Why I 🖤 Optics: Enrico Fossati, Landscape Photographer

Enrico Fossati is a celebrated landscape photographer, digital creator, and Boris FX Optics user based in Italy. A deep love of romantic paintings, fantasy illustrations, and cinematic storytelling drew him to photography. His photos harness the power of visuals to evoke emotions and transport viewers to fairytale-like and mythic worlds. 

On a scouting trip in 2014, Fossati captured the photo Descent to Rivendell while sheltering in a cave during a thunderstorm. The experience proved transformative. He’s been shooting dreamlike photos ever since and offers masterclasses on his artistic techniques. Follow him on Instagram.

Your landscape photos and image editing are renowned for their processing and production, as well as the emotions/moods they evoke. What is your overall process, from the ideation to the shoot to the finished images?  How did you develop your style?

My creative process is a blend of planning, intuition, and meticulous post-processing, all aimed at evoking a deep emotional response. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

• Ideation and Planning: It begins with inspiration—often drawn from fantasy illustrations, romantic paintings, or even films. I’m always searching for locations with the potential to tell a story. Whether it’s a dramatic mountain range, an ancient castle, or a misty forest, the scene needs to have an almost otherworldly quality. I scout locations, study light conditions, and sometimes wait months or even years for the perfect moment to bring a vision to life.
• The Shoot: When on location, I aim to immerse myself in the environment. My goal is to capture not just the scene but also the atmosphere. I’m drawn to moody, dramatic lighting conditions—sunrise, sunset, storms, or mist are my favorite times to shoot. I work to frame my shots in a way that enhances their cinematic potential, often leaving space for elements like light beams, dynamic skies, or fleeting wildlife.
• Post-Processing and Editing: Post-processing is where my style truly comes to life. Photoshop is the cornerstone of my workflow, supported by plugins including Boris FX. I use these tools to enhance the drama and mood, balancing light and shadow to guide the viewer’s eye and create depth. My editing process is deeply influenced by digital painting techniques, allowing me to shape the image with precision.

My style emerged through years of experimentation and a desire to bridge the gap between photography and fantasy art. The pivotal moment was the creation of Descent to Rivendell, where I realized I could use editing not just to enhance reality, but to create it. Since then, I’ve refined my techniques to achieve a consistent, distinctive aesthetic—a fusion of dark romanticism and cinematic grandeur.

This journey has been a constant evolution, but at its core, my work is about storytelling. Every image is a chapter in a larger narrative, aiming to transport viewers to a place of wonder and imagination.

How do you find the locations you shoot? How much research goes into it beforehand?

Finding the right location is a crucial part of my process—it’s where the storytelling begins. I approach this with both methodical research and a touch of serendipity.

• Research and Planning: I start by exploring landscapes that resonate with my aesthetic—a mix of drama, mystery, and fantasy. I use tools like Google Earth, hiking forums, and social media to identify potential locations. Often, I’ll look for places that have a cinematic or painterly quality, such as rugged mountains, ancient ruins, or misty forests.

Books, historical references, and films also play a role in shaping my choices. For example, the inspiration for my image Middle Earth came not just from the beauty of the Canadian Rockies but also from the desire to capture something reminiscent of Tolkien’s world.

• Scouting: Once I have a location in mind, I study its geography, weather patterns, and light conditions to determine the best time to visit. Sometimes, this means planning trips during specific seasons or waiting for the right atmospheric conditions, like mist or storms.

On-site scouting is equally important. While research can guide me, nothing compares to walking through the landscape, feeling its energy, and discovering unexpected compositions.

• A Balance of Intention and Spontaneity: While preparation is key, some of my most memorable shots have come from unexpected opportunities. For instance, the dramatic scene in Descent to Rivendell was only possible because I stayed flexible during a scouting trip and found myself sheltering in a cave during a thunderstorm.

Ultimately, I’m drawn to locations that feel like they belong in a story—places where nature takes on an almost mythical presence. Whether it’s through careful research or an adventurous spirit, finding the right setting is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about discovering the perfect stage for the narrative I want to tell.

If your budget were limitless, what would your ultimate shoot look like? 

If budget were no obstacle, I would craft an ambitious, cinematic project that combines my love for fantasy, dramatic landscapes, and immersive storytelling. The ultimate shoot would feel like stepping into a living painting or the set of an epic fantasy film.

