Born and raised in Sicily, the island of contrast, photographer Valeria Pitarresi is known for her documentary style images. Accepting only a limited number of weddings per year, Valeria gives an exclusive experience to her clients. Shooting between her homes in Sicily and Andalusia, Valeria also travels to capture weddings worldwide. We recently asked Valeria Pitarresi to share more about her work and life with us.
Tell us about your business!
I built my business from zero. Coming from a pHd in Law, I struggled a lot with family and friends opinions, people's judgement and a market full of very good professionals. I protect myself from external influences and trends and I embrace candid wedding photography, where images can last forever. I want my couples to perceive my work as a cashmere sweater in their closet: timeless.
Arriving where I am now makes me very proud of my business, I consider it to be my baby.
What would you like couples to know about you and your business?
I like to take care of my couples (and my beloved ones) so this is why I chose to do just a few weddings every year. I put the connection I have with my couples first and I like for my clients to trust me and my work - this is how I can totally express my creativity and my couples have the best of me.
How would you describe your style?
This is such a difficult question. I think that I tend to create images which are sensitive, intimate and somewhat melancholic. People often tell me that my style is also elegant and poetic.
On the other hand, I like to transmit the truth in every moment and this is why I only delicately edit the images - I don’t like to distort the colours and the lighting.
What motivates you to do what you do?
I consider myself very lucky because I can do my dream work: being a wedding photographer is my motivation itself. I love to give couples the memories of one of the most important day of their life, I love to think that they will see those images again and again and thanks to those images are able to relive those moments and the emotions they felt.
I love to take part in such happy and emotional moments; be surrounded by beauty; connect with people and the love they bring - I feel really lucky.
What inspires you?
I am definitely inspired by emotions, shapes in nature (like flowers, trees, birds flights…), architecture, city life. What I love most is what inspires me.
What is your ideal work destination?
Sicily, my beloved birthplace is my favorite however, my second home Spain, Portugal and France are also loved. New York would be a dream.
Who is your dream client?
My dream client is a sensitive person, careful and kind. It’s a person who is open to diversity, who loves peace around them. They are a dreamer, visionary, a lover of flowers, a cosy atmosphere and someone who puts quality over quantity.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
My main advice is be yourself, just listen to yourselves, your tastes, your desires, your values. It’s only one day in life, chose your dream vendors and don’t allow any person (like family and their “old” beliefs) to decide for you. Take care of yourselves and trust in each other and your vendors during all the process - and everything will turn out to be amazing and your day will be a reflection of yourselves and your love.
@valeriapitarresiphotography