READING TIME: 8 min 4 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/10/2024
UPDATED: 12/10/2024
Marco Ficili, an artist with a camera, describes his passion for photography as “a continuous surprise and a great emotion.” Born in Modica, Sicily—a land he calls “noble land, ancient and at times modern, full of history, traditions and even contradictions,”—his roots are deeply reflected in his work. Sicily’s vibrant light, deep shadows, and the “velvety caress of its sunsets” infuse Marco’s photographs with an unmistakable warmth and authenticity.
“I love real photography,” Marco says, “one that can tell without cheating, returning the magic of a look or a poignant landscape.” For Marco, photography is more than documentation; it’s an emotional journey. He immerses himself in his subjects, establishing what he calls “an emotional contact that allows me to discover their beauty, passion and hidden feelings.” This connection is the soul of his images—photos that speak for themselves and resonate deeply with the couples he works with.
When asked to describe his style, Marco explains, “My photography style is deeply rooted in wedding photojournalism and the documentary approach. I focus on capturing the genuine essence of a couple’s special day without interfering or staging moments.” For Marco, the true magic lies in the unfiltered, fleeting seconds that tell a story far more powerful than any posed photograph ever could.
He continues, “I believe the best moments are the ones we don’t plan for, and my role is to preserve them in a way that feels timeless and authentic. My aim is to create images that evoke the same emotions years later as they did the day they were captured—turning spontaneous, heartfelt moments into cherished memories.”
This authenticity pairs beautifully with luxury weddings, which Marco describes as “the perfect canvas, with their seamless blend of elegance, emotion, and unique details.” His work ensures no moment, no matter how small, is overlooked. Every tear, every glance, every laugh becomes a part of the story.
Marco’s dedication to his craft extends to his equipment, which he selects with care. “I primarily use Canon mirrorless cameras, which deliver exceptional quality and precision,” he says. But what truly sets Marco apart is his love for analogue photography. “For an added touch of nostalgia and artistry, I occasionally incorporate 35mm analogue photography, both in colour and black-and-white—though I find black-and-white film particularly evocative for capturing raw emotion and classic elegance.”
For Marco, the tools must serve the story:
Wide-angle lenses (16mm, 24mm, and 35mm): “They allow me to capture sweeping scenes and intimate moments with equal finesse.”
The 85mm medium telephoto lens: “This lens is perfect for creating elegant, softly focused portraits.”
“This carefully curated toolkit enables me to seamlessly blend into luxury settings, documenting the magic of a wedding day in a way that feels natural, sophisticated, and deeply personal—no matter where in the world your celebration takes place.” His ability to adapt ensures that every couple’s vision is brought to life in a way that feels personal, sophisticated, and natural.
When it comes to post-processing, Marco is a purist. He believes that “editing should enhance a photograph, not overshadow it.” He adds, “A well-captured image, like a perfectly crafted painting, only requires a subtle frame to bring out its best qualities. In the same way, my editing adds a refined touch without altering the essence of the photograph.”
Coming from an analogue background, Marco explains, “With film, there was no room for mistakes—every shot had to be carefully considered.” This discipline shapes his digital work today. “I strive to get everything right in-camera,” Marco says. “Ensuring that the foundation is flawless before I even touch the editing process.”
“My editing style leans towards the timeless and natural, avoiding trends that might make the image feel dated or overly retouched. This ensures that every photo not only feels authentic but also resonates with the elegance and sophistication that weddings deserve.”
For Marco Ficili, building a genuine connection with his clients is at the heart of his approach. He explains, “I place great importance on building a strong connection with my clients to ensure their vision is brought to life.”
The journey begins with a simple conversation: “After the initial contact—whether through Instagram, WhatsApp, or email—I always suggest a video call. This first meeting is essential for establishing rapport and understanding their unique preferences and expectations.”
Marco listens deeply to his clients’ desires: “What style of photography do they love? What kind of wedding are they envisioning?” By fully understanding their vision, he tailors his approach to seamlessly integrate into their wedding day.
With over a decade of experience, Marco is an expert at planning. “I guide my clients through the process, showing them examples of what we can create and explaining the timing needed for each. Together, we simulate how this will fit into the wedding timeline, ensuring everything is carefully coordinated with the planner.”
This meticulous preparation means that couples can relax and immerse themselves in their celebration without worry. “Clients often highlight this attention to detail and seamless organisation in their glowing reviews, along with their appreciation for the quality and artistry of the final images.”
Marco believes that every wedding deserves his full creative energy, and that’s why he limits the number of weddings he captures each year. “I dedicate significant time and resources to every wedding I capture. My approach is entirely bespoke—I focus on tailoring my work to reflect each couple’s unique personality, style, and vision for their big day.”
For Marco, weddings are more than events; they are opportunities to express his artistic vision. “What I love most about weddings is the opportunity to express my artistic vision while constantly pushing myself to innovate and go beyond expectations. I don’t approach weddings with a standard formula; instead, each one is a unique story, crafted to celebrate the individuality of the couple.”
