“I take photos like those of the 19th century with a 3D designed camera”

Bologna, June 23, 2025 – Among the people of Cinema Ritrovato, who often, given their retro look, seem to have come out of a restored film, there is also Alessandro Genovese these days who has built himself a camera like those of the late nineteenth century. And the interesting thing is that he designed it in 3D. You can find him until Tuesday, June 24 evening in Piazzetta Pasolini, right next to a star protagonist of the festival for years, the carbon lamp projector. Alessandro Genovese, 35, photojournalist but also artist, arrived from Naples months ago in Bologna and stopped because he fell in love with it. But his spirit is itinerant , a characteristic of many photographers of the past.

Alessandro Genovese built a camera like those of the late nineteenth century

“Pix in a box is the name of my business,” he says, “and I chose it because I take photos with these handcrafted wooden cameras inspired by the models of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, created as a quick and economical alternative to very expensive studio photography.” In practice, this camera with an integrated darkroom allowed you to take photos on the street and at any time in about 15 minutes. It was popular until the 1960s, when it was replaced by faster cameras. “ I design these cameras in 3D on the computer and then I cut them with a laser to have particular shapes,” he explains, “they are an evolution of the models of the time, with a similar basic technique and modern elements inside, a real reinterpretation. Inside there is a darkroom with the development and fixing tanks .” One of the special requests for this photograph is to remain still for a few seconds and then wait for the various development steps. So forget the frenzy of the contemporary world for a moment, sit down and enjoy the moment. The rest is magic.

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