Beyond glass and metal. See the magic of light and the soul of the place.

I decided to dedicate myself to the profession of photography when I was working as an architectural assistant at the university. My professor asked me by chance if I was able to take photos of his new project in Milan. I bought a Linhof 5×7″ and did the job. Being a photographer since then, without a doubt, architecture has always been the most passionate theme in my career.

Every time I photograph architecture, it is for me a journey of discovery of humankind. Architecture is the product that combines the elements of mankind’s ingenuity, labor, and art. When I step into a fine building, I let myself fall into the mind of creators and admire in ecstasy the technical knowledge and skills, as well as ancient ones, inimitable forms, and ultimate solutions making the environment fit for purpose.

I have chosen two churches in my city, Pescara in Abruzzo, Italy, which were built around the 1890s. Both were destroyed by the Nazis when they withdrew from Italy at the end of World War II and now what we see are newly rebuilt structures, which are very similar to the originals. 

A church means much more than a secular construction. It is a bridge established between God and believers and needs to represent a solemn atmosphere of respect as one walks into it. Light plays a crucial role in this exclusive atmosphere, as well as in photography. As a photographer, I always have a lot of fun playing various compositions of light and shadow, and the darkness is the key to making the lightness stand out.

The weather was rainy or cloudy most of the time while I was testing this lens. It was quite dark inside of the churches and it definitely was not easy to photograph without a tripod. On the other hand, it was a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of the large aperture of the new SIGMA 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art and its great sharpness and quality, even wide open. A few people still came in prayer though it was cold and wet; meanwhile, I walked soundlessly around them and shot in different corners with either ample or dim light, while avoiding making any sound to disturb them. The electronic shutter of the SIGMA fp L did an amazing job to keep my motion in silence.

I’m impressed by the high performance of the SIGMA 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art. It is very sharp to the corners at F1.4, with vivid contrast, no visible distortion, and an incredible, pleasing bokeh for an ultra-wide angle. The SIGMA 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art is what a professional would expect from a SIGMA Art series lens. No compromises, solid, robust, and well-built, and entirely made in Japan.

If a lens can somehow be more than glass and metal, then this one certainly is: in the final photos I can see the magic of light, and I can feel the soul of the place. Photography is made of emotions as well as sharpness, and the new SIGMA 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art is perfect to catch them.

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