We recently connected with Valentina Berti and have shared our conversation below.

Valentina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Moving to Los Angeles in 2022 was one of the biggest and most life-changing risks I’ve ever taken. Until then, I had always lived close to Milan, Italy, where I grew up. I had never lived alone in another country, thousands of miles from home.

Deciding to pack a suitcase and move to LA by myself, with no friends or family waiting on the other side and with far less English than I thought I had, was a huge leap. Los Angeles is not just another city. Especially compared to Milan, it felt a hundred times bigger. The scale, the culture, the pace, the way people live… everything was unfamiliar at first. I had also never visited LA before, so I honestly had no idea what to expect. I definitely struggled in the beginning, and adjusting to a new language and a completely different way of working was not easy.

But now, I can say with certainty that it was absolutely worth it. That risk opened the door to new opportunities, new collaborations, and a version of myself I had not met yet. I have no regrets.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a cinematographer, I’m drawn to creating imagery that feels emotionally grounded and visually striking. My work often blends narrative storytelling with a strong focus on mood, style, and atmosphere, whether I’m shooting a short film, a music video, or a fashion campaign.

One of my most recent projects is a music video titled Little Things by Karlee Girl (Karlee Tanaka), which is available on YouTube. I shot it on 16mm film at night, and it was a real challenge since it was my first time working with Kodak film. I loved the experience. Shooting on film brings you back to the roots of cinema, but it also demands greater intentionality, attention to detail, and selectivity. It forces you to slow down and reflect on every frame, knowing that your time with the roll is limited. I honestly love that process, and I’m excited to shoot on film whenever the opportunity arises.

For anyone discovering my work for the first time, I’d want them to know that I see visual storytelling as a way to move people. I aim to create images that feel intentional, poetic, and full of life. Whether it’s a small indie production or a large commercial project, I bring the same level of curiosity, care, and passion to every frame.

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

Definitely. One of the biggest lessons I wish I had learned earlier is that no single project is going to “change everything.” Early in my journey, I often believed that the next film or the next shoot had to be perfect, that it had to be the one that would define my career. But in reality, your body of work is just that: a body. It’s the accumulation of everything you’ve done over time that truly shapes your identity and growth as a cinematographer. Chasing perfection on every project can actually hold you back. Perfection doesn’t exist; what matters is consistency, growth, and the willingness to keep creating.

Another essential mindset shift for me was learning to be my own biggest fan. I’ve realized that you can’t create meaningful work while constantly seeking approval. If you’re always waiting for others to confirm that your images are beautiful or valuable, you’ll never feel fully satisfied with what you create.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I find a lot of joy in the collaborative process. Film is such a collective art form, and being part of a team where everyone brings their own passion and vision to the table is something special. Every project becomes a shared experience, and that sense of connection is something I value so much.

Every project teaches me something new, and there’s always more to learn. The constant evolution and drive to keep refining your voice and exploring new ways to tell a story is what keeps me inspired.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.valentinaberti.com
• Instagram: @valentinabertib

Image Credits

David S. Bouza, SiYoon Kim