I’d choose an untouched, remote location that exudes mystery and grandeur—perhaps the jagged peaks of Patagonia, or an ancient, mist-shrouded forest in New Zealand. Alternatively, I’d bring to life a legendary setting inspired by myth, such as the otherworldly landscapes of Middle-earth, Avalon, or Valhalla.

The goal of this shoot would be to create a series of iconic images that transcend photography, blurring the lines between visual art, film, and storytelling. Each shot would feel like a window into an epic tale, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the world I’ve created.

This dream project would reflect everything I love about photography: the ability to transform imagination into reality and share that vision with others.

What type of photo editing/manipulation tasks do you look to a plugin like Optics to help with? Do you use Optics in Photoshop only? Lightroom? Standalone?

I use Boris FX Optics as an integral part of my Photoshop workflow, leveraging its advanced capabilities to enhance the cinematic and fantasy-like quality of my images. Here’s how I incorporate it into my process:

Tasks Where Optics Shines

• Atmospheric Enhancements: I often use Optics to add subtle layers of mood and depth, like fog, light rays, or atmospheric haze, to reinforce the dreamlike quality of my scenes.
• Lighting Effects: The plugin’s lens flares and light diffusion effects help create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, amplifying the drama in a shot.
• Textural Details: Optics excels in adding textures like glow, smoke, or organic overlays, which contribute to the layered, painterly feel I aim for.
• Color Grading: Its powerful grading tools allow me to refine the tonal balance and color harmony of an image, pushing the cinematic mood even further.

How did you create effects like glows and lens flares before Optics? Are there any hidden gems that you like to use? 

Before integrating Boris FX Optics into my workflow, I created effects like glows and lens flares using a combination of Photoshop’s native tools and other plugins. These techniques were effective, but Optics has significantly streamlined and enhanced the process. Here’s how I worked before and some additional tools I’ve explored:

Creating Effects Before Optics

• Glows: I used Photoshop's Gaussian Blur and Overlay/Screen blending modes to simulate glows. For precision, I painted light manually on separate layers with soft brushes to control intensity and placement.
• Lens Flares: Photoshop’s built-in Lens Flare filter was my go-to, but it was limited in flexibility. For more control, I often created custom flares using shapes, gradients, and blurs, blending them into the scene for a natural effect.
• Atmospheric Enhancements: Fog, light rays, or haze were often manually painted or created using custom brushes and layer masks. I would sometimes combine multiple adjustments (like gradient maps or curves) to add depth and mood.

Hidden Optics Gems I Love

• Blend If in Photoshop: This underused tool is incredibly powerful for seamlessly integrating effects into specific tonal ranges. For example, I’d use it to make a glow fade naturally into darker areas.
• Custom Brushes: I’ve built a library of brushes for adding organic elements like clouds, mist, and texture overlays. These have been invaluable for creating painterly atmospheres.
• Luminosity Masks: I rely heavily on these to target specific tonal ranges when applying effects, ensuring precise control over light and shadow transitions.

Other Plugins I Use

I’ve explored several plugins that complement my Photoshop workflow:

• Nik Collection: Especially Color Efex Pro, for fine-tuning mood and adding finishing touches to color grading.
• Topaz Labs Plugins: Tools like Topaz Gigapixels for my drone shots or Topaz Sharpen or Adjust, for enhancing texture and details while maintaining artistic integrity.
• PureRAW: For pre-processing RAW files, maximizing detail and dynamic range before the creative edits.

The Difference with Optics

While these methods and tools served me well, they required more manual effort and layers of experimentation. Optics changed the game by offering a wide range of effects—like sophisticated glows, dynamic lens flares, and cinematic overlays—all in one intuitive plugin. It’s not just faster but also provides a level of realism and detail that’s hard to achieve manually.

For me, plugins like Optics aren’t just shortcuts; they’re tools that allow me to focus on storytelling and creativity rather than technical limitations.

If you could have only one Optics effect, which would it be — and why?

Color grading is incredibly powerful and flexible.

Do you think Optics influences your style of photography when shooting in the field? 

Yes, I always think about post-production when I am in the field.

What are your top 3 reasons why photographers like yourself should use Optics?

