Life Through A Lens: Alessandro Maggia 

From capturing pictures of Eurofighter Typhoons as a boy near Turin’s Caselle Airport to earning his wings as a Ryanair pilot, Alessandro Maggia’s journey is one of passion and flair. It is also a lesson following your dreams. Alessandro has turned his childhood hobby into reality — proving that with dedication, the sky truly is the limit.

How did your passion for aviation photography begin, and when did it turn professional?

My journey into aviation photography started when I was just a child. At around four years old, my family moved close to Turin Airport, right next to the hub of what is now Leonardo. Growing up, I was surrounded by the roar of military jets, including Eurofighters, which fuelled my passion for aviation.

I went to the airport with my father and always carried a small compact camera, capturing take-offs and landings. In 2016, my parents gifted me my first professional camera, and that’s when things changed. Thanks to guidance from some experienced plane spotters, my technique improved bit by bit, and by 2020, at just 18, I began getting photography jobs from Leonardo.

Alessandro with one of his first cameras and today in the day job as a passenger jet pilot

What were those early photos like, and how did you develop your style?

In the beginning, my photos were quite basic — mostly civil aircraft from the lateral view. But as my skills grew, so did my ambition. I focused on military jets, especially Eurofighters, which became my favourite subject.  

I worked hard to think about and then capture unique perspectives, like dynamic panning shots and dramatic take-offs. I really like showcasing the power of afterburners.

As I got better at it, my goal was to take photos that stood out, not just repeat what everyone else was doing.

Today, I plan each shot meticulously and that’s key, especially when working with pilots to ensure safety while achieving creative angles.

What is it about the Eurofighter that makes it such a compelling subject?

The Eurofighter is incredibly fast and agile, making it perfect for a wide range of photography styles, whether on the ground or in flight.

I love capturing its sharp turns, steep climbs, and afterburner take-offs. My dream is to one day participate in an air-to-air shoot, capturing Eurofighters from a transport aircraft like the A400.

Have you had any standout moments in your career so far?

One of my proudest achievements was seeing my work featured in the Eurofighter calendar. Another highlight was a photo I took of a Eurofighter with Mount Monviso in the background, which has been widely used online. Each shot tells its own story, and I’m always chasing the next one. 

What’s next for you? Will you continue photography alongside your pilot career?

Absolutely. Becoming a pilot with Ryanair is a dream come true, but photography remains a passion. The two go hand in hand, and being a pilot enhances my understanding of aircraft dynamics, which in turn makes me a better photographer. I’ll continue capturing incredible moments during my time off, combining both careers.