Interview with Valentina Benigni for Dancing emotions at flamenco rhythm

I am self-taught, having learned primarily through experimenting with the camera and exploring its possibilities. Additionally, I gained valuable insights by reading books and attending workshops with renowned photographers, which helped me discover new perspectives and develop my own photographic style and language.

I don't recall my first photograph, but I remember why I started: I was drawn to the idea of capturing fleeting moments and spontaneous emotions that could last forever.

Over time, photography also became a means of expressing my own emotions, using creativity in each shot. Elements like framing, long exposure, black-and-white contrast, and geometry all became tools to convey more than just a static image—they became ways to tell a story.

I've always been a Canon user, appreciating both its logic and quality. Currently, I shoot with the Canon R6, paired with several R-series lenses. My favorite? The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM—it's an absolute gem!

I always feel a deep emotion when I see people moved by my photographs, often with tears in their eyes. Strangers have thanked me because my photography evoked powerful emotions and touched something deeply personal within them.

My photographic approach evolves from the literal meaning of "photography"—writing with light—into "painting with light." I strive to capture movement and bring photographs to life, conveying more than just a static image of a dancer on stage. I want viewers to feel as if they’ve witnessed the performance themselves—to hear the music, see the steps, and feel the emotion.

This artistic approach, combining dance and photography, seeks to help people connect with their own emotions, embrace their vulnerability, and live authentically. I view vulnerability not as a weakness, but as a strength, a vital tool for staying true to oneself and leading a fulfilling life.

Emotion, intensity, movement. Or simply put, "Emotion in motion."

I am drawn to movement as a symbol of change, life’s unpredictability, evolution, the need to adapt, and the quest for balance. I cherish light as a source of energy, hope, strength, passion, faith, and inspiration, but I also value shadow for the contrast, intensity, depth, and comparison it brings. I am captivated by genuine emotions, spontaneous moments, and intense instants.

This is my first time participating in such a prestigious international competition, and winning in 10 categories is an unbelievable and unexpected joy! I am deeply honored to receive these significant recognitions—they motivate me to keep pushing forward, giving me even more strength and energy to believe in my work and passion.

This is the fourth time this photo series has been recognized in international photography awards, and it's an incredible honor filled with so much emotion! Thank you so much!

This series is part of a larger project featuring limited edition fine art photographs captured during live flamenco performances in France and Spain since 2020. The goal is to depict the universal language of emotions through flamenco, creating a dance between light and feeling.

Dance serves as a powerful medium for channeling and expressing emotions, capable of conveying them unfiltered to even those unfamiliar with the art form. This artistic approach, combining dance and photography, seeks to help people recognize their emotions, embrace their vulnerability, and live authentically without barriers. Vulnerability is viewed not as a weakness but as a strength, essential for staying connected to oneself and leading a fulfilling life.

Flamenco, a traditional dance recognized on the World Heritage List, originated in popular culture and thrives on improvisation—the spontaneous expression of emotions with intensity, authenticity, and courage. It embraces vulnerability, using it as the primary means of expressing one's feelings. In a world that often encourages us to hide behind masks, filter our emotions, and conform, this project aims to help us reconnect with ourselves, confront our emotions directly, and transform our vulnerability into a source of strength.

Although I haven't yet seen the full benefits of these awards, they have certainly boosted my recognition and credibility, adding significant value to my photographs. I'm hopeful that these honors will open new doors and bring even greater opportunities in the future.

Vivian Maier, Letizia Battaglia, Sabine Weiss—three women with distinct approaches, yet all share a spontaneity, a powerful storytelling ability, and an intense, mysterious emotion that captivates the viewer and invites them to journey through their imagination.

A few years ago, I was fortunate and honored to attend a workshop with an incredibly inspiring photographer. Despite having taken photos for many years, I had never shared them with anyone. In this workshop, sharing was mandatory, and it made me nervous.

The photographer told me, "There is something remarkable in your perspective, but you're still held back by fear of others' opinions, believing you need to conform to be accepted. Trust your instincts and follow them—your uniqueness is just waiting for you to give it permission to flourish."

I would advise them to stay passionate and keep believing in themselves. I’d encourage them to listen to others, but ultimately trust their own instincts and do what feels right, because this is a challenging, complex profession filled with obstacles, and the driving force that will keep them going is their passion.

My passion for photography and a positive outlook on life are what fuel me every day. Though there are setbacks, disappointments, fatigue, and challenges along the way, I believe the key is to always remember why I began and to approach every experience, whether good or bad, with gratitude as an opportunity to learn and grow.

I subscribe to numerous newsletters and regularly search for news online to stay as informed as possible. This approach allows me to continuously learn and discover opportunities I might not have considered before.

I’m incredibly grateful to the judges for awarding me these 10 honors! Thank you for your sensitivity and for fueling my future projects with even more energy!