Italian photographer Gianluca Rubinacci has gained recognition for transforming vast landscapes and starlit skies into compelling visual stories that capture both natural beauty and human emotion. Known for his mastery of panoramic composition, Rubinacci specializes in landscape photography that goes beyond simple documentation to create deeply moving artistic expressions.
Rubinacci's photography journey began with an unexpected encounter that would shape his entire career. Growing up in a bustling Italian city surrounded by architecture and constant movement, he always felt drawn to the tranquility of natural environments. His passion was ignited when he discovered a series of photographs from Iceland that left him amazed by their beauty and scale. "I was born and raised in a large Italian city, accustomed to the frenetic pace of life there, but I have always been fascinated by natural places," he recalls. "When I saw those photos of Iceland, I asked myself, how is it possible to capture such an incredible landscape? I want to do that too. From there began my journey into photography and the discovery of pristine places far from those I had always known."
The photographer's distinctive style centers on emotional storytelling rather than mere landscape documentation. Rubinacci approaches each scene as a narrator, seeking to transform physical environments into emotional experiences that resonate with viewers. His work carefully balances light and detail to reflect both reality and imagination, creating images that communicate feelings rather than just visual information. "My photographic style stems from a desire to narrate landscapes not just as images, but as emotions," he explains. "I strive to convey what I feel when I see a place, whether it is illuminated by the warm light of dawn or immersed in the silence of a starry night. I want to express what I can see with my imagination, which often goes beyond what we can simply observe."
For Rubinacci, the most fulfilling aspect of photography occurs when a carefully planned vision materializes into a tangible image. Given landscape photography's dependence on unpredictable weather conditions, transforming mental concepts into actual photographs presents significant challenges. "The most rewarding aspect of taking an image for me is definitely seeing an idea first planned in my mind come to fruition," he says. "Since landscape photography is so dependent on weather conditions, turning the initial idea into a real photograph is extremely difficult. When all the conditions come together and I manage to translate the idea in my mind into a tangible image, it is incredibly satisfying."
Rubinacci's creative process follows a structured yet flexible three-part workflow: planning, action, and finalization. He begins by researching potential locations through detailed map studies and reference materials, selecting sites that inspire him and using specialized applications like Google Earth, PhotoPills, and PlanitPro to plan optimal shooting conditions. However, he acknowledges that nature ultimately determines the final outcome, requiring adaptability and creative problem-solving in the field.
"Planning helps you be prepared, but it has its limits," Rubinacci notes. "The weather is so variable that it is impossible to predict the actual conditions months in advance. What I have learned is that if something does not go as planned, I try to look at things from another perspective. Often, that very change of perspective, that ability to adapt, turns into a creative opportunity that makes the shot unique."
After capturing his images, Rubinacci dedicates considerable time to post-processing using specialized software including Photoshop, PTGui, and PixInsight. His editing approach is deliberately gradual and reflective, often extending over a full week as he revisits images at different times to view them with fresh perspective. "I prefer this type of approach because it allows me to review the image at different times," he explains. "This way, I can notice any defects or possible corrections that need to be made. It is a slower process, but it keeps me connected to the photograph as it evolves into its final form."
The grandeur of night skies dominates much of Rubinacci's portfolio, with the Milky Way serving as a particularly prominent recurring theme. He frequently captures sweeping panoramic views that reveal the galaxy's complete arc, while also pursuing the Northern Lights and the rugged landscapes of Northern Europe during his extensive travels. "In general, all my photography is based on the landscape, as unspoiled as possible," he says. "Sometimes I include human subjects in my photos because I like to show how small we are compared to nature. The Milky Way is certainly the subject I return to most often, because it is only visible at certain times of the year, and it challenges me to plan carefully to capture it at its best."
While Rubinacci emphasizes that equipment doesn't define a photographer's abilities, he recognizes its crucial role in enabling creative objectives. His gear collection includes two Sony cameras, one modified specifically for astrophotography to enhance light sensitivity. Wide-angle lenses form the foundation of his work, particularly the Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM, Sony 12-24mm f/4 G, and Samyang 12mm f/2.8. He also regularly incorporates aerial perspectives using a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone to capture landscapes from above. "I think gear does not define a photographer, but it certainly helps them realize their projects," Rubinacci notes. "For me, it is about having the right tools for the image I want to create, whether that is a wide-angle lens for the Milky Way or a drone to capture the landscape from above."
Landscape photography presents numerous obstacles, from unpredictable weather patterns to lengthy waits for perfect lighting conditions. Yet Rubinacci views these challenges as integral to the art form's meaning and value. He particularly remembers one significant project: a panoramic image of the Milky Way captured in Tenerife's Teide National Park that required exceptional technical skill and patience.
"It took over 250 photos to create," he recalls. "It was the first panoramic shot of the Milky Way I had ever taken using the mosaic plus stacking technique, and I added H-alpha data to capture more detail in the nebulae. Honestly, before leaving, I did not know if I would be able to get all the shots I needed, but in the end, I returned home with the result I wanted. It was incredibly challenging to edit, but the hard work was worth it. Even today, every time I see this photo, I have a vivid memory of the emotion I felt the first time I managed to achieve it."
Currently, Rubinacci supports his artistic practice by selling fine art prints and conducting personalized one-on-one photography workshops and collaborations. His future ambitions continue expanding, with particular dreams of photographing South American landscapes while refining his distinctive artistic voice. Rather than focusing on individual images, his vision emphasizes developing a lasting photographic identity that viewers can immediately recognize.
"My greatest aspiration is to continue deepening my photographic vision," he reflects. "I would like my photos to have an increasingly distinct identity of their own, and for people looking at them to be able to relate them to me. I believe photography is an art form, just like painting, and just as we can identify a painter by their work, I want my images to carry my voice in the same way."
For Rubinacci, photography represents more than technical craft—it serves as a lifelong dialogue between earth and sky, with each frame attempting to translate wonder into lasting visual form. His images invite viewers not merely to observe but to experience deep emotional connections, serving as reminders of the world's vast scale and timeless capacity for inspiring awe. Through this approach, his work transcends simple location documentation to become expressions of the emotions these places awaken, demonstrating how imagination, perseverance, and patience can create truly moving art.
