Meet Sofia Riccio | Cinematographer

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

Hi Sofia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up, I was very shy and introverted. Talking to people and communicating verbally wasn’t something that I felt comfortable doing. In 24 years I’ve come pretty far out of my shell but those shy tendencies are still part of who I am. As a cinematographer, the job is fifty percent verbal and fifty percent visual. You’re given the opportunity to talk with many different people and are then given the sollace of being behind the camera and creating a visual space for the cast and crew and audience to fully immerse in the world of the film.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art is integrated in real life, it is in the everyday moments, the mundane and the difficult moments. My work focuses on the natural beauty of struggle and the ways in which humans are able to cope with and overcome the hard parts of life. As a human being, I have always been observant, I prefer to listen rather than speak. Early on in my filmmaking career, I found myself caught up in the environment of the set, not always paying attention to my surroundings, missing moments that matter the most.

Over the past year I’ve worked really hard to go back to my roots of observation and being in tune with my surroundings in order to find the small moments that are often missed. I am very proud of the gounded mindset that I’ve found through this practice, and the improvement that I’ve found in my own work because of it.

It wasn’t an easy road to find that state of tranquility. I got a concussion on set and was forced to follow “brain rest” for several weeks, no stress, no overthinking or phones or distractions. I was forced to sit in the present and just observe. It was really a reset for my entire mind and body and it allowed me to create that mindset of being present and really taking in my surroundings and what they might have to offer that other people don’t necessarily see.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My first place to take anyone is always the beach, I’d say my favorite is Treasure Island Beach in Dana Point. The water is so beautiful there. For food, I love Blue Plate Taco in Santa Monica, plus you can’t beat the ambiance of practically being on the beach. Another thing that I love to do is drive along the coast so Malibu and that area would definitely be on my list, and probably stopping at different beaches along the way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends, my community, deserve a world of thanks because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Being an artist isn’t always the easiest for the artist or the artistis support system. It’s a demanding job that can be difficult to understand for those who aren’t in that world. It’s with the support, laughter, advice, and love from those within my circle that push me to be the best human and the best artist that I can every single day.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_sofiariccio_/

Image Credits
Ally Cypress
Elijah Moss