We were lucky to catch up with Valentina Socci recently and have shared our conversation below.
Valentina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
yes I’ve thought about it more than once. The reason is simple. Being a freelancer is not easy. There are many times when you are very stressed because you have to find new jobs and make it to the end of the month. Looking for a job becomes another full time job. Time is wasted that could be used to create art. Many times I thought how much easier it would be to have a steady job and not be stressed. But then I think about how free I am and the freedom for me is priceless, so the thought vanishes as it came.
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?
I have always been passionate about photography. I don’t recall exactly how old I was when I received a photographic camera as a gift, but I believe I was around 7.
I got lost in my travels around the world, my second passion, until I moved to Milan to start my professional career at 20.
Milan was my school of photography, art and fashion.
I have learned everything I know.
To support myself, I had to work in restaurants in the night and as an assistant photography studio in the day.
After 2 years, however, I was taken to work as a freelance assistant in the newly opened studio of Marco Glaviamo. It was the company’s flagship studio in Milan. All the most famous photographers who came to Milan came to shoot there. It was a significant stepping stone for me. I was able to meet people who have been helpful to my work and helped me advance my career.
At first I thought that fashion was my sector but over time I became passionate about interiors and products.
I moved to California in 2012. I came here on vacation and never left. I fell in love with everything. At first I thought it would be easy to work in a completely different environment but it wasn’t. Collided with a city full of talent, LA. It took a few years to reach a certain notoriety.
Today, I am close to reaching my goal.
My experiences over the years have shaped me not only as a photographer, but also as a person. Today, I am able to provide my clients with the complete package surrounding an image, starting with an idea, and ending with the realization.
i like to define my self a creative photographer.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
NFT, I’m not against it, I’m sure it will have a lot of influence on the future of art. But for now I think it’s just a novelty to entertain the rich.
Although I think they are overpriced, I don’t agree with their price. A pixel that is worth more than a Picasso for me is a piece of art history that is dying, but I also believe in progress, so everything has its place!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Definitely the result of an image.
Before shooting I have the image already imprinted in my mind. And what the result is sometimes goes beyond my expectations. But the best thing is when I can recreate an idea of another person. This is very gratifying for me. To be able to convey an idea with my photographer and inspire people.
I grew up loving and studying art. I was inspired by artists like Picasso, Raphael, Goya, Matisse, Monet and many others. These artists have left a mark on my life and I want to do the same with my art. If I can inspire just one person in the world, it’s worth it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.valentinasocci.com
- Instagram: @valentinasocci
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-socci-a9001726/
Image Credits
Valentina Socci