Italian-born (1951) Vincenzo Pietropaolo is an independent photographer based in Toronto. Active in photography since 1971, he is self-taught, and since 1992 has pursued a full-time career as a freelance photographer after leaving a parallel career as a town planner with the city of Toronto. His artistry and social commitment have won him widespread recognition and awards. Canadian Geographic magazine recently (2006) called him “one of Canada’s pre-eminent documentary photographers.” His work exploring the immigrant experience, including Italian immigrants, migrant farm workers, and refugees in Canada has been widely acclaimed. He is noted for his documentation of the world of work and the labor movement, as well as for his exploration of urban issues in cities like Toronto, New York, Havana, and Mexico City. He lectures at colleges and universities, frequently exhibits internationally, and has published six books of photography. His work is included in many institutional and corporate collections.