Dedication isn't measured by talent. It's measured by what you're willing to sacrifice. A personal story about waiting for the perfect moment and discovering the difference between being involved and being truly committed.

Photographers often ask me what it takes to “make it” in the art world. While photographing the Casa del Portuale in Naples, I had time to reflect on my own path. Over those few days, as I stood in front of the building, messages from fellow photographers kept coming in with the same question. Here’s a brief summary of my thoughts—shaped only by my own experience and lot of talks with other photographers.

What actually defines being an artist?

Is it knowing how to paint? To write poems? To use a camera?

Today, it seems almost enough to do something creative in your free time and the title follows. “Artist” has become something we give ourselves.

I have many boxes of Polaroid 803 and 804 film, expired for almost twenty years now. The chemicals in the pods have completely dried out, and I was tempted many times to throw them all away—but somehow, I never did. And now I’m very glad about that.

The true role of the muse in art—from Rodin to Modigliani. Discover how love, emotion, and collaboration shape timeless photographic portraiture