Photographer's Profile

Vito Luigi Tanzi

United States

I wasn’t always a photographer. Before 2015, I was just another traveler with an iPhone, snapping casual photos along the way. That changed when my wife handed me a real camera before a bucket-list trip and said, “You can’t go to the Galápagos Islands with just an iPhone.” She was right. That trip sparked something I didn’t expect. I came home inspired, driven to learn everything I could. I spent hours watching tutorials, practicing nonstop, and eventually attending workshops with photographers I had followed for years. Slowly, I stopped just documenting my travels and started capturing the world with more intention—with light, emotion, and storytelling in mind. Over the last 25 years, I’ve lived and worked across Europe and the Middle East and traveled to more than 75 countries. My camera has come with me everywhere, from the icy fjords of Norway to the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. I started with landscapes and travel photography, but over time I developed a deep passion for wildlife. There’s something powerful about waiting patiently for that one moment when everything aligns. My work is grounded in the idea that photography is about more than just beauty—it’s about connection. I want people to feel something when they see my images. Maybe it sparks a memory, or maybe it inspires someone to go somewhere they’ve always dreamed of. I now teach photography to others, helping travelers—from casual smartphone users to aspiring professionals—build confidence and find their creative voice. Whether I’m leading a workshop or posting online, my goal is to make photography feel accessible, exciting, and meaningful. When I’m not traveling, I’m based in Washington, DC, where I continue to write, teach, and photograph the world around me.