AN INTERVIEW WITH LAURA AZZALIN

Laura Azzalin won 1st Prize in our recent Colors competition with an image judge Djeneba Aduayom praised for “bringing the viewer inside the image in a really fantastic way”.

Keen to learn more, we put some questions to Laura, and her answers – covering the story behind that image, her dream destinations, the advice she’d give to her younger self, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles of all things! – are well worth a read…

Dear Laura, congratulations on winning our Colors competition! What did you make of the judges’ comments?

When I read the judges’ comments, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and validation for the creative choic-es I made in capturing that moment in Cuba. Djeneba Aduayom’s appreciation for how I used color as a narrative frame and her acknowledgment of my creativity truly resonated with me. It’s immensely rewarding to know that the photo’s intent, which was to draw the viewer into the image, was well-received. The description of the photo as an ‘animated frame of electric pink’ and the emphasis on the sensory experience, from the car’s interior to the city’s fragrance in the sun, echoed the essence I hoped to convey. To have the layers of detail within the image acknowledged was truly satisfying.

Overall, I’m deeply appreciative of the judges’ feedback, as it has reaffirmed my approach to photography and encouraged me to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity. Their comments have been a source of inspiration and validation for my work.

Can you tell us a little more about the image itself and the circumstances behind it?

Emerging from the Floridita bar, Hemingway’s beloved margarita haven, I walked the sun-drenched streets of Havana. Not being a car enthusiast, I wasn’t particularly drawn to the vintage vehicles that lined the roadside. However, a radiant pink classic instantly caught my eye.

The vibrant allure of that car led me to make an unconventional choice. I hailed it as my taxi back to the hotel, settling into its nostalgic embrace. While seated in the back, I took out my camera, and there, amidst the vintage charm and the lively streets of Havana, I captured a unique moment. The resulting photo encapsulates Havana’s timeless essence – a place where history and contemporary life meld seamlessly, where stories are etched into every street corner, and where even the journey back to the hotel becomes a memorable adventure.

Cuba is a remarkable place. Tell us a little bit about your experience there, and what you took away from the trip.

Cuba was an adventure on the open road. With a dear friend, we embarked from Italy without a concrete plan, armed only with an itinerary and a list of places we dreamt of exploring. Our decision was simple: rely entirely on the local grapevine. What followed was a journey of revelation, one drenched in the vibrancy of people, colours, and scents.

It also marked my maiden voyage without the ever-present allure of the internet. Initially, the adjustment was challenging, but as the days unfolded, I began to savour the magic of living entirely in the present moment. Cuba encouraged me to embrace the enchantment of being unburdened by the digital world, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the now.

What was your route into photography, and what role does it play in your life now?

It all began with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles analogue camera gifted to me on my seventh birthday by my uncle. From that moment, my obsession with capturing moments was ignited. Unfortunately, my family and the historical era I grew up in Italy didn’t readily support pursuing studies in this field. Nevertheless, I held onto the dream of turning this passion into a profession, even though my educational path took a different route.

After obtaining a degree in languages, I made the bold decision to wholeheartedly embrace photography. I embarked on my journey as a food photographer, although my true passion and forte have al-ways been travel photography and documentary work. Today, I’m dedicated to making travel video and photography my primary focus. Photography has not just been a passion; it’s become an integral part of my identity and my way of storytelling. It allows me to encapsulate the essence of my travels, to share the beauty and diversity of the world, and to inspire others to explore and appreciate the globe’s wonders.

As you mention, you shoot video as well. How do you work between these mediums? Is one project or subject matter naturally a photographic one for you while another is suits video? Or do you play with both on each project? What’s the role of the still image when you can cap-ture motion in video?

That’s an intriguing question. To me, video is the seamless extension of photography, as if these were images that never reach their final chapter. I often find myself interweaving video and photography, even within the same subject. However, I firmly believe that certain moments are best crystallized in a
photograph, while others come alive in the fluidity of motion.

Aside from your winning image, can you tell us about a shot you’re particularly proud of?

Well, there isn’t one particular shot that I feel particularly proud of, but there are a few photos that have brought me immense joy. The feeling of capturing that perfect moment is truly incomparable. It’s not always about the technicalities or the aesthetics; it’s more about encapsulating the essence of a fleeting moment that evokes emotions and tells a story. That’s the beauty of photography for me.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d pass on to your younger self if you could?

Don’t be afraid to explore yourself more deeply, and never feel ashamed to express who you are.

As a travel photographer, what’s your dream destination to shoot?

At this moment, my heart is captivated by the enchanting allure of Socotra Island. While I understand that reaching this remote gem can be a bit of an adventure, the unique and otherworldly landscapes that Socotra offers are an irresistible draw for any travel photographer.

I’m also eager to explore the Azores, Costa Rica, and Brazil. Each of these places offers its own unique appeal and fantastic opportunities for my travel photography, allowing me to expand my visual storytelling journey.

And finally, what are your plans for the rest of 2023 and into 2024?

For the remainder of 2023 and looking ahead to 2024, my career aspirations are set on a new course. I’ve decided to transition away from in-studio photography and redirect my focus towards content creation, video production, and travel photography, including the use of my drone. My dream is to work for some significant names in the travel photography industry.

As I pursue this journey, I believe it’s never too late to evolve in one’s career and seek new inputs. In 2024, I foresee a year of continuous growth and exploration, pushing the boundaries of my craft. I’m excited to contribute to the travel photography industry, collaborating with some of its most renowned names, and sharing the message that there’s always room for reinvention and fresh perspectives in one’s career.