Entertainment
Mario Botta: From Naples to the Universe
Known for his ability to capture the essence of natural beauty and the elements, Mario became notoriously known as an international travel photographer.
His journey began as a young boy in Naples, Italy, enamored with cultures and locations different to his own. He went on to move to London at the age of 19, as a charismatic bartender in the bustling nightlife scene.
But it was in 2011 that photography really spoke to Mario: he got his very first camera in Australia and he started documenting his traveling journeys through landscape photography.
In the years that followed, his passion for travel behind the lens flourished. He continued to explore wherever he could, capturing striking images across more than 40 countries around the world. Through his photography, he became recognised for having the ability to capture the essence of a place or culture in an emotive and compelling way.
Stars aligned when Mario decided to take on his biggest challenge: a National Geographic expedition to Everest base camp, where he contributed with photography and videography content. It turned out to be a very defining moment in his career as for the first time he also started capturing faces instead of solely nature. In the Everest Nat Geo video he also conducted an exclusive music soundtrack with a musician friend, making the project a very authentic piece of art.
Mario became a specialist in storytelling through photography which is what makes him one of the most sought-after photographers in the world today. His unique perspective and talent encapsulates the magnificence and splendor of the natural world through eyes of pure artistry. Over time, his style has evolved into an increasingly multifaceted style of photography that combines human life with the cosmic and underwater world.
In 2019 Mario’s photography started diversifying: fashion campaigns, billboards, editorials and exhibitions all followed. His fresh set of eyes and the visual escape he creates had never truly been seen in the industry before. Mario created a whole new genre, his own, where boundaries between street, fashion, nature and fine arts photography disappear and co-exist instead.
He offers a safe haven, even if it is just for a moment, from the toxicity of modern society, so that we can indulge in a temporary visual escape. The motivation behind his work is to inspire others to use creative outlets as a means of expression and celebration of the shapes and characteristics of the human body and natural world.
Mario’s photography has been featured in numerous prestigious publications, as well as exhibitions across the globe.
With the use of a wide angle lens, he captures moments that evoke a sense of longing and inspiration which drew spectators from near and far to view his work. By touching the deep recesses of the viewers’ imagination, Botta strives to touch our emotions and change our perception on what is reality in this world. His art provides a window into different dimensions of our planet, making us question what we take for granted as being ‘normal.’ As a photographer of the modern age, he challenges viewers to see the world with a fresh palette, to question what they know and to discover the wonders of everyday life.
In his photographic artistry, Mario has a unique skill for cultivating perfect moments which calibrate light, the subject and the composition of a shot.
Mario’s productions have flourished, propelling him into becoming one of the most successful and well-respected travel creatives in the world.
According to Botta, one of the biggest challenges photographers face today is artificiality and superficiality. He challenges these negative traits, by
remaining true to the world’s culture and tradition. As a result of his 100% real policies, the audience is exposed to the raw, real perspective he wishes to reveal to his audience. It is his unique style that is surrealistic and out of this world, which he achieves by using natural effects as opposed to software enhanced ones.This enables his audiences to see the world how Botta sees it, and how he
intends for them to perceive it. Furthermore, his use of only 100% authentic photos makes his work more relatable and intimate to the viewer, who may not have the luxury of travel available to them.
As a result of his relentless commitment to authenticity, his company has been able to distinguish itself from others in the industry. Even when growing, Botta refused to compromise, despite the many challenges he faced. His inner belief allowed him to persevere through the difficult times and ultimately find success in spite of them.
There is a valuable lesson here for all entrepreneurs: Stay focused on your goals and stay true to your principles during tumultuous times. Anyone mercilessly dedicated to their dreams will tackle the storm and emerge victoriously from the darkness of difficult times.
As a business owner, Mario often gets asked for advice from aspiring photographers looking to start their own companies or break into the industry.
“Practice is one thing, but finding what moves your soul is what paves your path. Shoot until you feel something and use that as your guide.”
Today, Botta is one of the most sought-after photographers in the industry. His unique eye for composition and ability to capture emotion through nature has earned him a dedicated following of admirers. There is no doubt that Mario is living his dream – and doing exactly what he was born to do.
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