Marco Franchina embarked on his photographic journey at the age of 18, when he first embraced the camera’s art. Hailing from Italy but nurtured in the landscapes of Southern California, Marco’s lens has captured the world’s myriad corners since he turned 21.
Commencing his vocation as a fashion photographer, Marco collaborated with eminent fashion publications, a launchpad that propelled his work into the spotlight. His prowess in Commercial and Advertising photography found its way into illustrious platforms such as The Los Angeles Times Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Spanish Vogue, Italian Vogue, J-Crew, Macy’s, and Interview Magazine. Within these pages, he masterfully framed notable celebrities, his lens an extension of his artistry.
Yet, it was during this phase that Marco’s penchant for Fine Art, Lifestyle, and Architectural Photography burgeoned. He found solace in crafting images that resonated beyond fleeting moments, diving into the essence of subjects, scenes, and structures.
Presently situated in the dynamic locales of Los Angeles and Palm Springs, Marco draws inspiration from the ever-evolving architectural tapestry and the historical resonance of these cities. Against this backdrop, his creative expression flourishes.
In the realm of fine art, Marco’s photography has found its place within galleries and exhibitions traversing the expanse of the United States. His visual narratives, once confined to the frame, now unfurl and resonate with audiences in the spaces where art converges with life.
We spoke with Marco and asked him a few questions.
One Eleven: What brought you to Palm Springs?
Marco: I moved to Palm Springs mid-pandemic. I was living in Los Angeles for quite a while, and in the last few years, I had been contemplating a move somewhere. As a professional photographer who specializes in shooting architecture, Palm Springs made a lot of sense to me, with its beautiful mid-century architecture. Also, the opportunity to work with some editorial magazines was appealing. It turned out to be a great fit, especially since I’ve always had an affinity for retro styles.
One Eleven: How does Palm Springs inspire your work?
Marco: Set amidst the backdrop of mid-century architecture and the San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs provides a beautiful and inspiring environment. Every morning when I wake up, I’m greeted by this scenery, and the endless miles of desert have a way of making me feel like I’m in an old movie whenever I drive through them.
One Eleven: What inspires your work today?
Marco: As a professional photographer, my primary inspiration comes from my craft. Over the past year, I’ve been focusing on creating collages. The colors that define Palm Springs and its surrounding areas have found their way into my work, serving as a driving force for my creativity.
One Eleven: What challenges you as an artist?
Marco: As a creative individual, I’m constantly driven to improve and seek out new avenues of expression. Embracing change is something I thrive on. I’m not one to conform to society’s expectations, and that in itself can be quite challenging. My only internal struggle is with myself. When I reach my breaking point, I step back for a while, much like taking a break and coming back refreshed, just like a cup of coffee.
Marco Franchina is currently represented by the Alix Gallery in Palm Springs.
You can visit his website at: www.marcofranchina.com
