Behind the Lens: LA Film Photographer Fabian Fioto on capturing Madonna of the Atlantic

As part of the recent conservation of Madonna of the Atlantic aboard the RMS Queen Mary, the Queen Mary Heritage Foundation engaged photographer, Fabian Fioto to document the newly conserved artwork through a carefully crafted photographic series shot on medium format film.

Known for his cinematic and detail-driven photographic work, Fabian approached the project not simply as documentation, but as an opportunity to capture the atmosphere, craftsmanship, and emotional presence of one of the Queen Mary’s most symbolic works. The resulting images preserve both the artwork itself and the experience of encountering it aboard the historic ship.

We spoke with Fabian about the process of photographing Madonna of the Atlantic, working within the historic interiors of the Queen Mary, and the role photography plays in preserving cultural history.

What was your first impression when you saw Madonna of the Atlantic in person after the conservation work was completed?

“Upon entering the new gallery space aboard the Queen Mary, your eye is instantly drawn to the beautiful Madonna of the Atlantic, beaming from across the room. It stopped me in my tracks, and I had to stop for a moment to take it in.”

You chose to photograph the project on film. Why was film important for this shoot, and what qualities did it bring that digital may not have?

“These images were captured on medium format film. The quality of film lends itself well to this artwork to document its fine detail and gilded background. The use of film was preferred for the historical significance, capturing a moment amongst original furnishings, while also acknowledging the technology of film advancements during the ship's active eras.”

What were some of the biggest technical challenges in photographing a historic artwork aboard the ship?

“The most challenging aspect of photographing this piece was to capture it as truly as possible. Although nothing compares to viewing this piece in person, my goal was to help evoke the feeling I had upon viewing it for the first time.”

How did the lighting conditions aboard the Queen Mary and the gold leaf of the work influence your approach to the shoot?

“I worked carefully to light this piece while accentuating its natural state, glimmering and gleaming with all of its gold leaf glory.”

Historic interiors and restored artworks can be difficult to capture accurately. How did you balance documenting the piece faithfully while also creating something atmospheric and artistic?

“I wanted to do this work justice in capturing it, so it felt natural to photograph it framed amongst its environment of original furniture.”

Were there any specific details, textures, or moments that surprised you while photographing the piece up close on the ship?

“Admiring this piece up close, it was surprising and interesting to see some raw details, such as underlying pencil markings and draftings that are still present beneath the final coats of paint. Witnessing these details almost makes one somehow feel closer to the piece and the artist.”

How does photographing a maritime art conservation project differ from a typical portrait or commercial shoot?

“Photographing a conservation project differed from my typical photoshoots in the realm of portraiture; I chose to favor accuracy of the work itself, while adding style when framing and shaping the light to make the viewer feel as if they are viewing this work in its environment.”

What role do you think photographers play in preserving cultural history?

“I feel photographers play a crucial role in preserving cultural history. It is our responsibility to help document in a way that is not only resourceful, but inspiring. Especially in the age of AI, now more than ever it is important to document accurately and closely.”

If someone has never seen Madonna of the Atlantic in person, what would you want them to understand about it?

“If one has not yet seen Madonna of the Atlantic in person, I’d want them to understand how meaningful this piece was to so many who sailed aboard the Queen Mary. Whether it be in times of hardship, joy, or solitude, Madonna was a guiding light for passengers aboard the Queen Mary.”

You can see more of Fabian's photography on his website FabianFioto.com

The conservation of Madonna of the Atlantic represents not only the preservation of a historic artwork, but the continuation of the Queen Mary’s artistic and cultural legacy. Through photography, these moments of preservation become part of the historical record themselves; ensuring future generations can continue to experience and appreciate the craftsmanship, emotion, and history carried aboard the Queen Mary.