Antonio Jarosso didn’t plan on becoming a commercial photographer—he grew into it. What started as a school-day hobby with film and darkrooms eventually evolved into a career blending product design, creative direction, and a sharp eye behind the lens.

Based in Northern Italy and shooting across iconic cities like Milan and Venice, Jarosso has carved out a niche capturing products, people, and stories for some of the world’s most recognizable brands. In this interview, he shares how a love for craft, a background in design, and a knack for reinvention led him to become a standout in the world of commercial photography.

How did you first get into the industry?

That's a long story as I am. I've been interested in photography since school. Since the days of film and darkrooms. And by chance, already at that time I had my first frontpage. But for a long time photography was just a hobby in my life. Then there was art college, university, i have graduated in product design. For some time I worked in wood manufacturing as a product designer. Then, with some friends from college, we organized a small creative studio. 

We have designed brochures, catalogs, and many different types of visual identification for our costumers. At a certain point, due to a number of different reasons, we were unable to remain one team. From then on, I focused entirely on what I did best. I understood the product, its presentation and visualization, I understood the brands and their marketing goals, and I photographed well so that all of this would be born in commercial photography and product presentation. I became a cool commercial product photographer.

Where are you based now and who do you work for?

I am based in the north of Italy, and I am shooting in Milan, Venice, Verona, also in Florence and Rome. Of course, it happens that my clients ask me to come to other locations, which is not particularly difficult. But mostly I am located in the north of Italy. 

I mainly shoot product. But I also enjoy shooting people and street style. I also work with famous people who need great pictures when they visit Italy, especially the Biennale and other events in Venice. 

What is your personal background and what role did it play in your career?

It seems like I already covered this topic at the very beginning, answering your first question. I am master of art in product design, and I have an experience as art directing building my creative studio. Undoubtedly, all this lies at the basis of the amazing result that I present in my work. 

If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?

Funny question. I would be a brewer. But this is my modern answer. When I was at the beginning of my journey, I probably had no other choice, I had only one idea, I didn’t choose, I just really loved what I do and wanted to develop in this area.. And now I don't choose. I'm just fantasizing about your question.

Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?

Now this is a difficult question. When we call it a creative process, we imagine something relaxed and calming.

In reality, something usually goes wrong, and the process starts to feel like a dam has burst and you are looking for a quick fix. But when you look at the result, which you like, and the client likes, then you say: yes, it was creativity.

How would you describe your style?

I don't like overload and everything unnecessary. I guess you could say that I am a supporter of simplicity.

Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?

Yes, of course I look at someone's work. With interest and respect. Of course it helps to develop and follow what others are doing. 

What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?

Well, this is a difficult question, because there is no magic pill or unique advice. The world is constantly changing and what was relevant ten years ago no longer works. One thing remains unchanged, it is to create and move forward. If you do really cool things, no matter if it is commercial photography, product design or illustrations. Of course, it cannot go unnoticed. 

What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?

Well, have we reached the most difficult questions? :)

To be honest, I don't know what is needed for this. Most likely, a good manager is needed for this. This is the question that I asked myself many years ago, and I ask myself today, most likely I will also be looking for this answer many years later. The art of selling and selling the art it is two different things to learn it all the time. 

Can you share a memorable experience from your career journey that shaped your approach to creativity?

No, I probably can't remember something specific that exactly influenced in one click. After all, my approach is a set of various settings and adjustments, mistakes and problems that you constantly encounter in each project, so you form a certain style, your approach. It is formed from many small experiences, so it is difficult to remember one radical thing that influenced. Well, except for the very fact of devoting yourself to a creative profession.

What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?

Well, first of all, without each one. Take one thing out of the whole process and you won't be able to get the result. Therefore, I will probably name something most important that influences the result the most. And that is light, yes shure light equipment. 

What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?

Result. Personally, I am motivated by my own success and the results of my past work. When I see a book on sale with a photo that I took for the cover or open a wine list in a restaurant and see a photo that I took, this maximally motivates me to do something else. 

What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?

I can't show all the last pictures now, but there are some good ones that I really like. From the last one published, I like Balenciaga Graffiti. Johnnie Walker is already quite an old project, but I still really like it. I also like Hermes.

I also really love the project that we filmed for several years as a series of publications about various hotels for a magazine. And then the author published a book with these stories. It is on my shelf and I am very proud of this project. It is good that you asked this question, I will have to think about writing an article about this project. :)

As someone with experience in the industry, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of creativity?

I can't even try to guess anything. Especially in my segment, where everything doesn't change as abruptly as in fashion photography.

What do you think sets apart truly exceptional creatives from the rest of the pack?

Experience, as trite as it may sound. 

How do you think technology has influenced the creative industries and how have you adapted to these changes?

Technologies that would seem to make life easier have ended up playing a cruel joke on the entire field of art. And as a result, there are fewer truly creative people. Although the availability of production has increased. I can give an example in my job. We used to shoot on film. And this process was quite labour-intensive and long. You couldn't look at the shot right then and there. In the best case, you needed a few minutes. 

But for this, you needed an assistant, the film itself, and chemicals. Each such shot really cost you money from your pocket. Now, each shot costs you nothing. Thus, the more mistakes you made, the more expensive it was before. So you were forced to learn and do it well. Now, technologies have simplified many processes. But they don't stimulate learning in any way.

How did I adapt? Very well, it made my life easier. 

What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?

Well, it’s quite global, everything goes and changes in its own way.

Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?

The thing is that when everything went online globally, some resources started to appear. But now it all looks like an abandoned garden dying under the scorching sun.

Various platforms offer accounts for posting works, forgetting that we have no problems with posting sites. But no one is creating any kind of community now. 

I recently revived my account here so let's see what comes of this in the near future!