Photographs might just be the only art form that can truly capture life. When a photograph is taken, that exact image, that exact moment is preserved forever.

Years may pass, but the photograph and the feelings that it retains will still be present. Photographs imitate life- a life that never ends. For Mickey Bernal these photographs are not just a hobby, but also a passion.

Bernal recently had his first professional art show on September 12. The event took place at LoRusso’s Cucina Italian restaurant, 3121 Watson in south St. Louis. The evening included hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting, as well as some fine art.

The subject of the exhibit was recent photographs from Italy. Bernal spent two weeks traveling around the country shooting as much film as possible. Some of the places he visited include Rome, Florence and Venice. In total, he shot 105 rolls of film. It took another two weeks just to go through every photograph and pick out the best. He found most of his inspiration in Venice, because as he puts it, “The bright colors just pop out at you.”

“I’m taking my view of Italy, of what I saw and then in turn letting people draw their own conclusions,” remarked Bernal.

It’s hard for Bernal to pick a favorite photo, but one of his favorites is “Florence Man”. It was one of the first true portraits that Bernal has taken. Many of the photographs are landscape shots, but you can tell that he does have a talent for portraits. “Vernazza Apartment” is another favorite because of all the colors and how the observer’s eye is instantly drawn to the woman looking out the window.

“I had so many great shots from all those rolls of film, but I felt that these were my strongest, and they should be the ones that are highlighted,” said Bernal.

Bernal got in contact with LoRusso’s restaurant after his girlfriend told him about a previous art show that they had. He felt that his photographs would feel right at home displayed at an Italian restaurant.

During the evening, Bernal freely made his way around the room with a glass of red wine in hand, discussing the photographs, and more, with whomever walked in the door. Exhibitors hung on every word as the young artist elaborated about the uniqueness of each one and also about Italy. This was Bernal’s fourth trip, but his first time shooting pictures. More than once did the phrase “if you go you will not be disappointed” come out of Bernal’s mouth.

Even though this was his first professional showing, Bernal has been shooting since high school. He was raised here in St. Louis, but his parents are originally from Bolivia. He has lived in the Brentwood neighborhood and also in Richmond Heights. He attended Clayton High School, and it was during that time that he first developed a passion for photography. Some of his first work was traveling around Missouri capturing landscape shots, especially trees.

The show might have been Bernal’s first but it certainly won’t be his last. He has proven that he has a skill for capturing life- how it is at one exact moment. The show will run for five more weeks and is open to the public. A great evening can happen for anyone when you combine the tasty food at LoRusso’s and the intricate photographs of Bernal.

“The best part of the whole thing is knowing that my artwork is hanging on a wall and that it is inspiring people to discuss it or comment on it,” Bernal said.