Capturing People, Not Just Portraits: A Conversation with Fabian Di Corcia
One of Fabian’s favourite images
Every photographer remembers the moment the camera stopped feeling like a tool and started feeling like a language and for Fabian, that moment took its time. A high school film class that "did not click," a teacher who doubted he'd ever make it, and years of quiet persistence eventually gave way to something else entirely: a career built on connection. Under the mentorship of Natasha Gerschon, Fabian discovered that photography was never really about the camera at all, it was about the conversation happening in front of it, and the way a single portrait could show someone a version of themselves they'd never quite seen before.
More than a decade later, that belief still anchors everything he creates. It carried him through a once-in-a-lifetime day photographing icon Amanda Lepore. It shaped how he sees the world, rooted in his family's journey immigrating from Uruguay to Canada in search of a better life. And it's what he hopes people feel, not just see, when they look at his work: recognition, warmth, the unmistakable sense of knowing the person in the frame.
In this interview, Fabian opens up about the mentors who shaped him, the pandemic pivot that tested his craft, the person he'd most love to photograph, and the legacy of kindness he hopes to leave behind, both as a photographer, and as a person.
Models of Canada: Every photographer has a story behind the first time they picked up a camera. Can you take us back to that moment and tell us what made you fall in love with photography?
Fabian: The first time I picked up a camera was in high school, and let me tell you… it was not a success. Back in the day they used to teach us how to shoot in film and understanding the manual settings just did not click for me. In fact, my high school teacher said I would never be a photographer. Look at me now! Over time, I started assisting my now-mentor Natasha Gerschon, and she was the one who showed me how much you could do and how you could connect with people through one to one conversation and also seeing them in a different point of view. Showing others how you see them through a lens is an incredible feeling, specially when they are surprised and excitement takes over. Thats when I fell in love with the art.
Models of Canada: Looking back at your career, was there one defining moment that made you realize, "This is what I'm meant to do"?
Fabian: Over my ten plus years of developing my craft, I’ve been lucky to be in many different situations, places, and opportunities that outside of photography I’d never thought I’d be in. I’ve met incredible people along the way, got to visit some amazing locations and create art in my point of view. But the moment I realized “This was really what I’m meant to do” was when I got to photograph Amanda Lepore, an icon in her own right. There were so many obstacles that day to get through and truthfully I saw it as a once in a lifetime opportunity. So I grabbed my camera, got to the event and made up a story to get through security. I got to spend the day photographing behind the scene moments with her and her team and I was able to capture a portrait of her that brings me so much joy. That’s when I was truly proud of myself. I made it all happen, against all odds.
Models of Canada: Photography often captures everyone else's stories. What is one chapter of your own life that has shaped the way you see the world through your lens?
Fabian: I think the biggest chapter of my life that truly shapes how I view the world is having to immigrate from Uruguay with my family and come to Canada. You leave your childhood, your family, your friends and your home behind for an opportunity to get a better life. It’s something that so many of us know of, and something that continues to happen everyday. I’m so grateful for my parents and the courage that they’ve shown me and my siblings. To start fresh, in a country that you know nothing of, a different language that you have not learned, and a culture that is so vastly different from yours. That teaches you to see the world and see people’s struggles with much kinder eyes, and it also helps you to tell people’s stories through photography but with a more empathetic eye.
Models of Canada: What do you hope people feel (and not just see) when they look at one of your photographs?
Fabian: I would love for people to feel like they know the person I’m photographing. That there’s enough emotion or storytelling in the image that you can look at it and feel like, I know exactly who this person is!
Models of Canada: Creative careers are filled with both incredible highs and difficult lows. Can you share a challenge that changed you, and what it taught you about yourself?
Fabian: For myself and I’m sure many other creative folk out there, the pandemic really just put everything to a stop and made you really reflect on life, where our careers were going, how we could even tell the same stories. I wasn’t able to meet with a person and have those conversations or photograph them in specific environments, so we ended up trying something new and pivoting. I remember there was a time where people would do photoshoots over FaceTime. I tried it, and I did not enjoy it, it felt forced and the connection you felt from being one to one wasn’t there, and it shows in the results. It really taught me that I depend a lot on the connection I make with the person. That sometimes it really takes two people to make great art.
Models of Canada: If you could photograph one person, living or gone, for just one hour, who would it be and what conversation would you hope to have with them?
Fabian: Natalia Oreiro, hands down! She’s an Uruguayan actor who made her career by immigrating to Argentina and starring in many different TV series. Like myself, she left Uruguay at a young age and went after the career she wanted. I would love to photograph her and show so many aspects of her fantastic personality. She’s a huge supporter of Unicef and has helped many kids all over the world. I would love to hear her stories, learn from her empathy and just learn how to be much kinder through her eyes.
Models of Canada: Behind every successful artist is a human being. Outside of photography, what keeps your heart full, inspires you, or reminds you who you are?
Fabian: Outside of photography I’m a lover of music, dance, movies and just getting outside and going for a long walk by the water. I think removing yourself from the pressures of social media, and the digital world is so important. I’m very big on family and friends too. They really are the ones who hold it down when you’re busy capturing people’s stories. It’s so important to have those who support you and understand that our schedules are so unique and that we try to be there as much as we can.
Models of Canada: Fashion photography is rarely a solo effort! It’s built on collaboration. What has it been like working with agencies, models, and fellow creatives throughout your career, and what changes or growth do you hope to see in the Canadian fashion industry over the next decade?
Fabian: I think this is the most important thing about what we do, building those bridges and networking as much as we can. That really makes a huge difference. Having the right team around you can elevate you as an artist, as an individual and just appreciate your art so much more. Working with agencies has been quite interesting. There are so many of us artists and having to stand out really teaches you the value of what you do and who you are. What you bring to the table is important so being able to collaborate with others while still advocating for yourself is a lesson that is so important to learn. It’s also amazing when you build a connection with an agency, and you can speak to them freely to get advice and guidance on how to navigate what we do. It’s a huge help and I’m incredibly grateful.
Models of Canada: If your younger self (the one just starting out) could see where you are today, what do you think they would be most proud of, and what advice would you give them?
Fabian: I believe the biggest lesson is learning to advocate for yourself and your business. It’s so important to be able to know your worth in an industry where others may want to dictate how valuable you are. Standing strong and being confident in who you are and your craft is something that happens over time so you have to be patient, but always be curious to learn new things, meet new people and love your point of view more and more each day!
Models of Canada: When your career is one day looked back on, what legacy do you hope you've left, not just as a photographer, but as a person?
Fabian: The most important part of my legacy is the connections I’ve built with people. I want to be remembered for creating positive experiences and bringing kindness to a set. People can look at a photograph and think it’s beautiful, but the experience they had making that photograph with you can stay with them for much longer. If I can make someone’s day or even their life a little better, that means more to me than anything else.
Cover photo taken by: Fabian Di Corcia
Written by: Models of Canada
See more of Fabian’s work at FDCPhoto.com