Valentina Parente
This week we put the questions to Long Exposure & Abstract photographer Valentina Parente.
What got you into photography?
My journey with photography started when I was a child, curiously watching my parents take pictures during our holidays with their film cameras and even trying them. Becoming a teenager, I started taking pictures with digital cameras (lately, I have begun to use film cameras again). I have consistently been creative and fond of the outdoors, and photography ideally harmonised these two aspects of my character.
How long have you been shooting for?
For about 20 years, I began as a teenager taking photos of nearly everything around me, later developing a passion for travel and reportage photography, and ultimately in 2018, I discovered my favourite genre in landscape photography, particularly utilising long exposure techniques.
What do you most like to shoot?
Currently, my photography focuses primarily on long exposures, incorporating abstract elements and details, but pretty much always featuring one central subject: the sea. I believe everyone has a special place where can feel at home and where our souls rest, for me that’s a rough seascape with wind in my hair and the silence interrupted only by the sound of the waves.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
It's important to enjoy the moment while taking photos. Sharing my work on social media and maintaining my social media image is a significant aspect of being a landscape photographer, which can be exhausting and detracting from my work. There are moments when I feel the urge to stop worrying about sharing my insights, thinking about articles to write, or taking backstage photos and just enjoy the photography practice itself.
What’s the hardest part of working as a photographer (if any)?
I would say finding the time for your own projects, I always tell myself I should update my website with more sections, photos or new articles but I really have so little time for that, that I am postponing it over and over!
If money was no object, what would your dream camera be or are you happy with what you have?
I am actually very happy with my current camera, a Nikon D850, which I use with a couple of Zeiss manual prime lenses. I also have accumulated a small collection of film cameras over the years that I enjoy using occasionally to create analogic prints in my darkroom. My current favourite is a Zeiss Super Ikonta from the 1930’s.
Do you have any photography inspirations and who are they?
Early photographers such as Ansel Adams or Julia Margaret Cameron have always inspired me as a fan of analog photography and vintage cameras. As for more recent times I love the work of Beth Moon and Rachael Talibart.
Is there anywhere or anything that you haven’t photographed but you'd love to and why?
Traveling has always been my passion and my list of places to visit is pretty extensive! If I only have to choose one place to photograph, I would say New Zealand for the great variety of beautiful landscapes. However, I would also love to go back to Indonesia someday to photograph the places I missed the first time.
What advice would you give to a photographer regardless of gender just starting out?
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experiment until you find your unique style. While taking inspiration from others, always strive to find your unique style that makes you stand out from everyone else.
What’s the one question you wish I’d asked you and how would you have answered?
Q. What’s the place that inspired you the most?
As weird as it may sound, being mostly a seascape photographer, that place is the Nepali Himalaya. I’ve visited in 2018 and thinking about a second visit ever since, as its beauty is both awe inspiring and humbling.
To find out more about Valentina and her work please visit the links below