Bio
**About Sandro** With a remarkable career spanning over thirty-five years, Sandro has established himself as a preeminent photographer renowned for his ability to capture the essence of the human experience. His passion for photography ignited at the age of sixteen when he encountered the iconic works of Irving Penn, inspiring him to devote his life to crafting expressive and evocative imagery. Sandro's portfolio boasts numerous award-winning campaigns that have made a significant impact in the advertising world. He has collaborated with an impressive array of clients, including Allstate Insurance, American Express, Anheuser-Busch, BMW, Dove, Gatorade, Coca-Cola, Honda, Pepsi, Nikon, Microsoft, Miller/Coors, Motorola, Samsung, Nike, Adidas, UPS, and the U.S. Army. Each project reflects his keen eye for detail and ability to convey powerful narratives through his lens. In 2001, Sandro embarked on a groundbreaking project when he was invited by the Cuban government to photograph the nation’s most cherished athletes—marking the first U.S.-Cuban artistic collaboration since the trade embargo of 1960. His editorial work has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, GQ, Esquire, Time, Forbes, and Wired, and his exhibitions have reached audiences around the globe. Sandro has forged a significant partnership with Nikon, playing a pivotal role in introducing cutting-edge technology to the professional photography community. His collaborations with Nikon have led to numerous award-winning projects, including a portrait session with actor John Malkovich in Croatia, dynamic motorcycle racing shots, and a captivating short film titled "Joy Ride," showcasing a motorcyclist on a mysterious journey through the streets of Chicago. Throughout his career, Sandro has been dedicated to philanthropy, contributing his artistic talents to numerous charitable organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and AIDS Chicago, creating compelling campaigns that drive awareness and support for vital causes. In recognition of his exceptional work, Sandro was honored with the Saatchi & Saatchi Best New Director Award at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2011 for his short film “Butterflies,” featuring John Malkovich. For five consecutive years, he has been voted among the top 200 advertising photographers worldwide in juried competitions. Sandro's travels have also inspired captivating projects, such as a series of portraits featuring 230 local tradesmen and nomadic people in Morocco in 2013. In 2014, he paid homage to photographic legends through the innovative project “Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich: Homage to Photographic Masters,” utilizing John Malkovich as the subject in meticulously recreated iconic images. His extraordinary contributions to the field of photography were recognized by the Lucie Foundation, which awarded him the “International Photographer of the Year Award” in both 2014 and 2015, solidifying his status as a luminary in contemporary photography. Sandro continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his artistry, pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions through the lens of his camera.