Dino Serrao: Street Photographer of the World

Dino Serrao works the streets. He searches for unsuspecting subjects that have a certain look. Some might be elderly men who obviously are happiest going unnoticed. Others are youthful and buoyant, with a spring in their steps, happy to chatter away with anyone who might say hello.  Dino is after one thing and one thing only: a photograph that captures the essence and beauty of a unique and singularly beautiful individual. What he leaves with the surprised human being on the other side of his lens is warmth, authenticity and a sense that the world is a kinder place.. 

Dino grew up in a medieval city in the Calabria region of Southern Italy, surrounded by culture and history. Before he found his calling as a street photographer, he’d been deeply rooted in the restaurant business. That world was leaving him wanting more. 

Dino exudes the qualities of a modern day portrait photographer: endlessly fascinated by the rich diversity of humanity, black, white, yellow, man, woman, child, aborigine, gay, street musician, didgeridoo player, performer, homeless teenaged girl, skateboarder, elderly gentleman.

Dino’s lasting quality is the unique capacity not to make an impression but to make an impact. After Dino has completed his impromptu photo sessions, the subject feels, knows, they are attractive, respected, beautiful and unique. To Dino, beauty has no age or race. 

His photography connects cultures across continents and countries

I learned about Dino on his social media account, amazed at the striking impact he leaves on each of his subjects. In one short video, Dino approaches a teenaged homeless girl who was seated on a sidewalk, leaning back against a light pole. People pass by, not noticing her at all. Dino stoops down and asks if he could get a cup of hot tea for her. Then, only with her permission, did he take the most striking photographs of her.

The photograph of Sean, her blue eyes peering over her book into the lens, will melt your heart. And so will Dino. 

My interview with Dino will inspire you and amaze you. If you’re really lucky, maybe you’ll bump into him someday and hear his voice call out to you, ‘Excuse me, may I talk with you for a moment?’

Listen and be inspired!