Interview with Sal Patalano

Author of The Human Family Street Portraits

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born in Gaeta, Italy and now live in Nashua, NH and Oldsmar, FL.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

My parents immigrated to the USA in 1958. My father only had a second grade education. He brought us to the USA, and he gave us a life that would not have been possible in Italy. I always tell folks I an Italian by birth but an American by choice. We were all naturalized citizens. None was more proud than my father! He never once returned to Italy. I visit Italy occasionally but I always can’t wait to get back home….my home, the USA!

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

After I retired in 2016, I started doing street photography. I fell in love with it. The folks I photograph come from all walks of life…some of the folks are the ones society may have forgotten….the ones that may not have the choice not to have a door. It is for them that I published the book which I call “The Human Family”. Although we may look differently on the outside, we all look the same on the inside.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Simply put, it is a collection of black and white Street Portraits of people I have met along the east coast of the USA.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Anyone who has a sense of humanity.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

How easy it is to overlook or ignore the need that some folks have.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Be strong because you see things that you wish you would not see.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As Carl Sagan once said, “Billions and Billions”

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Taking the first photograph…..I was always very timid to approach folks at first….but now, watch out!

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I an not a writer but I can tell a story through my photographs.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I’m sure I have a lot of weaknesses but since this is my first book, I hope to overcome some of them.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Now in process. Should be finished by end of December. It, too, is a collection of images I shot in Cape Cod….it is will be called “The Faces of Provincetown”

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am self published but the cost is astronomical. In order to reach many more people, I have to find a publisher who would be willing to publish the book. So, if there are any interested publishers, please feel free to contact me. It would be very much appreciated.