About Massimo Pardini

I never really knew what I wanted to do. I only knew I wanted to live close to the waves, without a schedule.

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Before the Algarve I worked in fashion and editorial photography in Italy, shooting for brands like Dirk Bikkembergs, Fay, Car Shoe and SportWeek. Then, more than ten years ago, I came to the Algarve with no job and a camera, and spent my days taking photos around the coast.

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One morning I watched a surf lesson on the beach and started shooting. When it finished, I walked over and showed the group the photos, just to make some friends. They wanted to buy them. I said no way, buy me a beer and they’re yours. They insisted, and after a few beers and a lot of laughing I took the money and left the beach smiling.

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The next day I went back and did it again. Soon I was the freelance photographer for the local surf schools, and I was the happiest person on earth.

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That’s still how I work. I don’t pose people or count down from three. I watch, I wait, and I photograph what actually happens: families on holiday, couples enjoying time together, and surprise proposals, the work I love most. I plan the spot and the timing with you, stay hidden until the question, and photograph you both while it’s still sinking in.

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I live in Sagres and photograph across Lagos and the Central Algarve. Want to know more? Watch the little interview, or let’s meet for a session.