My name is Stefano Santucci.

I was born in 1983 in Cremona, a small, foggy town in Northern Italy, best known for its violins. In 2002, I moved to Florence, in the heart of Tuscany, to study nonverbal behavior and facial expressions in children at the University of Psychology.

In 2010, I left psychology to follow the pull of photography, establishing my Studio (@photosantucci) a year later and beginning to travel and publish internationally. I work almost exclusively with film, developing and printing in my darkroom, drawn to the tactile beauty and permanence of the analog process. My aim is to create timeless images that feel honest and unposed — preserving not only the way a moment looked, but the way it felt.

I was told once that my nature is like a volcanic island: fire at the core, met by the depth and quiet of surrounding waters. I carry the determination to bring my vision into the world, but also a sensitivity that moves me to listen, to wait, to notice what might otherwise be missed. I am rooted in beauty and loyalty, building slowly and deliberately, knowing that what is created with care can stand the test of time. My work — and my life — is guided by this balance: the courage to step forward, and the patience to remain still when stillness is what’s needed.

For me, photography is an act of trust. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen as they truly are, and where a fleeting moment can become something enduring. My studio remains intentionally small, so I can be personally present in every story I tell.

You can find some of my documentary projects under @photosantucci.heritage.

Timeline

• 1983 · Born in Cremona, Northern Italy
• 2002 · Moved to Florence to study Psychology at the University, focusing on nonverbal behavior and facial expressions
• 2011 · Began career as a destination wedding photographer, establishing an international presence
• 2019 · Named one of the Top 30 Wedding Photographers in Europe by The Lane
• 2020 · Founded @EticaMentor, working as Style & Brand Consultant, Creative Director and Business Architect
• 2021 · Perfected analog film skills, working fully independently: shooting, developing and printing in the darkroom