Alessandra Meniconzi

Alessandra has long been inspired by the ancient heritage, customs, and spirituality of indigenous people, whose traditional way of life is at risk of vanishing in the face of climate change and pressures of the modern world.

To date she has published four books and as well as being sold as postcards, calendars and fine art prints, her images have regularly appeared in magazines all over the world. She’s an award-winner 13 times over, including being heralded as the Wildlife Photographer of the Year two years on the trot (2011 and 2012), and has held exhibitions in her native Switzerland, as well as Russia.

Alessandra’s big break came in 2004 with her book The Silk Road, which features the people and cultures of the 2,000-year-old trade route that links the Orient and the Occident. Alessandra spent a decade on-and-off travelling by mountain bike through Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, North India, Pakistan, China and Eastern Tibet. “The charm of the Asian continent kept drawing me back; with its beautiful landscapes and fascinating cities, populated by a rich mosaic of people, where history and legend intertwine.”

Moving on from her time in Asia, Alessandra has recently expanded her efforts to encompass threatened areas of the Arctic and sub-Arctic. "Photography has a strong impact, so I want to capture stories of people affected by climate change," she says. “I am always searching for lesser-known indigenous peoples, because they are the best guardians of our planet. They are deeply connected to nature to secure their survival, and they’ve been doing things the same way since the dawn of time. The more encounters I have with different cultures and traditions, the more I realise that we are losing our cultural richness. Our planet is inhabited by an incredible kaleidoscope of ethnic groups, each with their own social and cultural traditions that must be safeguarded. Ugliness has spread to every corner of the Earth through globalisation and exploitation of the planet’s resources, so it’s my goal to record those who still belong to its landscape, before it’s too late.”

What’s your photography motto?
“Less is more! I include just a few components and keep the composition simple. The background is free of distraction and the attention is on the main subject. Leading lines, geometric shapes or patterns help to strengthen the composition.”

How do you maintain originality when it comes to subject matter?
“I avoid anywhere with tourists, and even for popular subjects I’ll find an unusual way to photograph them. My favourite is a mix of the wilderness and indigenous people who have retained their cultural and social traditions, such as in the remote corners of Asia.”

Is it difficult travelling alone as a woman?
“Sometimes, but it’s not always a disadvantage. For example during my project on Salt Caravans in Dancalia, where the local population is Muslim, I had the opportunity to photograph women, which would have been extremely difficult for a man.”

Where do you think photographers can go wrong in this genre?
“I feel uncomfortable with how photography has developed. I’ve seen photographers be too pushy and throw the camera in people’s faces. They want to capture a scene, a portrait immediately because they can share it instantly. It’s like a competition.”

How do you get the most out of a person who isn’t used to being photographed?
“Photography is an art, so you need inspiration, thought and time. Invest more in quality than quantity. I spend time with people, I discover their traditions, and I make friendships. Travel and photograph with ethics and respect, that’s my philosophy.”

Facebook: meniconzialessandra
Twitter: SwissAlexandra
Instagram: alessandra.meniconzi

One thing I know
Alessandra Meniconzi

“Never behave like the paparazzi, always be polite and respectful. The subject has their pride; they are not an object, but a person like you. It’s important to learn a few words in the language of the people you visit, and engage in a conversation with a smile. Always ask for permission before taking the photo and explain your intention. The success of a portrait depends on this initial approach. With experience you can immediately distinguish who wants to be photographed and who doesn't. Take all the time you need. Learning by your mistakes will improve your work more than your successes.”