Fadil Berisha -The world through the lens
By Fatima Gorezi
The successes of Fadil Berisha – internationally renowned photographer – are consecutive, as he has transformed his work into art, bringing a unique style of world-wide photography. While browsing his photos, whether of Hollywood celebrities, or people not necessarily with a public profile, create the idea of visiting a real art gallery where colors, energy, style, elegance, thought, sensation beauty, deep artistic spirit, and so on.
The conversation with her looks as interesting, as exhausted as possible (with returns on the past and the present), just as her photograph would surely know to withstand time and generations, changes and technological overthrow. He has a special relationship with Albania and Kosovo, two countries that he has always kept at heart. Undoubtedly, this explains why he is one of the most beloved personalities among Albanians, and his contribution to the Kosovo war, where by his art he managed to make the world aware of the size of the Kosovo tragedy of that period, thus sparking the political response.
Fadil has today the exclusivity of photos for Rolex and is the official photograph of Miss Universe and Miss USA; with contributions to sound magazines such as Elle, Vogue, Glamor, Seventeen, People Magazine, Harpers Bazaar, Esquire, Vanity Fair, GQ and others.
He has also photographed many personalities such as Halle Berry, Tyra Banks, President Bill Clinton, Snoop Dog, Sugar Shane, Hostly, Jenifer Beds, Beverly Johnson, Robert Evans, Jamie Lynn Sigler etc., which further demonstrates the magnitude of his universal success.
Among the lines, you will learn from Fadil talking about his art and important moments that have marked his life and career, as an existential meaning for a man who has seen the world from the wonderful window of his camera.
How do you remember your early life, your childhood? You have left your country when you were 9 years old. What trace did Kosovo leave in what would happen next to you and your life in America?
I had a beautiful childhood … with very beautiful memories and surrounded with lots of love. These beautiful feelings I have taken with myself into the art of photography by pointing out the beauty.
Fadil, you’ve been working on many fashion fairs by promoting campaigns for global brands. Your work is featured into the front pages in many prestigious magazines. Going back in retrospect, how do you remember the beginning?
The beginning has been incredibly difficult … I did three jobs to get and collect income just so I could go to school.
What are the most difficult challenges you have faced during these years of your journey?
Among the hardships associated with the profession are many trips for work reasons in different places and coordination of photographs in my private studio, as well as my effort to help every young Albanian artist.
What would you classify as your most special picture, which carries a special memory for you personally, emotionally?
One of the most special pictures I have realised is a picture of Miss Albania, Hasna Xhukici and Miss Kosova Marigona Dragusha. Both girls qualified in the ten of the most beautiful girls in the world and Miss Kosova was second in this so prestigious female beauty contest.
What is beauty for you? Should the subjects of your focus be necessarily beautiful?
I like classical beauty! I think everyone has something beautiful… somebody’s eyes, somebody’s neck.
How much do you think has changed the image of women and the concept of beauty over the years?
I believe classical beauty goes and comes. As the saying goes: ” class is forever ”. At this time the concept of beauty is exotic, but always returns to the classics.
Has the technology changed / influenced photography? Is this a positive or negative change?
The digital photography has changed the art of photography and I think this change is positive.
As you look at the range of your photos, it seems that the portraits are your strong point. How easy or difficult is to point out their character/ personality?
It is difficult to point out the character’s personality, but it is important to gain their trust in highlighting the best that those people have.
Is it a public figure you want to photograph but still have not done?
Maybe I want to photograph Angelia Jolie, it’s a classic face to me.
What is the report that you have today with Albania and Kosovo? What keeps you connected tightly to your mother country?
I go back often because it is the passion and love that I have for my people.
People who deal with art, creativity, usually have a deeper understanding and perception of social life. How do you see the situation in Kosovo and Albania today? I mean from an economic, political and social point of view ? How is your image for them in your mind?
Albania and Kosovo have advanced a lot. There is art everywhere!
What is your greatest ambition in life, as a human being and as a photographer?
My personal ambition was to open the doors for Albanian artists to inspire them with my art and I think I have achieved this; in some ways I have become a tie.
How many photo albums does Berisha family count? How is your relationship with your children and wife?
Maybe not so much. I have many pictures of the children when they were young. We have a very good family relationship.
You are well acquainted with being a philanthropist and participating in charity campaigns. Can you share with us some more details about this?
I am always ready to support various issues, including organisations against various diseases. Charity is important to me. It is also important to give your contribution to the human community.