WHO?
My name is Francesca Chiacchio, I was born in Naples, Italy, where I graduated with a degree in Architecture. I then moved to New York City, where I lived for almost ten years while working as an architect. After becoming an American citizen, I moved back to Naples where I kept working in architectural and design fields. However, thanks to my passion for photography, in 2019 I decided to change my career and to become an art and photography teacher.
WHAT?
Because of my architectural studies, I started shooting while still at University. Therefore, my first approach was architectural and urban photography. After graduating I took a photography class where I learned a bit about composition, but I was still interested more in buildings than in people. Around 2015 I became attracted to people on the street, and since then I’ve never tired of shooting them. I particularly love catching how people interact with each other and I really love to investigate human psyche. When I look at my pictures though, I often find my architectural background in them. I am still very much drawn by lines and shadows, and I often frame people in their surroundings.
WHERE?
Before COVID I used to travel a lot in order to take pictures. Now I am still a bit reluctant to travel abroad ,but I am lucky enough to live in a beautiful country with so many beautiful places to visit. I don’t like much shooting in my city, maybe because I miss the surprise I find in exploring new places. I love shooting in New York City, my second home, and I also love shooting in London, which I used to visit a lot. I usually prefer big cities, because I feel more invisible and therefore more confident.
WHEN?
I have always had a steady job which didn’t allow me much spare time. And since I don’t shoot much in Naples, I usually travel during weekends or holidays. I love shooting festivals and events because people are there to be seen and they enjoy being photographed. I always try to take pictures while people are not paying attention to me.
WHY?
I believe photography is an addiction, once you start shooting it’s very difficult to quit. I love the feeling of loosing my contact with reality while I am behind the camera. I totally forget who I am and all the issues of everyday life. Plus, I like challenges and with photography you challenge yourself all the time.
When I go shooting I can’t wait to go back home and look at the pictures. There is always something that surprises me—details that I didn’t even notice when I took the picture. That’s also what I find really exciting about street photography.
