creating beauty portraits in the style of 1930s Hollywood

Portrait of Paolo Ciccone with Large format camera

Ready to build a legacy with timeless portraits?

I am an Italian-born portrait artist, now making my home in the historic city of Charleston, SC.

My journey into photography began when I was fifteen, thanks to my father, Bruno. He gifted me my first 35mm camera, a Kodak Retina IIIs. It's more than just a camera to me now – it's a treasured family heirloom.

My father was instrumental in shaping my understanding of composition, lighting, and the art of capturing the true essence of a subject.

Growing up in Italy, I was naturally enveloped in the country's rich traditions of fashion, beauty, and image. These have profoundly influenced not just my approach to art but also my broader perspective on culture and life.

Before establishing my photography studio in 2006, I spent years working on Hollywood sound stages, honing my skills in cinematic lighting. Inspired by the iconic black and white portraits of classic movie stars, I knew I wanted my art to echo that timeless elegance.

Emulating the legendary Hollywood portrait masters of the 1930s and 1940s was no small feat. Their techniques and artistry were closely guarded secrets. It took me several years to understand and “decode” their unique methods. Now, I use these learned secrets to create high-impact portraits for my clients.

Outside of photography, my life is filled with joy spending time with my wife Holly.

We love watching movies, traveling, and I have a passion for playing my electric guitar.

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