Je Suis Silvia Sala
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Instagram: Silvia Sala Photography
Website: https://silviasalaphotography.com/
Silvia Sala is a photographer based in Venice, Italy, a city renowned for its picturesque canals and romantic ambiance. Her work focuses on capturing unique, candid moments of couples, often set against the iconic backdrop of Venice’s waterways and historic architecture. Each photograph conveys a distinct narrative, distinguished by her use of diverse color palettes. During a recent visit to Venice, our team had the opportunity to discuss with Silvia her artistic approach and dedication to her craft.
Where were you born? I was born in Bergamo, a very beautiful town not far from Milan, Italy.
Where do you reside now? Since 2011, I’ve been living in Venice.
Who or what sparked your interest in photography? I’ve loved photography since I was a child. Around 2001–2002 my dad bought a digital camera, back then they were new, expensive, and not even that great in quality. I still remember being so proud of a simple photo I took of a bee on a flower on my balcony. I loved the idea of capturing beauty and freezing time. As I grew older, especially around 14–15 years old, that passion only grew stronger. I photographed everything: my friends, nature, little everyday details. Everything felt worth preserving, because life is beautiful and the only way we have to freeze time is through photography (and sometimes writing, which is another passion of mine).
Can you recall the first photograph you ever took that made you think, "This is what I want to do"?
There isn’t one single photo, but I always felt this was what I wanted. When I was in elementary school, our teacher took us to visit a local photographer, who showed us how light changes a portrait. I was only 8 or 9, but I instantly fell in love with it and started saying I wanted to become a photographer when I grew up.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when you were starting out, and how did you overcome it?
The hardest part was my own mindset. I grew up believing it was “impossible” to become a photographer: too competitive, too unstable financially, too many risks. But the pull was too strong. I started while keeping a side job, and once I realized I could actually make a living from it, I went all in. Best choice I ever made. Over time I’ve learned that growth never stops, I keep working on both my photography skills and my business and marketing strategies.
What is your philosophy on post-processing and editing?How much of the magic happens in-camera versus on the computer?
Editing is half of the process. Every photographer has their own style, and the way you edit changes everything, warm or cold tones, moody with shadows, or bright and airy. Of course, you need to master your camera and light first, but editing is essential. Unless you’re shooting film and leaving it all to the lab, digital photography isn’t complete without thoughtful post-processing.
How has the evolution of technology (AI) impacted your artistic process over your career?
As a portrait and elopement photographer, I don’t think AI will ever replace what I do. Who would want AI-generated photos of themselves in a place they’ve never been, or of their actual wedding? That said, AI is useful for small improvements, like removing unwanted people or distractions from the background, reducing noise, or rescuing a shot in poor lighting. I never manipulate my photos too much because I want them to feel real but AI can help polish without taking away authenticity.
What advice would you give today to your younger self when you were first picking up a camera?
Keep going! Keep exploring, bring your camera everywhere, and don’t worry too much about the result. Dare more, experiment more, and don’t get stuck in perfectionism. (That’s still advice I give myself even today!)
What makes a photograph "great" instead of just "good"?
Sometimes it’s luck: the perfect light, a fleeting shadow, a spontaneous moment. But most of all in my opinion a great photo tells a story. You should be able to feel the emotion of the people or the spirit of the place portrayed. It has to communicate something deeper. That’s why I’m more drawn to storytelling than to overly posed editorial images.
What is the one question you wish interviewers would ask you, but they never do?
"If you weren’t a photographer, what path do you think you would have followed?" I actually think about this quite often, because photography has always felt like my true vocation. I became so focused on it that I never really allowed myself to imagine another path. I studied languages in high school and university, so I guess that could have opened different doors. It’s difficult for me to picture a life without photography, but I’m sure I would still be freelancing, I’m definitely not made for a traditional 9-to-5 job. Most likely I’d be doing something like a little B&B with unique experiences for guests or even a creative space or coworking studio where people can connect and share ideas.
Je Suis Danyellah Polnareff
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Occupation: Artist and Photographer
Instagram: @danyellah_photography
Where were you born?
