Sebastian Magnani

Sebastian Magnani (b. 1985, Brig, Valais) is a Swiss photographer based in Zurich, recognised for his intimate portraits and masterful use of light and colour.

Magnani discovered photography during an apprenticeship in media design in 2006, when a one-week course on analogue photography ignited his passion for the medium. He pursued it as a hobby while working for five years as a creative director at an advertising agency, then transitioned to full-time photography in 2011, gradually building his career through commissions with local musicians and businesses before relocating to Zurich.

His work is characterised by a distinctive conceptual and artistic approach. In the series Reflections he places a round mirror on the surface he is photographing and composes his images so the area behind him is reflected in the mirror. Daily Bat reimagines Batman in everyday moments — drinking coffee, going to the gym, driving a golf cart — exploring identity and the interplay between reality and imagination.

Alongside personal projects like Underdogs and Undercats, he has collaborated with The New York Times, Apple and IWC Schaffhausen. His work has been published and exhibited across the United States, Australia and Europe, earning international awards including the Red Dot Award (2014), One Eyeland Gold (2015) and Lürzer's Archive 200 Best Ad Photo (2019).