Note: This interview is part of the Fired & Inspired series. All credit: Felien Geldhof & Maria Lauriola. Photo credit: Maria Lauriola
Moments that tell a story
Welcome to Fired & Inspired. A series of interviews with passionate creatives from different fields. We talk about the spark that started it all, the fire that motivates them.
In this interview, I asked one of my closest friends, Maria Lauriola, some questions regarding five creative topics. She lives in Italy and is a photographer & drawing artist. She experiences the world a little differently. Born deaf, she navigates between silence and sound, instinct and attention. Through photography, she captures everyday moments, quietly, intuitively, and with a deep sensitivity for what often goes unnoticed.
Anna, if you had to introduce yourself to a group of people you didn’t know, what would you tell them about yourself?
I’m a sensitive and spontaneous person, passionate about photography. I love spending time with friends, going for walks, and chatting over a drink or talking to my friends from other countries on WhatsApp. In my free time, I mostly dedicate myself to taking photos, drawing, reading, and watching films. I was born deaf but I speak Italian normally, but my accent is a bit unique, so people often think I’m a foreigner. I use sign language when I’m with deaf people, and I speak when I’m with hearing people. I love the English language, but unfortunately, I can’t speak it because I rely on lip-reading. English is difficult for me, so I only understand my mother tongue, Italian. However, I can read and write in English, and I enjoy reading English books and watching films with subtitles.
Authentic beauty
What first drew you to photography, and what keeps you coming back to it?
I started taking photos because I love capturing everyday moments. What I love most is that each photo can freeze a memory or a feeling that might otherwise be forgotten. When I take a photo, I feel as if the world slows down. Everything around me fades, and only the moment I want to capture remains. It’s a mix of focus and wonder; every detail becomes important, and every light, color, or shape tells a story.
I’m drawn to authentic beauty, not perfection, but emotion: a genuine smile, a quiet moment, a dance of shadows, or a striking contrast. I want my photography to tell a story that words alone could never express. I would also describe my style as casual, spontaneous, and sensitive.
This is one of my favorite photos because I love the atmosphere of the place and its colors. Every detail going from the white houses to the stone roofs and the warm tones of the light. It creates a unique environment that makes me feel calm and inspired. Every time I look at it, it gives me a sense of harmony and wonder.
Each photo can freeze a memory or a feeling that might otherwise be forgotten.
Maria Lauriola
Spontaneity
When you walk through a city with your camera, what do you notice first?
When I walk through a city with my camera, the first thing I notice is the details; light, shadows, shapes and moments that tell the story of street life.
I don’t really plan my images. They happen spontaneously. I shoot instinctively, following what feels right in the moment. My biggest photography challenge is capturing everyday life.
I love this photo because when I look at it, it feels like I’m there. The silence of the sea, the old houses, the road leading down to the coast — it gives me a feeling of calm and nostalgia.
Desire to improve
What keeps you motivated to continue, especially when things feel difficult?
What motivates me the most is knowing that every small step I take brings me closer to my goals. Even when things are difficult, I keep growing and learning. The desire to constantly improve drives me to learn, grow, and evolve.
What I love about this photo is that the fountain and the buildings together create a captivating image. The elegant architecture and the movement of the water blend perfectly, creating a unique atmosphere full of character.
The desire to improve drives me to learn, grow & evolve
Maria Lauriola
Confidence
A lot of creative work asks for confidence and vulnerability. Where do those meet for you?
I believe confidence and creativity meet when we stop judging ourselves and let ideas flow freely, even if they’re imperfect. True creativity comes from the courage to be vulnerable.
This is one of my favorite photos because I feel truly connected to nature here; the colors, the lake, the calm atmosphere. It gives me a beautiful feeling.
What’s next
Looking back, what have you had to unlearn and what are you curious about next?
I used to procrastinate out of fear of making mistakes, but I’ve learned that facing challenges is the best way to grow. I’ve learned again and again that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. I don’t know exactly what’s next yet, but my next step is to grow and turn ideas into reality. If there were no limits, I’d love to create something that brings people together and leaves a positive mark on the world. If one day I could give a masterclass, it would be about curiosity; how to stay curious and keep learning, no matter what.
I love the splendid colors in this photo and it feels like a perfect composition. The street leading to the church, the flowers on the balconies, and the light create a truly unique atmosphere.
Creative living is expressing yourself freely and without fear.
Maria Lauriola
Some extra Maria facts
I feel most alive when… I’m free of stress and anxiety and I’m laughing and everyone around me is too.
How do you take care of yourself? I try to take care of myself by doing things that make me happy and by not stressing too much.
One thing I’ve learned again and again…. that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
A quote or phrase that sticks with you? “If you wait, people will forget your camera, and the soul will drift up into view.” – Steve McCurry
Portraits or buildings? Both, but though I’m more into buildings than portraits.
I’m still figuring out… my anxiety.
In your own words: Creative living is… expressing yourself freely and without fear.
You can find Maria Lauriola at:
Instagram: Annezen or Maryzen Photography
Felien’s social media platforms are:
Instagram: feliengeldhof
Pinterest: lontenco
Website: Lont & Co
Credit photos in this article: Maria Lauriola.