Born To Shot
Filippo Nativo, Italian Creative Director and Photographer based in Toronto, Canada, has charted an eclectic path in the world of fashion and advertising. Graduating from the Fashion Institute of NY, he commenced his career as a stylist, leaving his mark on the fashion scenes in Italy, Japan, France, Belgium, and the United States.
The turning point in his career occurred in 1993 when he broadened his horizons by joining Leader Pubblicità, one of Italy’s most renowned agencies. Since then, Filippo has experimented and refined his skills as a Creative Director and photographer. His journey led him to Milan in 2000, where he collaborated with some of the best photographers, learning the secrets of various photographic genres, from fashion to food, and from product photography to advertising.
In 2013, Filippo embarked on a new adventure, moving to Canada. This change of scenery inspired a new direction in his photography, combining fashion photography with portraiture. His passion for photography further evolved through a collaboration with the Italian Contemporary Film Festival in Toronto (ICFF), leading to the creation of a project for a photography and cinematography school, scheduled to debut in June 2024.
Speaking of his style, Filippo Nativo draws inspiration from the golden age of photography, learning from masters such as Albert Watson, Peter Lindbergh, Koto Bolofo, Bruce Weber, Annie Leibovitz, and many others. With a preference for black and white photography, he has developed an “Organic” and conservative approach, primarily using non-disruptive software to maintain the naturalness of his images.
His experience in post-production (including curating post-production for Helmut Newton shooting at the Florence Convention Bureau), has influenced his current preference for fine-tuning over excessive manipulation using photo editing software.
Over the years, Filippo Nativo’s work has received recognition, including the honor of being published on four pages in the special “50th Anniversary” edition of Vogue Italia. With his continuous curiosity and respect for the natural essence of an image, Filippo stands out as an artist who skillfully blends natural beauty with technology, bridging his background in the fashion industry with his passion for photography.