera from start to finish...What do both of those places mean to you?**

Pantelleria is a small island between Sicily and Tunisia. I go there every summer and will continue to for a long time. I really found my dream summer spot.

Riviera is a medley or retrospect of all the shoots and travels I did in this area, including Ibiza, Corsica, Marseille, Nice and Capri.

Both of the books I start by making a selection of 300 pictures, then I choose the best 180. Then I started to build double pages, it’s a fun process. I love to choose a close up in front of a landscape, or a night picture with a bright sunny one beside it.

Then my very good friend Matteo, help me choose the layout and he did all the Indesign work when I am drinking Negroni next to him ;)

**What inspired the creation of your photo book, Pantelleria?**

I went 4 summers in a row to Pantelleria, on vacation. I love it so much, so obviously I shoot a lot when I am there. Then It was so logical that I wanted to show it to people so making a book was the next step, in a very natural way.

What do you wish to communicate through your work?

That life and the world are beautiful, that beauty can help us feel good, and to encourage people to create beauty around them.

What is your most memorable project to date? Why?

It’s really Pantelleria, because that’s really what I am and what I love. And also it’s a success, it’s the third reprint so I am really proud of it.

What are you looking forward to in 2023? Can you give us any insight on new projects in the works?

I am looking to shoot more and more, I would love to shoot more in fashion, which is my commercial side.

I made an extended version of Pantelleria, with 40 new pictures that I shot in 2021 and 2022. It’s out now!

I am going to Puerto Escondido this February, so maybe I will do another book If I have enough good material.

What are 3 things you always travel with?

Phone-Airpods-Passport-Keys of course

I don’t need a lot of stuff but i’ll say : one of my watches, my point and shoot camera (a Yashica T4 in the moment) a pair of Birkenstocks to walk a lot and to be comfortable, and a little Marvis toothpaste to feel fresh.

What's currently on your bookshelf?

A Richard Neutra, a Slim Aaron, a Purienne and the Hotel Il Pellicano book.

Shop Bastien’s Pantelleria & Riviera below:

A Conversation with Bastien Lattanzio