Francesco Rastrelli

Hi, I’m Francesco, aka ‘The Wizard’ (the nickname was given by an editor who believes I have the magical ability to transform a single shot into an entire story).
I am a Pisces, and the sea has always run through my veins. I took my first underwater photograph of an Alicia mirabilis with a Nikonos. My second was of the fishermen in the harbour whom I asked to tell me about this sea creature. With the same approach (a lot of curiosity, a photo and a story), my advanced diving license and more than 4,000 dives, I have travelled the world finning.
Out of the water, I almost always have a smile on my face because you have to be serious but cheerful. I am a born creative. I paint stones, create lamps and build objects. If you see me sleeping, I’m actually just shaping my next idea with my eyes closed… I’m always looking for a bit of adventure and action, such as biking in nature, at full throttle on an Enduro bike or free-diving with a crossbow. But, I’ll never be too tired to get in the kitchen and cook my specialties for friends while sharing a laugh and a gin and tonic from the Donkey Gin reserve that I produce with Roberta.
I am as you see me: it’s not a threat, it’s a promise!

Francesco Rastrelli, a native of Sorrento, began indulging his passion for the sea at an early age, dedicating himself successfully to underwater photography (archaeology and traditional fishing) and travel reportage. He then began a career as an art director in international advertising agencies in Italy and the UK. He later founded his own advertising agency and learnt to combine communication strategies with shooting techniques until he established himself in yachting photography (international regattas, restoration of classic boats and advertising campaigns), motorsport photography (international vintage car rallies, museums and private collecting) and aerial photography with drones. He has been published in the most prestigious trade magazines in Italy and abroad, published books and held popular photo exhibitions. Thanks to his life and professional union with Roberta Roccati, he founded the Blue Passion Photo agency, of which he is the creative director and photographer.
His shots combine technique and intuition. But, at the centre of his lens and photographic research is always man and his stories, whether they are to be told through an evocative scenery, a compelling feat or a detail of light: his passionate philosophy is ‘No words, emotions!’