Born in Ivory Coast, west Africa to a black mother and a white (French) father. I moved to Paris at 4 years old and attended the best schools in Paris. I was raised with both cultures, I speak my mom’s dialect but have a very French education.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I am obsessed with Plastic Art and can’t stop using my creativity and imagination. I have a vital need to create.
Where do you live now?
I live in Palm Springs, CA. To me, Palm Springs is a vortex of health and wellbeing where artists can freely express themselves. I could not have chosen a better place, this element is my second skin… even with 120F in the summer!
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I intend to shape your vision no matter where you come from in life.
Why do you do what you do?
Feelings! I need to put my art into form to translate my vision. My work is my way of transcending to another level of communication. If I can create an emotion in the person who looks at my art, I feel content; I had achieved my goal. It’s is almost like a therapy for the both of us, a deep connection is born.
What inspires you?
When I was younger I was obsessed with the French Impressionism movement. I was astonished by the use of the light and the shadow. The structure of the composition, how the artist could lead your eye to the light, or one particular side of the painting. I kept asking myself how could a human eye be able to analyze this duality and make it alive on a canvas. In a way photography is about the balance between the power of the light and depth of the shadow. When I discovered I had a talent for photography I realized I was simply expressing my inner self. My duality, my mixed ethnicity is what defines me. Today my photography is my identity.
Describe your personal style
I am a “clastidy” girl. Yes, I made it up? Lol… Well I am classy and trendy at the same time. Femininity is my way to go! No matter what day of the week. Call me crazy but I still wear high heels to go to the cleaner like a real Parisian.
Your ultimate must-have
A men’s white shirt, oversized please, Aubade lingerie paired with leather pumps.
What superpower would you have and why?
Heal people’s soul with Love. Because once you reach the energy of Love you reach the ultimate level of abundance.
What is next for you?
“My mama always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.'”-Forrest
Je Suis Yuliya Naganova
The only instrument I use for creating my unusual emotional photographs is my smartphone
Where were you born?
I was born in sunny Tashkent and spent 15 years of my life there. Cold, windy and absolutely gorgeous Saint-Petersburg became my second home city for the next 12 years. In 2011 I moved to London and fell in love with this city! But sometimes life's plans are not like ours and I had to leave UK after 4 years and moved to USA in 2015
Where do you live now?
California
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
The only instrument I use for creating my unusual emotional photographs is my smartphone
Why do you do what you do?
There should be people who bring beauty in our world. I'm one of them:) Fine Art Photography for me is an amazing method of self-expression and sharing the rich world of emotions with the viewers.
What inspires you?
Flowers, beautiful lines and textures. Besides of that, I find inspiration in women’s portraits, soft and cozy daylight, interesting shapes, shades and pleasing music.
Describe your personal style?
Unusual, elegant, emotional, evoking thoughts, inspiring, touching
Your ultimate must-have.
My smartphone
What superpower would you have and why?
To be able to take pictures with my eyes:)
What is next for you?
To continue to follow my passion
Je Suis Michael O'Neal
My history with art direction and design have greatly influenced my photographic style.
Occupation: Photographer & Creative Director Instagram: @moneal Where were you born? Staten Island, New York. Where do you live today? I currently live in San Francisco with my wonderful and photogenic Australian Shepherd, Preston instagram: @prestopups. There's definitely something about this city with it's dramatic natural beauty within reach. In one sentence what is unique about your work? I think my history with art direction and design have greatly influenced my photographic style.
Why do you do what you do? I feel that I have to. Also to hopefully show people some beauty and challenge them to get out and explore.
What inspires you? Natural and timeless beauty of the American west, wildlife, music, narrative, design.
Describe your personal style. As you can see in my picture, I stick to classic denim, five panel hats and Nikes!
Your ultimate must-have. My Canon EOS-1D X! It's heavy but you never know what you'll need to capture.
What superpower would you have and why? Time travel, there's just no other option.
What is next for you? I'm expanding MO Studio and building my team. It's pretty exciting and scary at the same time. I'm not thinking too much about long-term future, just trying to book clients and have some time for creativity along the way.
