FERNANDO DECILLIS

FERNANDO DECILLIS /// ABOUT

"Montevideo, Uruguay. That’s where I was born. At the age of ten, my parents decided to pick up and make the
big move to the Promised Land, in search of a better life. I wasn’t excited at all about the change, leaving
family and lifetime friends behind was very painful. But as soon as my dad said that we were going to
Disneyland, and I was going to meet Mickey Mouse, things got a bit easier.

For my 21st birthday, I was invited on a trip to Hawaii with some friends. First thought was, I need to take lots
of pictures, problem was I never owned a camera, or knew how to use one. Lucky for me, photography was
my neighbor’s hobby. He was kind enough to lend me his camera and give me one very important tip,
"keep it on automatic". Two weeks later I returned with 50 rolls of film. It became an addiction, not wanting to
shoot automatic anymore, I bought a few "How to" books at Borders and signed up for some 101 classes.
One of my instructors suggested I take photography to the next level. At the time I didn't know what direction
my life was going, so I decided to take his advice and signed up for two years at Portfolio Center in Atlanta.
Ended up finishing up in three years, midway I got all my photography equipment stolen out of my car. So I
quit school, got a job tending bar, saved up for another camera, and picked up where I left off. When I started
school I had no idea what direction to take; fashion, still life, travel, documentary, studio, etc.

Jerry Burns, my fourth quarter teacher, introduced me to Richard Avedon by giving us an assignment based on his
work, and from that day on I knew I wanted to make Portraits. After finishing school I assisted professional
Photographers for two years. While assisting I also worked on my Portfolio. Once my Book was ready I
Started shopping it around and began working for Local Magazines in Atlanta.

I now work with agencies such
as BBDO, McCann Erickson, Leo Burnett, Carmichael Lynch, and others. I'm based out of Atlanta Ga,
but I find myself traveling a lot among the United States and South American countries.

I still have not met Mickey Mouse."

☁ FERNANDO DECILLIS