Federico Patellani is often credited as the first true Italian photojournalist.

Patellani was an Italian photographer who’s career really took off in the 1940’s. Before discovering his passion for photography Patellani had been a lawyer. In school he had studied the arts and this background influenced his approach to photography.

Patellani considered himself “a new kind of journalist.” He skillfully blended his artistic appreciation for all things beautiful with a documentary approach. He was greatly influenced by cinema and created evocative images that documented a rapidily changing era.

Here are a few of my favorites