Interviews
Carola Blondelli
Carola Blondelli, an Italian photographer and visual artist born in Rome in 1991, has embraced imagery as her primary language since childhood. After an early passion for painting, she found in photography the core of her creative journey. Her work explores intimate themes such as femininity, identity, and the empathetic relationship between photographer and subject. Her emotional state becomes both the material and the driving force of her narrative. Through a precise use of light and color, Blondelli creates powerful images, suspended between introspection and poetry, capable of revealing inner truths with striking visual and emotional depth.
You often speak about capturing an “intimate gaze” in your work, especially when photographing women. How would you describe the relationship between intimacy and visual discretion in your photography?
That’s a very interesting question. The line between intimacy and discretion is subtle. When I photograph, there’s often a synergy, a certain chemistry, a connection that, although confined to the moment of the shoot, feels genuine. Depending on the relationship that develops and the subject’s willingness to reveal their more intimate side, the outcome can vary greatly. That’s why I find it difficult to generalize. Instead, I’m fascinated by the idea that photographic intimacy emerges from the bond between photographer and subject — a delicate balance of respect, empathy, and openness.
You’ve mentioned that you prefer not to be noticed while shooting, to better capture natural movement. How does that invisibility shape the connection between you and your subject?
Yes, that’s true — I prefer my presence to be as unobtrusive as possible. I try to become almost invisible, allowing the subject to move freely, without feeling observed or judged. But this “invisibility” doesn’t imply detachment — quite the opposite. It’s a form of respect, a way of creating a safe space where the subject can express themselves authentically. The connection that forms in that quiet discretion is often deep, because it’s built on trust and a kind of silent attentiveness, even if never openly stated.
I’ve always felt that if I could capture the scent of jasmine, it would convey more melancholy than any memory ever could.
In your work, there’s a constant balance between what’s aesthetically beautiful and what feels emotionally true. How do you navigate that tension in your creative process?
To be honest… I don’t manage it — I chase it! It’s a constant tension that’s just part of the way I work: a kind of unstable balance between aesthetics and emotional truth that always slips slightly out of reach. But maybe that’s the beauty of it — never fully arriving, always hovering in that space where beauty and truth almost meet, but never completely overlap. It’s both frustrating and fascinating.
The female body plays a central role in your portfolio. What emotions or narratives are you hoping to evoke through this recurring presence?
My work is constantly evolving. For years, I focused on photographing the female body, and it gave me incredibly powerful emotions. I see it as intricate, nuanced, and perfect in its imperfection — a continuous source of inspiration, both fascinating and powerful. But today, in this new phase of my journey, I find myself increasingly drawn to the male body as well. I approach it with the same curiosity and desire to explore — new energies, new narratives, and new ways of seeing that I’m eager to bring into my work.
You also work across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle photography. How do you preserve your intimate, emotional signature even within more commercial projects?
Even in more commercial projects, I always strive to maintain a sincere and respectful approach toward my subjects. For me, intimacy isn’t just an aesthetic — it’s a way of building trust and listening, which then reflects in the images. Even when working with brands or in more structured settings, I try to preserve that spontaneity and emotional truth that make each shot unique. It’s definitely a challenge, but it’s also where I find the opportunity to bring my personal signature and stand out.
How does your urban environment—Rome, for example—influence the mood or context of your images? Do you draw inspiration from your surroundings or intentionally create contrast?
I believe inspiration is an almost unconscious process. Often, we don’t even realize how much we’re influenced by our surroundings, yet we inevitably become similar to them. I try to be very mindful of this and selectively focus on what truly inspires me. I deeply love Rome, and its presence inevitably influences my work. However, to be honest, I find myself much more drawn to non-urban environments, which offer a different kind of breath and new sensations.
Where does your creative process begin? With a subject, a mood, a light… or do you let spontaneous connections guide your vision?
My creative process stems from both an inner and outer search. First, I try to understand what story I want to tell — whether it’s a simple narrative or something more complex and layered. The light, the colors I choose, the expressions of my subjects are all part of this journey. But often, the first question I ask myself is: what do I want to say, and with what emotion? Sometimes I find a clear answer, other times it only reveals itself along the way, or maybe it never fully does.
You’re currently working on a photo book, with support from SelfSelf. What is the feeling or message you most want your audience to take away from this body of work?
Actually, the book has already been completed and, fortunately, sold. I didn’t expect such a success. It was a wonderful experience for me. The book became the realization of something I often tend to forget — the photographic journey I’m still on.
