Milan
City Profile
2022
Milan was my home for nearly three years. I ended up in the city after a saga of going back and forth between Italy and the US, starting from my experiences studying abroad in Viterbo, a small city in the center of the country. Milan is famous as one of the world’s fashion capitals. Residents wouldn’t dream of going out in athleisure or frumpy old clothes. Elderly women running errands in large fur coats, designer sunglasses and heels are a common sight.
But I believe that the beauty of the city’s architecture and daily life is often over-shadowed by images of cat walks and street fashion photoshoots. In the three years I lived here I tried to capture the diverse types of beauty within the city.
Milan is located in the north-west section of Italy, it is the capital of the region Lombardia. It is the wealthiest city in the country and has a population of around 1.4 million. Its most famous landmark is its central church Duomo di Milano, known simply as “Duomo”, which took nearly 600 years to officially complete. It has been ruled by many different empires over the centuries, which is apparent in the different styles of architecture, and it suffered immense damage in World War II.
Although it certainly has its “must-see” spots, Milan is not a classic tourist destination in the way most major European cities are. There isn’t a clear path to guide you or large famous neighborhoods to fill a weekend visiting. Instead, after you visit the main sites, I recommend just walking somewhat aimlessly through the city. There are countless hidden gems and beautiful neighborhoods with their own unique charm. The city itself just has an air about it that can inspire you if you just let it.
Milan’s trams are a beloved staple of the city.
Portraits Around Milan
My most active years as a portrait photographer were my years in Milan. I did a handful of fashion photoshoots but also did freelance photoshoots for tourists who wanted photos to commemorate their trip. Here is a sample of some portraiture work I’ve done in Milan that shows off the city a little bit, as well as my stunning subjects.
Photographer based in Munich, Germany