Italian photographer Davide Monteleone has been named as one of the two new additions to VII Photo. Along with Anastasia Taylor-Lind, he joins the agency as it undergoes its most profound transformation in 10 years of existence. He speaks with BJP about his move from Contrasto to VII Photo.

BJP: What attracted you to VII Photo in the first place?

Davide Monteleone: Obviously VII Photo a great agency, with very committed photographers. And, of course, now with its new structure, it is even more exciting to be part of this group.

BJP: What was your reaction when you learned you had been accepted?

Davide Monteleone: I was happy, of course! It is a great honor and I'm really looking forward to start working with all of them.

BJP: What do you think VII Photo will be bringing to your work?

Davide Monteleone: It's a great challenge for me. Starting with a new experience is always exciting and stimulating. Just imagine, I'm now part of this prestigious agency! I expect that it will definitely bring me great visibility, but also the opportunity to share my experience with the other members, as well as working in a stimulating environment.

BJP: What do you think you can bring to the agency?

Davide Monteleone: In recent years I've been trying to build my own vision and style as a photographer, and I guess that's why I was chosen, but I'm also interested in all the opportunities that are now available to us. I'll be looking at how we can use photography differently, the alternative ways to fund our projects, and also how we can mix photography with other media. I know it will take some time to tune up my relation with the agency and all the other members, especially the ones who I still haven't met personally, but I received a warm welcome already, and I'm looking forward to sharing with them my ideas and projects.

BJP: Talking about your projects, what's next for you?

Davide Monteleone: I really have a lot to do! I started a new project called Reversed Seæ with the support of Maurice Lacroix and World Press Photo Foundation. I'm also working on my new book Red Thistle that should be published in the winter [the book won this year's European Publisher Award]. I'm collaborating on a collective project called European Identities with 12 photographers and four curators from different parts of Europe that will be exhibited next year in several countries. Plus, of course, all the work I will have to start with VII as soon as possible.

For more on Davide Monteleone, visit www.davidemonteleone.com.