Beauty And Chaos Go Hand In Hand
This World Photography Day we are thrilled to celebrate our photographer Cecilia Volpi. Read on to discover more about Cecilia's quiet creativity and evolving relationship with photography.
At the age of eleven I was gifted a small compact Lumix Camera for Christmas; it was pocket sized, lightweight and just sturdy enough to endure the heavy handling of an enthusiastic girl on the cusp of adolescence. I quickly made it my own, decorating it with stickers and painting its cover (which I would come to regret some years later). I was eager to capture the world around me.
The first photographs were crude, the harsh frontal flash casting an otherworldly glare upon the faces of my subjects, made them appear strange and unnatural, but undeterred, I persevered. Despite the flaws, my excitement was insatiable. It felt as though owning my own camera had given me a new perspective—a fresh lens through which to view the world.
As I grew older and spent more time behind the lens, photography evolved into a natural extension of how I perceive everything around me. Using a camera then opened up an additional layer of awareness, allowing me to see beyond the obvious to capture those subtle nuances in light and shadow. I love to play with shadows because they create so much depth and feeling. With time and confidence I was more experimental and adventurous until photography started to feel intuitive.
My connection with photography certainly didn’t evolve overnight. It developed gradually, over years as I experimented and made mistakes. The camera became an instrument through which I could translate my thoughts and feelings into images. I found myself relying on this visual language to express what words couldn’t, using photography not just to record what I saw, but to convey how I experienced it. For a young girl, eager to explore beyond the limits of how adults perceived and described the world, photography afforded me so much freedom and pleasure. 
Later in life, my relationship with photography changed as it evolved from a playful exploration into the necessary and demanding creative career it is now. As I honed my skill, what was once a source of joy and freedom began to carry the weight of expectations and challenges. I think most people in the creative industry would agree that the highs are always exhilarating, but navigating the unpredictable nature of the work brings the inevitable lows and frustrations - something akin to a roller coaster ride.
I am gradually coming to terms with the unstable nature of this lifestyle. Periods of euphoric excitement and abundance are often followed by stretches of loneliness and scarcity. Pursuing a creative profession requires both perseverance and the ability to navigate self-doubt. Yet, this journey has offered me valuable lessons that extend beyond my work. I have learned that beauty and chaos frequently go hand in hand, and learning to let go of control and embrace uncertainty will always to be be a struggle to wrestle with.
I think my relationship with photography will always be in a state of flux. Initially, I saw it as a tool to validate my vision and assert my individuality during a rebellious and turbulent phase of my life, when I was eager to break boundaries and define myself. Now, as a creative freelancer, my approach has shifted toward co-creation, compromise, and dialogue. I work to give voice to others' visions, focusing on building rather than dismantling.
What captivates me most about this journey is the ongoing learning curve. The way I understand and engage with photography continues to evolve, much like the medium itself and society’s approach to it. This evolution both excites and unnerves me, but I am convinced of the importance of experimentation. Regardless of the task, I strive to leave room for innovation and change, knowing that without risk, there can be no discovery or growth. Photography has connected me with others and has become my favorite language—a private world where I can retreat for comfort. For this, I am deeply grateful.
If I had chance to offer just one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be this: don't paint the camera.
Words @ceciliaavolpi_ph
Imagery @ceciliaavolpi_ph