Violeta Sofia: Forming Connections and Promoting Change Through Photography
In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson, founder of SheClicks, sits down with Violeta Sofia, a talented portrait photographer and artist whose work has been featured in prominent publications like Vogue, Elle, and The Telegraph. Violeta’s photography delves into deep themes of identity, race, and representation, making her a key voice in visual storytelling. In this episode, Violeta shares her journey into the world of photography, which began with childhood outings with her father and evolved into a passion for portraiture. Her father's influence and her early experiences in Spain played pivotal roles in shaping her path.
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Violeta’s love for portrait photography stems from her desire to connect with people and observe them closely. Despite early doubts and societal pressures, particularly in her early years in Spain, Violeta pursued her artistic ambitions after moving to London at 16. Overcoming her fears, she chose photography as her medium of expression and hasn't looked back since. Her breakthrough moment came when her work was exhibited at the prestigious Royal Academy of Art, which propelled her career forward and opened doors to collaborations with agencies and magazines.
Throughout the conversation, Violeta discusses the importance of networking and forming meaningful connections. She highlights how building relationships rather than just chasing job opportunities has led to larger projects and lasting professional partnerships. A key moment in her career came from an encounter at the Cannes Film Festival, which resulted in a long-term collaboration with Deadline Magazine.
Violeta’s work is not just about creating beautiful images; it’s about using her photography to advocate for social change. She is passionate about projects that challenge perceptions and raise awareness, particularly around issues like representation and domestic violence. Her collaboration with Sister Space, a project aimed at changing the law around domestic violence for women of colour, is a powerful example of how her work blends artistry with activism.
As one of the winners of the 70:15:40 Project, an initiative from MPB designed to support female photographers and address gender disparity in visual storytelling, Violeta continues to push boundaries with her current project, which explores her ancestry and African heritage. Her photography, inspired by Old Masters, takes on a deeply personal and cultural dimension as she reflects on identity and family traditions.
This episode offers listeners an inspiring look into Violeta’s artistic process, her approach to blending commercial work with personal projects, and her determination to use her platform to drive positive change.
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MPB
This podcast is supported by MPB, the world's largest platform for used photography and videography kit. MPB has transformed the way people buy, sell and trade equipment, making photography more accessible, affordable and sustainable. MPB is proud to partner with SheClicks to help support women photographers and their work.
