Born in 1974, Davide Monteleone spent his first 18 years living in various cities in Italy, as his parents moved frequently for work. He gave up his engineering studies to move first to the U.S., and then to the U.K., where he discovered an interest in photography and journalism. Back in Italy in 2000, he completed studies in photography and began to work with major magazines. At the end of 2001, Monteleone moved again, this time to Moscow, where he lived permanently until 2003. Since the he has lived between Italy and Russia, pursuing long-term personal projects and continuing his editorial work.

He published his first book “Dusha, Russian Soul” in 2007, followed by “La Linea Inesistente” in 2009. His reportage has won him numerous accolades, including three World Press Photo prizes and numerous grants. In 2011, Monteleone won the European Publishers Award for Photography for his project “Red Thistle, about the Northern Caucasus.