Anthony’s love affair with photography began two decades ago, in 2004, when he purchased his first digital Fuji camera.  Anthony looks around to locate this camera in his studio as he cheerfully explains that his young daughter often misplaces it when she toys with it to enjoy the shutter’s clicking sound. This humble device that captured close to a million photos is a treasured artefact of his early experiments, one that provided him with invaluable training and set him on the proper foundation.

Reflecting on what drew him to photography, Anthony explains the power of images to captivate the soul. “When you open a book, the photos first draw your eye,” he explains.  This visual curiosity eventually led him to explore photography, beginning with his modest point-and-shoot camera and progressing to the DSLR range during his university years.  He wistfully remembers how his first stipend as a university student went towards purchasing a camera, marking the start of a journey that would take him from one lens to another, pushing him from a hobby into the professional realm.

Anthony’s dedication to photography has resulted in several notable publications.  His works include Gozo – The Enchanting Coastline (2015), a stunning portrayal of Gozo and Comino’s coastal beauty.  Another iconic book is Gozo: The Island of Hills (2022), a historical and photographic exploration uncovering over 33 hills and hillocks, far more than the island’s nickname suggests.  Apart from his solo publications, Anthony has collaborated with others in numerous publications.  One such voluminous book is Spirituality, Devotions, and Traditions of the Augustinian Friars in Gozo, a comprehensive study of the St. Augustine Priory and its rich traditions.  He frequently works alongside his father, Grazio A. Grech, on the books documenting the local village feasts and band clubs.  Capturing the essence of the Gozitan summer feasts is an endeavour involving extensive research and a deep dive into Gozo’s traditions and events.

Anthony believes Gozo is a treasure trove.  Despite its small size, he sees endless opportunities for unique shots around every corner.  For him, it is not only about landscapes and nature.  Traditions, crafts, cuisine, and the islanders continually fuel his creativity.  “Even within the same category, there’s always something new to discover,” he says.  The village feasts are one such event where so many spectacles of decorations, fireworks, bands and celebrations are interlaid and fused with one another.

His photojournalistic style focuses on capturing unposed, authentic moments.  His quick thinking creatively transforms fleeting scenes into timeless and genuine works of art.  While many of his shots are spontaneous and candid, some require meticulous planning—factoring in the topography, seasons, time of day, moon phases, and weather conditions.  Even a fleeting cloud can create havoc in such photos, and it is no secret that, for instance, capturing a full moon perfectly aligned with a Gozitan landmark such as a church often demands multiple attempts and precise timing.

Anthony describes Gozo as wearing a different dress every season.  Winter’s frock is a lush green cape, spring unveils vibrant robes of flowers woven with bright yellow crown daisies and rich red clover, and in summer, the gaze rests on the island’s stunning coastline blues.  Each season provides a new angle for creative exploration and storytelling.  Beyond this, Anthony’s passion encompasses daytime and nighttime photography, which he admits fully depends on the weather and shooting a unique photo means camping out waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment.

Through his lens, Anthony seeks to document and preserve Gozo’s unique traditions and culture as a testament to the island’s heritage before they are lost.  Conscious of the modern pace of life on the island, Anthony is aware that subtle differences in customs, crafts, and traditions reflect the island’s rich cultural tapestry, even from village to village.

When asked about the impact of his photography, Anthony is candid.  “Each photo is a stolen moment in time, a moment I was lucky to witness,” he says.  As he acknowledges that photography is open to interpretation, he believes a beautifully balanced photo with the right composition and exposure has a universal allure.

Anthony’s journey has been shaped not only by his love for Gozo but also by embracing new tools, such as drone photography, which provides fresh perspectives and possibilities.  When asked about his favourite photo, he replies with playful tact that it’s the photo he’s shooting “tomorrow”. However, he does admit to a fondness for moonlit shots featuring iconic Gozitan landmarks.  One such cherished and unique shot is his photo of his photographer friend with a tripod atop Il-Qolla is-Safra.

Whether photographing lightning storms, village feasts, and other Gozitan events, like concerts and operas, or the island’s ever-changing landscapes, Gozo is the fuel that drives Anthony’s creativity.  Through visual storytelling, he transforms fleeting moments into enduring memories, a testament to his deep connection with the island and his dedication to sharing its beauty.

VisitGozo would like to thank Anthony Grech for this interview and for sharing the photos.