‘’Go out into the world with your passion and love for what you do, and just never give up.” - Dianne Reeves. Alessandro was born with a rare condition called Gollop-Wolfgang Syndrome which he has never seen as a roadblock. During his growing years, he happily focused on his passion for music and later in life embraced the opportunity to explore the world of photography. With dedication and sincere work Alessandro soon conveyed his creative passion through the camera lens. Alessandro is known for vibrant, well-timed, expressive photographs. Today he is Director and photographer for Models of Diversity in Italy which works towards the inclusion of "diversity" in the fashion industry.

What do you love about photography?A: There are many things that attract me about photography, and perhaps the greatest charm is thinking that photography is a wonderful "magic". The magic is hidden behind an image, the magic of making my personal emotions and those of the subjects depicted visible and shared. For each of my photographs I feel a feeling, inside my images there are my emotions, emotions that will remain immortal to the passing of time, and to my brief passage on this earth. I say "short" because I think that single life is not enough to admire and appreciate all the terrestrial wonders. Photography gives us the opportunity to stop a part of the time and make it infinite. 

Can you tell us about your experience with the Model of Diversity campaign?A: Almost ten years have passed since I received an important message from Angel Sinclair (founder of Models of Diversity) and was invited to a prestigious photoshoot in the city of London, which she organized for the Models of Diversity campaign. I remember very well that day, it was the beginning of a cold February of 2010, and London was so big for me, I was young and I came from a small town in Italy. With Angel there was immediately a good relationship, and my images taken for a famous designer, were very much appreciated in a positive way. That was one of my greatest joys, and so from that day Angel Sinclair and Model Of Diversity became like my family to me. Today I represent as Director and photographer for Models of Diversity in Italy and together we have achieved multiple goals that will and have been the beginning of new stories and paths towards the inclusion of "diversity" in the fashion industry. 

What is your favorite photography assignment and why?A: The task that I prefer most in photography is the result of the images obtained. Seeing joy and satisfaction in the eyes of those who have been involved in my photoshoot with me excites me and this gives me a great desire to do even better.

What challenges did you face during your school days? How did you motivate yourself to face those challenges?A: This is a very nice question, and while I was reading it, it gave me a beautiful smile and lots of memories. The only difficulty I had in my school period, mainly was perhaps just one, Studying...LoL !! I have always been a sociable and life-loving person, I carried all my companions with my character, I was often the leader of the group, so I was hardly standing still to devote myself to studying. The school was very beautiful for me, my disability was not an obstacle, maybe because I always thought that each of us is unique, and I felt more unique than ever. I spent the last 3 years from the end of Magistral High School as a representative of all the students, for me this was certainly a great motivation and a unique experience of personal growth. 

What are your other hobbies?A: Other Hobbies? I believe that my life is based on hobbies ... hobbies are important in life, they are a great outlet for my creativity. At the age of 9 I met music with my father, and with music I grew up studying it alongside my normal studies, I graduated as a drummer in a private music academy, in the course of time I became passionate about photography as an art of expression, it was an extraordinary Hobby, so extraordinary that it soon became my main work. So I think that now my main hobby has become music but I also love sculpture, playing sports, and above all traveling because you have the chance to meet many people and put you in comparison 

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?A: Surely being born in Italy has been a good fortune because it is a beautiful area that offers so many beauties and this is also rich in a lot of important history. I also love the United Kingdom, London is a fantastic city and I believe that there is a lot of meritocracy in the world of work, if there are your commitment and determination, surely your talent will be recognized and rewarded. The days of my holidays, however, I prefer to spend them in Holland, the capital Amsterdam is so full of stimuli for my creativity, and confronting myself with other art lovers is a beautiful thing, I believe that comparison helps a lot in personal growth. 

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?A: In a family when a disabled child arrives it is always a great challenge to face, so many emotions are as many are the fears. Sometimes these emotions involve us having a tendentially protective instinct towards our children and this does not always help the self- esteem of a young person with a disability because the parents' fears will, in turn, become their greatest obstacles to overcome. There is no magic formula because as I have already said each of us is unique, but I believe we must let our own life experiences (positive and negative) form and stimulate the potential of their children. 

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in becoming a photographer?A: A tip for those who want to become a photographer? Surely if you imagine that this job will make your pockets full of money, it is not the right job for you. But if you think that true wealth is in the soul and in the joy of seeing your ideas realized, leave a mark that nobody can erase over time, impose yourself, love your creations, do not be afraid to spread them and often defend them. If we have the strength to believe in ourselves, everything is possible. 

Any special message for our community?A: I thank you for having dedicated your precious time to read these words of mine, thanks to Inspiration Matters for your great work and commitment to the whole community. Each of us has unique potentials inside and if you think you don't have them it's just because you haven't discovered them yet. If I found them, you can too!