To maintain this level of artistry and personal attention, Marco takes on no more than 40 to 45 weddings a year. “Because I invest so much energy and creativity into every wedding. This ensures I can deliver the highest quality and an exceptional level of personal attention to each and every couple I work with.”
Marco understands that every meaningful moment deserves to be captured, which is why his standard wedding package includes 10 hours of coverage. “My full-day package includes 10 hours of coverage, starting with the couple’s preparations and continuing through the cake cutting and evening celebrations. This ensures that the entire day is beautifully documented, from the intimate pre-ceremony moments to the joyous energy of the dance floor.”
His approach is unobtrusive yet ever-present: “I believe in being present and ready to capture every meaningful moment without being intrusive. A photographer’s presence should enhance the experience, not dominate it.”
Marco explains that 10 hours is typically the perfect amount of time to tell the complete story of a wedding without overstepping the balance. However, for couples who need more flexibility, he offers options to extend coverage.
A master at blending into the celebration, Marco moves with intent: “A skilled photographer knows how to integrate seamlessly into an event, being more visible during key moments and fading into the background when the occasion calls for it.” This balance ensures that couples and guests feel at ease, allowing the “natural flow of the celebration to shine, ensuring the couple and their guests feel entirely at ease while I capture every significant detail with discretion and care.”
Marco’s greatest piece of advice for couples preparing for their wedding shoot is simple: “I always encourage couples to simply be themselves.” He understands the nerves that come with being in front of the camera and encourages his clients to share their preferences in advance:
“If you have a preferred side or any particular angles you’d rather avoid, let me know in advance—I’ll keep these details in mind throughout the day. Should an unfavorable angle happen to slip into a shot, rest assured it won’t be part of the final selection.”
But above all, Marco emphasizes authenticity. “Weddings are filled with natural emotion and spontaneity, so embrace it. Something as simple as smiling genuinely during those moving moments—like the bride’s entrance—can create photographs that radiate warmth and authenticity. The key is to relax, trust the process, and let your true personality shine through.”
Marco doesn’t believe in cookie-cutter packages. “My goal is to create a truly bespoke experience, ensuring that every couple’s unique needs are met,” he says. That’s why he offers a fully customized experience. Starting with a detailed price list, couples can choose a base package and enhance it to meet their vision.
Marco explains, “Whether they require extended coverage, a customised selection of images, or particular artistic elements, I’m more than happy to collaborate and craft a package that perfectly complements their wedding day.” With years of experience, Marco helps couples seamlessly plan their photography timeline, ensuring every meaningful moment is beautifully documented without disrupting the celebration.
For couples dreaming of a wedding abroad, Marco is no stranger to destination celebrations. While he’s traveled across Europe to capture love stories, Italy holds a special place in his heart.
“It’s a country steeped in romance, history, and natural beauty—an irresistible backdrop for a truly memorable wedding day,” Marco says with pride. “From the rustic charm of Tuscan vineyards to the breathtaking coastlines of Sicily, Italy’s diverse landscapes and timeless elegance make it my favourite destination to capture love stories that transcend borders.”
For Marco Ficili, wedding photography is about more than creating beautiful images—it’s about preserving a legacy. He says passionately, “The moments of your wedding day are unrepeatable, and the style and approach of your photographer should align with your personality, aesthetic, and overall vision for the celebration.”
Marco urges couples not to make their decision based solely on budget: “Opting for a photographer who doesn’t reflect your tastes can result in images that fail to capture the spirit of your day.” His philosophy is clear: Choose someone who understands you, someone who sees the beauty in your love story and preserves it as it deserves to be remembered.
With over two decades of experience, Marco Ficili has perfected the art of capturing weddings with authenticity, elegance, and a deeply personal touch. Couples who work with him aren’t just hiring a photographer—they’re choosing an artist who listens, understands, and sees their love as a story worth telling.
“Those who choose my photo shoots do it because they love the spontaneous and evocative style,” Marco explains. His clients are people who seek something more—something real. He continues, “I appreciate my customers because they know how to choose what really excites them, and that makes me happy.”
For Marco, love is a constant source of inspiration. “Human beings are not a static expression of themselves. They are everything and the opposite of everything: cheerful, diverse, sweet, sarcastic, shy, bold, funny, melancholic, and much more. I love documenting all this!” His work captures not only the beauty of a moment but also the complexity of human emotion, allowing couples to see themselves as they truly are.
When asked what he enjoys most about being a photographer, Marco reflects, “What I enjoy most is the continuous element of surprise and the profound emotion it brings. It’s my passion in a nutshell—capturing authenticity without compromise.” His love for “real photography”—images that tell a story truthfully and without artifice—drives his every shot. He explains: “The kind that tells a story truthfully, conveying the magic of a glance or the poignancy of a breathtaking landscape without any artifice.”
For Marco, no satisfaction compares to preserving these quiet tears, subtle gestures, and heartfelt smiles. Knowing that the photographs he creates will become “cherished memories passed down through generations” fuels his dedication to refining his craft.
“Ultimately, I believe in crafting a visual legacy that truly reflects the personality, elegance, and intimacy of every celebration.”
