We were lucky to catch up with Simona Bonanno recently and have shared our conversation below.

Simona, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you’ve thought about whether to sign with an agent or manager?

I’ve often participated in portfolio reviews, especially during significant photography festivals like the Rencontres d’Arles. It was back in 2014, after one of these reviews, that an unexpected opportunity arose. At the end of a session, I was offered an extra portfolio review with an expert—a french agent—who had happened to see my work while I was discussing it with the curator of my last session.

During the quiet of the lunch break, we had this impromptu meeting that lasted longer than usual. He explained how he had accidentally come across my photographs and was deeply struck by them. We had a fascinating conversation—it felt like a genuine courtship. A few months later, he offered me a contract to represent my work.

Since then, 10 years have passed. We’ve organized exhibitions, participated in photography fairs, and sold prints to collectors and photography enthusiasts. Over time, our relationship has evolved beyond just professional terms; it’s now based on mutual friendship and respect. This person has become not only an agent but also a mentor, someone I can turn to for advice, guidance, and support.

Simona, 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?

I’m a dedicated professional in photography, with a passion that began in my early years and evolved into a full-fledged career. Initially, I studied arts, which eventually led me to discover photography as my primary medium. This artistic foundation, combined with extensive practice and participation in photography festivals – like the Rencontres d’Arles, has greatly influenced my approach.

My work spans a range of styles, with a particular focus on storytelling and street photography. I also explore abstract and fine art photography, leaving my signature imprint on each piece. I love using black and white to tell stories and color to express myself, always aiming to create images that connect deeply with the viewer.

Over the years, I’ve showcased my photography internationally in the USA, France, Germany, Canada and others. My work has received prestigious awards like the Lens Culture Street Photo (2022) and the Julia Margaret Cameron Award (2010). A career highlight was when a limited edition of my work was auctioned at Snap! Toronto, and two of my prints were acquired by the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.

What sets me apart is my commitment to creating images that evoke emotion and provoke thought. My approach is personal, ensuring that every photograph tells a story or conveys a specific emotion.

Though based in Sicily, I work worldwide, with a focus on Germany and France. My visual storytelling consistently engages audiences, leaving a lasting impact with my unique perspective. I’m proud of my accomplishments and excited to continue sharing my art with the world.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had integrated marketing and self-promotion skills into my artistic studies earlier in my journey. During my time studying art in Italy and France, these aspects were not emphasized at all. It was only later that I realized how crucial solid self-promotion and marketing skills are to building a successful artistic or photographic career, along with proficiency in English.

Recently, driven by curiosity and a love for learning, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I went back to studying these areas, equipping myself with the tools necessary to navigate the business side of the creative industry. Looking back, I wish I had started this learning process sooner, as it has become an essential part of sustaining and growing my career.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Just before the onset of the COVID era, I found myself overwhelmed and unexpectedly stopped photographing—I needed a break from ‘seeing’ so much. This pause coincided with the first major global lockdown.

For two years, I worked on creative content and copywriting for a leading company in the home design industry. I discovered I was able to coordinate the artistic direction while also managing social media and marketing strategies—fields that were entirely new to me—expressing my creative side through writing. This pivot in my career, and in my life, was both crucial and transformative. It was like a sabbatical, a meditative break from photography, allowing me to rediscover the right energy and passion. After this period of hiatus from photography and acquiring new competencies in areas such as marketing and communication, I have returned to photography not only as an artist but also by applying these new skills in the art publishing industry. I now manage communication, social media, and public relations for a renowned German publishing house specializing in photography and art books.

Today, almost five years later, those experiences enable me to approach my new, significant photographic project with renewed vigor, taking care of not only the creative aspects but also the strategic and promotional ones. I consider it a constructive crisis that ultimately strengthened my career and my artistic vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.simonabonanno.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s_bonanno
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simobonanno
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonabonanno

Image Credits

Simona Bonanno