Paulio Sovari – Inspired by People

written by Laís Pamplona on January 29, 2018

With his images, the artist Paulio Sovari takes us on a visual journey stemming from his experiments behind the scenes of the Staatsballett Berlin, one of the largest ballet companies in Europe. The Berlin based dancer/photographer is surrounded by many artists from different countries and possesses a unique instinct of observation. As in life, every picture of a dancer he posts holds an almost visceral fascination for us.

How important is it for a photographer to “connect” with his subjects to make a good picture stand out from the merely average?

PS: I think the responsibility of the photographer is to connect with his/her subject. For me specifically, I am very lucky as over the past two and a half years, I have gained the trust of my colleagues to capture them. I almost hide when I photograph as well, so the subjects themselves don’t feel that they are even being watched/captured. This is the most honest thing to photograph, someone’s beauty when they themselves aren’t trying to project an idea of beauty but just be who they are. To bring this out and to connect to this? It is very important. It captures the miracle which is we are all unique and will never happen again.

What differences have you noticed in the movement of male and female dancers?

PS: I actually prefer to capture women as there is a fluidity and gentle yet powerful grace in them. I believe it far more difficult to be a woman as opposed to being a man. There are so many more women in this field and there is a silent battle in a way, constantly there, that perhaps men don’t feel. In my photographs, I do my best to show the ballerina herself; that she is beautiful/valid/interesting enough just being herself, fastening a tutu or sewing pointe shoes or even letting a small smile escape. Men to me are also interesting to capture, but for me, men become way more aesthetic, for instance the back or chest in men can be impressive/inspiring…However I must say, the back and arms and muscles in women can equally be as impressive so…I suppose I capture women more and my camera goes to them naturally.

Colour vs Black and White: When do you use one over the other?

PS: I prefer black and white photographs as I am colourblind.

I am very inspired by people! Paulio Sovari

What lenses do you like to use and why?

PS: I use a 50mm portrait lens and a zoom lenses that the ballet company contracted to me. I prefer portrait lenses, the images taken with it. There is a moment of focus and everything around that moment is soft. It’s a beautiful effect.

Apart from dance, where do your inspirations come from?

PS: I am (if you can not tell) very inspired by people. I happen to take photos of dancers but that is simply an environmental consequence. Of course the dancing itself is picturesque but I am more interested in documenting the moment. Bach and Vivaldi inspire me, movement in nature inspires me, and small gestures that show a person’s true sadness or joy also inspire me.