Boris FX Optics is a powerhouse for photographers looking to elevate their work, especially if your style leans toward cinematic or fantastical imagery. Here are my top three reasons why photographers like me should use Optics:

• Cinematic and Professional-Grade Effects: Optics brings Hollywood-level effects directly into your photography workflow. Its tools for lens flares, light diffusion, and atmospheric enhancements are unparalleled in quality and realism. Whether you’re adding subtle mood or dramatic lighting effects, Optics provides precision and depth that elevate your images to a cinematic level.
• Time Efficiency and Versatility: Creating effects like glows, lens flares, or atmospheric elements manually can be time-consuming and often requires multiple tools. Optics consolidates these capabilities into one plugin, streamlining the process without sacrificing control or quality. The versatility of its effects—ranging from subtle touch-ups to bold transformations—saves time and allows you to experiment more creatively.
• Seamless Photoshop Integration: For photographers who already use Photoshop, Optics integrates flawlessly, making it easy to add its effects as part of a non-destructive, layered workflow. The ability to apply effects on specific layers and fine-tune them with masks and blending options gives you complete creative control, ensuring the final result feels natural and cohesive.
• Bonus: A Gateway to Creativity... Beyond technical benefits, Optics opens up new creative possibilities. Its expansive library of effects and filters lets you experiment with ideas you might not have considered before, pushing your artistic boundaries and helping you craft unique, standout images.

For photographers who value mood, storytelling, and a polished aesthetic, Optics is more than just a plugin—it’s a creative partner that helps you bring your vision to life.

What’s your best pro tip to artists new to Optics? 

My best pro tip for artists new to Boris FX Optics is: Start simple and let the effects enhance—not overpower—your image.

Here’s how to approach it effectively:

• Build on a Strong Foundation: Begin with a well-composed and well-edited base image. Optics works best when it’s used to amplify an already solid photo, rather than to fix major issues. A clean, properly processed starting point ensures that the effects integrate seamlessly.
• Experiment with Subtlety First: Explore the vast library of effects and filters, but resist the urge to apply too many at once. Subtle applications—like a soft glow, a hint of atmospheric haze, or a faint light flare—can transform your image while maintaining a natural feel. You can always dial up the intensity as you gain confidence.
• Master Layering and Masking: When working in Photoshop, apply Optics effects on a separate layer or Smart Object. This allows you to use masks and blending modes for precise control. For example, you can apply a lens flare but mask out areas where it feels unnatural or adjust its opacity to blend harmoniously with the scene.
• Leverage Presets and Customize: Optics comes with a variety of presets that are great starting points. Test a few to get an idea of what works, then fine-tune the parameters to suit your specific vision. This helps you learn the tool quickly while still tailoring the effect to your style.
• Think Cinematically: Remember that Optics is built with Hollywood-level effects in mind. Approach your image like a movie scene: consider how light, atmosphere, and texture can enhance the narrative or mood. This mindset will help you use the tools creatively and intentionally.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Like any powerful tool, Optics takes time to master. Experiment with different effects, layering techniques, and adjustments. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in creating stunning, unique visuals that elevate your work.

What’s your favorite project or image you’ve ever worked on — and why?

That’s a great question! If I had to choose, I’d say my two trips to Canada are definitely among the most memorable experiences. Both were immersive journeys into pristine, untouched nature, and they gave me the chance to capture some of my most powerful and evocative images.

Both trips were not just about photography but also about deepening my connection with the natural world. The rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and wild landscapes of places like the Canadian Rockies gave me the sense of stepping into a mythical realm—perfect for the type of imagery I love to create. The beauty of those moments, paired with the adventure of exploring remote locations, made the photos feel even more meaningful.

One particular memory is from Middle Earth, which was shot during my time in the Canadian Rockies. The image encapsulates not just the stunning location but also the bond I had with the place. It was a combination of breathtaking beauty and the thrill of adventure with my good friend Rob that made the experience so significant.
Each shot felt like it was telling a story, one where nature’s raw power and beauty took center stage, and I was simply there to document it. The trips were a perfect blend of artistic inspiration and awe at the world around me.

Descent into Rivendell

You offer a forest photography masterclass. Can you give us some details on what students can expect to learn in the class? 

Dark Processing and Mastering the Mood Masterclass: In this masterclass, you’ll learn how to enhance your landscape photography with dark processing techniques and mood creation. I’ll teach you how to manipulate light, contrast, and color to evoke powerful emotions and cinematic atmospheres. Through advanced editing in Photoshop, you'll master how to turn your photos into dramatic, story-driven pieces that captivate and engage the viewer.

A Journey into the World of Forests Masterclass: This masterclass is all about capturing the enchanting beauty of forests. You’ll learn how to work with natural light and compose stunning images that convey the magic of these environments. From practical shooting techniques to advanced post-processing, you’ll discover how to craft atmospheric, mystical forest photos that reflect your unique artistic vision.