We were lucky to catch up with Marta Silvotti recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marta, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

As a photographer born and raised in Italy, my journey into making a full-time living from my creative work has been anything but straightforward. It certainly wasn’t like that from day one. I started out by studying photography in Italy, where I began taking on small jobs, both in and outside of photography, to support myself. These early gigs were crucial, not only because they gave me some financial stability, but also because they helped me refine my skills and understand the professional world of photography.

My passion for photography was always intertwined with a love for travel. This dual passion led me to start traveling the world, which became a turning point in my journey. Through travel, I discovered not just new places and cultures, but also myself and what truly excites me creatively. Photography became more than just a job; it became a way of capturing and sharing the beauty and stories I encountered on my journeys.

It wasn’t until I embraced this passion fully that I began to see photography as a viable full-time career. My travels helped me build a diverse portfolio that attracted more significant and consistent work. Each project, whether small or large, was a stepping stone, and over time, I was able to transition into earning a living from my creative work.

Now, I’m based in Madrid, where I’m continuing my education by studying to become a director of photography in cinema. This new direction in my career feels like a natural progression, blending my love for photography with a new medium of storytelling.

Looking back, I think the process of building a career as a creative is inherently slow and requires patience. If I could have sped up the process, it might have been by focusing even earlier on what truly drives me—travel and visual storytelling—rather than spreading myself too thin in the beginning. However, every step, including the less glamorous jobs, played a part in shaping who I am today as an artist.

Marta, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello, my name is Marta, and I’m a photographer originally from Milan, Italy, now based in Madrid. My journey into photography began in Italy, where I studied the craft and started taking on small photography projects. These early experiences, though modest, were invaluable in helping me develop a deep appreciation for the art of capturing moments and telling stories through images.

However, it wasn’t just the technical skills I learned that shaped my path; it was also the desire to explore the world. Traveling became an essential part of my life and my work. Through my travels, I found a unique voice in my photography, one that blends the richness of diverse cultures, landscapes, and human experiences. My work often focuses on capturing the beauty of the world, whether it’s the vastness of a landscape, the intricacies of a city, or the emotion in a fleeting moment.

In terms of the services I provide, I specialize in travel and documentary photography, but my portfolio also includes portraiture, lifestyle, and commercial work. My clients range from individuals seeking personal portraits to businesses and brands looking to visually tell their story. I aim to provide imagery that not only meets the client’s needs but also evokes emotion and connection with the audience.

What sets my work apart is my commitment to authenticity and my ability to see and capture the extraordinary in the ordinary. My travels have taught me to observe the world with curiosity and respect, and this perspective is what I bring to every project. I strive to create images that are not just visually striking, but also meaningful and impactful.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to adapt and grow as an artist. Whether it’s transitioning into a new genre like cinematic photography or exploring different cultures, I’m always looking to push my boundaries and evolve. I’m currently studying to become a director of photography in cinema, which is an exciting new chapter for me as I explore storytelling through motion.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that my work is driven by passion and a genuine love for what I do. Whether I’m working on a personal project or a client’s vision, I approach each assignment with the same level of dedication and creativity. My goal is to create images that resonate, inspire, and tell a story—one that the viewer can connect with on a personal level.

In essence, my brand is about more than just photography; it’s about exploring the world, capturing its beauty, and sharing those stories with others. I’m excited to continue this journey and to see where it takes me next

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to capture and share the beauty of the world through my lens. There’s something truly magical about freezing a moment in time a fleeting emotion, a breathtaking landscape, or a simple, everyday scene and then seeing how that image resonates with others. It’s the connection that forms between my work and the viewer, the way a photograph can evoke feelings, memories, or even inspire someone to see the world in a new light.

Being able to express myself creatively while also touching others through my art is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder that, despite the challenges that come with this path, there’s a deeper purpose to what I do one that’s rooted in storytelling, emotion, and the universal language of visual art. Knowing that my work can inspire, move, or bring joy to someone is what makes this journey so rewarding.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely, there is a deep sense of purpose that drives my creative journey. My goal is to explore and capture the diverse beauty of the world and its people, and to share those stories in a way that connects and resonates with others. I believe that photography and now, increasingly, cinema has the power to bridge cultures, evoke empathy, and inspire change by showing us the richness of our shared human experience.

Through my work, I aim to remind people of the beauty that exists in the everyday, to highlight the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to foster a greater appreciation for the world around us. As I transition into the world of cinema, this mission expands. I want to delve deeper into storytelling, using the powerful combination of imagery and motion to create narratives that are both visually captivating and emotionally profound.

Whether it’s through a single image, a series of photographs, or a cinematic sequence, my mission is to create art that not only captures a moment but also tells a story one that speaks to the heart and soul of those who encounter it. This mission keeps me passionate, curious, and ever-evolving as an artist, as I continue to explore the limitless possibilities of both photography and film.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martasilvotti11/
• Linkedin: Marta Silvotti

Image Credits

Marta Silvotti Photographer