'Bout 6 months ago we moved a one, Ryan Guthrie, THE SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, from LA to join our creative team. That move brought a new network of amazing creative minds unbeknownst to our small world New York City brains.
Enter: Gianni Gallant. The guy is 2 for 2 on insane photos and edits. First, taking us quite literally out of this world with our ASICS Novablast 5 Collab shots...
And now evoking the metamorphosis of a 16-week marathon training block for our upcoming season of The Program:
We sat down with Gianni to talk inspiration, process, hopes and dreams. Light reading.
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Gianni, tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to pick up the camera for the first time?
I’m a visual artist originally from Amsterdam, now based in LA. My journey with the camera started as a way to process emotion honestly. I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a photographer; I just knew I had something to say. Eventually, I realized that images allowed me to speak without needing permission. That freedom, that need for expression, is what made me pick up the camera and never put it down.
How would you describe the type of art you make? Give us three words.
Emotive. Surreal. Transformative.
I create imagery that often blurs the line between reality and the inner world. My work is personal, symbolic, and rooted in transformation. I like art that makes you feel, not just look.
What music are you playing in the studio?
It usually depends on who I’m photographing, I often let them choose the music because I want them to feel comfortable and fully in their zone. Personally, I gravitate toward frequencies and ambient soundscapes. That kind of sound helps me lock in creatively… though it might put others to sleep, haha.
What was one of your most challenging projects you’ve had and why?
I shot and designed the full album rollout for a major artist, including the cover art, press photos, cd/vinyl packaging, and track-list layout. The project spanned several weeks with lots of back and forth. It was creatively demanding and at times tedious, with constant revisions and shifts in direction. But it pushed me to grow not just as a photographer, but as a designer and collaborator. I had to find a balance between staying true to the vision and being flexible to the artist’s evolving ideas. In the end, seeing it all come together made it all worth it.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists in your field?
Whenever you feel like giving up, keep going... just a little longer. That moment when things feel the hardest is often right before you strike gold. Growth and breakthroughs usually live on the other side of resistance. Stay consistent, stay curious, and don’t lose your why.
Outside of photography, where do you pull from to inspire your artistic vision?
Spirituality, dreams, cinema, and memory. I’m inspired by transformation and how people break, evolve, shed old selves. I also draw from things like mythology, gnosticism, surrealist art, and even sci-fi. My work is often influenced by the metaphysical, like, what’s happening beneath the surface that we can’t see?
Turbo round:
- Favorite camera: Canon R5
- Favorite lens: RF24-70mm or a 35mm
- Favorite photographer: William Klein
- Favorite advice: “Be a mirror, not a billboard”
- Dream client or person to shoot: Willem Dafoe, he's simply the best model out there!
Alright, let's get down to business... Let's see your 3-5 favorite photos and give us a lil description…
This is so hard because I feel like whatever I am making at the moment is my favorite, but here are some cool ones...
“When a cannonball hits you, do not fear for light will shine through”.
Just made that up lol.
I always imagine these in a museum, they could be cool paintings as well.
Love the emotion and moody vibes on these.
I just think this is cool lol.
Thanks, Gianni. You're an absolute creative sorcerer. Give the man a follow on @please.no.photos .
