A Simple Assignment, A Profound Experience
Walking into John Del Monte’s art studio, I had no idea that a simple photo session would evolve into such a profound experience. What started as an assignment to capture a photograph of a 99-year-old artist for a local paper, while my daughter conducted the interview, soon became something much more meaningful. Del Monte’s grandson, Antonio, was also present, assisting with the interview and adding a warm, familial touch to the atmosphere in the studio.
Del Monte’s studio was an artist’s dream: warm natural light poured through old schoolhouse windows, illuminating stacks of paintings, scattered brushes, and notebooks filled with sketches. In the midst of this, Del Monte wasn’t just creating art—he was living it. It was clear that every brushstroke and every mark on the canvas told the story of a lifetime of dedication.
Capturing a Living History
As I captured the first few images, I realized I wasn’t just photographing a man—I was capturing a living history. Del Monte’s journey, from his early days in Pittsburgh to teaching at Carnegie Mellon University and later opening an art school in Italy, was woven into the very fabric of his studio, with hidden details highlighting different parts of his story. His ability to evolve as an artist, from realism to surrealism to abstract sketches, is truly inspiring. Despite challenges with his eyesight, he continues creating, a testament to the power of adapting and persevering in the face of adversity.
After spending an hour in his studio, surrounded by his artwork and listening to his stories, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Del Monte’s passion for his craft, despite the challenges of health and age, reminded me of the importance of living with purpose and continuously growing, both as an artist and as a person.
Honoring Del Monte’s Commitment to Art
Today, at 100 years old, Del Monte still sketches daily. The photograph I captured of him, deeply absorbed in conversation, won first place in the Hidden Details category at the VOICE Photo Competition. It’s an image that, to me, celebrates artists everywhere who keep creating regardless of the obstacles they face. The light filtering through the studio, the disarray of his workspace, and his framed paintings in the background all tell the story of a lifetime of dedication.
Winning this prestigious award feels like a tribute to Del Monte’s unyielding passion for his craft, as well as to the creativity that continues to flourish even in the face of life’s challenges.
VOICE Photo Competition and Recognition
The VOICE Photo Competition, an annual event drawing over 40,000 entries from photographers worldwide, is one of the most respected contests in the photography community. This year, I was honored with first place for my image of Del Monte, second place for a photograph of Positano, Italy—a serene capture of life by the sea—and two Honorable Mentions: one in the Human Form category for another photo of Del Monte, and the other in the Nature’s Patterns category for an image taken at the Alcazar.
Judge's Critiques
Hidden Details Category | The Teacher
The critique for my Hidden Details photograph, The Teacher, perfectly captured the essence of what I wanted to convey: “The gentleman, mid-conversation, gestures expressively, drawing the viewer into his messy world. Surrounding him, an assortment of paintings, sketches, and scattered notebooks hint at a lifetime of artistic dedication, each object offering a clue to his past and creative process. The framed painting in the background mirrors his own expressive posture, subtly reinforcing the connection between the artist and his work. The warm, natural lighting enhances the sense of intimacy, while the cluttered yet purposeful workspace invites curiosity, encouraging the viewer to search for meaning in the finer details. This photograph excels in its ability to tell a layered story of this man’s life through hidden details.”
Peach Fuzz Category | Life by the Sea
In second place for Life by the Sea, the image of Positano was described as “taken away with this image’s harmonious palette of pastel hues, creating a serene yet vibrant atmosphere. The layered architecture cascades down the hillside, forming a rhythmic pattern that draws the eye through the frame. The soft light enhances the details while maintaining an airy, dreamlike quality.” I’m honored that this photograph resonated so deeply with the judges.
Gratitude and Reflections
Winning multiple awards at the VOICE Photo Competition has been a deeply humbling experience, and I am immensely grateful for the recognition. The talent displayed by photographers around the world is exceptional, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a vibrant and inspiring community.
To me, these photographs—whether capturing the hidden details of a master artist’s life, the tranquility of a coastal village, or the intricate patterns found in nature—serve as reminders that beauty often lies in the overlooked or the smallest of details. The ability to find and document those moments is what keeps me inspired as an artist. As I continue my journey as a photographer, I hope to keep documenting and sharing the stories I discover.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along this journey, and congratulations to all of the winners in this year’s VOICE competition. Here’s to the power of storytelling through photography, and to the endless possibilities that lie in the details.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the stories behind my photographs. Do you have a favorite image or a moment in your own life that’s been captured with hidden details? Feel free to share in the comments below or connect with me on social media. Let’s continue celebrating the beauty found in every detail, big or small.
If you’re looking to capture your own stories, stay tuned for more updates and photography tips in future posts. And if you’d like to get in touch, click on the “Get in Touch” button below!
