Pisa-Taken View of Monviso: Valerio Minato Details Photography Methodology
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Valerio Minato, a Turin-based photographer, unveiled his latest captivating work - a breathtaking shot of Monviso against the backdrop of the Ligurian Sea and the setting sun. Let's delve into the fascinating journey behind this remarkable photograph.
Roughly 300 kilometers apart
"We captured Monviso from Pisa with the sun setting behind it, positioned about 296 kilometers away," Minato explains. This project was the fruit of four grueling years of planning and trials, carried out alongside his pal, Valeriy Khrolenko.
Eight awe-inspiring shots were published in sequence, showcasing the mesmerizing phases of the sunset.
The genesis of an idea
Transforming an idea into a phenomenal photographic experience demands precision and careful planning. "The photo's concept took shape in February 2021 when I stumbled upon a photo of Monviso, captured from Tuscany, by Fabio Longaron on Instagram. It struck me, and I decided to recreate it, but with a unique twist: I chose the area surrounding Pisa," Minato recalls. "I then crossed paths with Valeriy, a wild-hearted photographer from Turin, and we decided to collaborate on this project." Between them, they traveled countless miles, making a grand total of seven expeditions from Turin to Pisa. The pivotal moment came on April 30, when they snapped the shot east of Pisa, approximately 400 meters above sea level.
The painstaking process
Such an extraordinary image doesn't just happen. Minato reveals the secrets behind capturing the Sun at the precise moment it passed through the peak's center: "There are two primary elements - azimuth angles and Earth's curvature. Azimuth angles provide essential data, helping to determine the Sun's rise and set angles for every day. Dedicated apps, such as Photopills, assist with these calculations. Cartographic tools, maps, and altitude levels are equally crucial for plotting the perfect shot."
But there's more to it: Earth's curvature also plays a critical role. "In this case, the curvature effect is evident over the 296km+ distance. To see both Monviso and the distant horizon of the Ligurian Sea, I had to compensate for the curvature by moving to a higher elevation."
The precedent
This project wasn't Minato's first dance with celestial mechanics and Earth's curvature. He recalls the legendary shot awarded by NASA, which aligned Superga, Monviso, and the Moon, and how it paved the way for this new endeavor. "Superga was 12 kilometers away, the Monviso 80, and the Moon was miles upon miles away. In this shot, I focused exclusively on Superga, allowing me to achieve 'hyperfocal' focus, where everything is sharp. I then manipulated the diaphragm to create depth, compensated for the lack of light with the sensor's sensitivity, and adjusted the shutter speed."
In the end, Minato's project is a testament to relentless determination, advanced technology, and a profound understanding of both photography and geography. This masterpiece stands as a powerful reminder of the visual beauty that can be created when imagination meets passion and expertise.
"Valerio Minato's latest photograph offers an average distance of approximately 296 kilometers between the captured Monviso and Pisa, showcasing a unique lifestyle blended with the travel required to create such a breathtaking image."
"The average sunset shot of this collaborative project, taken east of Pisa, not only required precise planning and trials but also a deliberate understanding of azimuth angles, Earth's curvature, and the visual impact they have on lifestyle and travel photography."
