Apr 28 2017

Andrea Fanni, following his passion for surfing and his interest in Mexican culture and history, moved from Italy to the Sayulita area 12 years ago. Since arriving, he has been following another passion, wedding photography, and has created a successful photography business, Andrea Fanni Photography.

How did your passion for photography develop?

It happened in such a spontaneous way, hanging out with friends back in Italy. I would always carry a camera and take photos. Then, when I would look at the photos, which are my favorite visual memories, I realized I would love doing the same thing for other people – creating visual memories in a unique way.

How would you describe your style of photography?

Ha ha! I don´t even know if I have a style. I guess I mostly pay a lot of attention to peoples’ emotions! And I love working with light, all kinds of light.

What is it you like most about capturing photos of people on their wedding day in Sayulita?

Well a wedding itself is an incredible moment in life, and Sayulita is the perfect frame for all of those feelings spinning around, families getting together, and laughing and crying. I love the variety of photo opportunities Sayulita gives me at every wedding I photograph.

Your goal with Andrea Fanni Photography is to not just take photos, but also to capture the emotions of the people in your photographs. How do you do this?

I think the most important thing is that bride and groom trust me. I am not there to direct them and tell them what to do. I want them to be themselves and to enjoy their wedding day. Emotions are all over the place, and I am committed to taking unique photos of them!

Rather than take formal photos, you prefer to take unique ones. How do you go about getting these unique shots?

As I said, I let people act as they truly are. I don’t direct them, but since I love having fun with my clients, I sometimes make a joke or I say something stupid to make them laugh. I remember once when I was shooting at the beach, I was walking backwards and I fell down. The couple gave the most authentic laugh I have ever heard. While I was still on the ground, I captured that, and I was laughing too!

Would you describe one of the unique shots you’ve captured with Andrea Fanni Photography in Sayulita and tell us why it is your favorite? 

I have so many favorites, but right now what comes to mind is the time I was shooting in front of the Hotel Hafa, and a beautiful girl was leaning on the door of the restaurant next to the hotel and looked like she was lost in her thoughts. She had on a t-shirt with a big F!*K YOU on it, so I asked the couple I was working with to sit next to her, and they started laughing because the photo was completely absurd! I got the shot in a few seconds, before the girl actually realized what was happening. I love the contrasted emotions in that photo, like two opposite worlds co-existing in the same dimension.

Where is your favorite place to take photos in Sayulita and why?

I have to say that I don´t have a favorite place. I let every corner surprise me. Light is changing constantly and beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. I don´t go scouting before a wedding. I just jump into the wedding venue as if I was jumping out of an airplane!

Anything else you would like to add?

Yes. I hope I don’t have to shoot too many weddings while the swell is pumping out there. Book me on the flat days! Ha ha ha! I am joking, OBVIOUSLY!