We had the good fortune of connecting with Riccardo Piazza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Riccardo, what inspires you?
I think being inspired by people in photography is a testament to the captivating power of human expression and storytelling through imagery. Photographers have a unique ability to capture the essence of individuals, their emotions, and their stories, immortalizing them in a single frame.

One of the most compelling aspects of photography is its capacity to evoke emotion and empathy. Through the lens, photographers can convey the joys, struggles, and complexities of human existence, fostering a deep connection between the subject and the viewer. Whether it’s a portrait revealing the vulnerability of a person’s soul or a candid street photograph encapsulating a fleeting moment of human interaction, each image has the potential to stir something within us.

In essence, I’m really inspired by people. I think is about celebrating the beauty, diversity, and resilience of the human spirit. It’s about using the power of imagery to shine a light on the myriad stories and experiences that make up our collective human experience, fostering empathy, understanding, and connection in the process.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe my dedication to storytelling sets me apart from others in the field. Additionally, I’ve observed that every year and experience, day by day, enhances my photography skills. From the smallest encounters to the most significant, each one contributes to improvement.

I’ve reached where I am today because I’ve always been driven by my vision. I knew where I wanted to go and what I needed to do to achieve my dreams and I feel lucky for this. Despite facing challenges, including moving to the US and working various different jobs, I persevered. Although I encountered failures along the way, I’m proud to say that I consistently found ways to make things happen. Believing in myself has been the greatest source of energy in my life.

Today, I would say that the lessons I’ve learned are very significant for the future. Having reached my goals in life so far has given me a mindset that everything I want to accomplish in life is possible. I’m constantly setting new goals and thinking about how to improve every aspect of my life. I believe in the right amount of assertiveness to achieve them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend lives in Italy, so I would take him into the city and let him experience New York like a local. Of course, I would start by showing him the most famous and touristy attractions. However, after that, I would give him the opportunity to enjoy a typical day in New York with some of my closest friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, I’d love to give a shoutout to all the incredible photographers, friends, and family who have supported and encouraged me throughout my journey. Their guidance, wisdom, and unwavering belief in my potential have been instrumental in shaping who I am today.

In particular, I want to dedicate a special shoutout to Raoul Beltrame. His mentorship, help have been pivotal in my personal and professional growth. I also want to acknowledge the countless authors, artists, and thinkers whose work has inspired and influenced me. Their creativity, passion, and dedication have ignited my own sense of curiosity and drive, pushing me to constantly strive for excellence in everything I do.

In essence, my journey has been shaped by the collective efforts, support, and encouragement of so many wonderful individuals and groups. I am truly grateful for their contributions to my story and the role they have played in helping me reach where I am today.

Website: www.riccardopiazza.com

Instagram: riccardo__piazza

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