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I am a Photography Graduate! The Opening Night of AUP Grad Show
Last night was the opening of Arts University Plymouth’s Graduates Summer Exhibition. The energy in the space was electric: a beautiful celebration of creativity, hard work, and the unique journeys of so many emerging artists. It was truly special to stand among them and share this moment with friends, family, and visitors.
One of the most rewarding parts of the evening was seeing people engage with my work. It’s always a little nerve-wracking putting your final project out into the world, but watching people pause, reflect, and ask questions reminded me why I love photography. I had so many thoughtful conversations about my practice, especially around the themes of my final major project.
My work explores the idea of la dolce vita, the sweet life, and whether this feeling is tied to a place or a culture (like the Italian lifestyle), or if it’s more of a mindset: a slow, grateful noticing of life’s small, beautiful moments.
To invite more interaction, I hung an A0 board beside my work with a simple but meaningful question: “What makes life beautiful?” It was incredible to watch people stop, reflect, and write their own responses. The range of answers was deeply personal and moving, from simple pleasures to profound reflections. Seeing the board slowly fill up over the course of the evening became a living extension of the work itself.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared their thoughts, and asked questions. Your engagement and openness added so much depth to the night, and to my experience as an artist.
If you couldn’t make it to the opening, the exhibition is still open until Thursday 26th June 2025. I’d love for you to come and see the work, and maybe even add your own answer to the board.
More soon,
Gaia
One of the most rewarding parts of the evening was seeing people engage with my work. It’s always a little nerve-wracking putting your final project out into the world, but watching people pause, reflect, and ask questions reminded me why I love photography. I had so many thoughtful conversations about my practice, especially around the themes of my final major project.
My work explores the idea of la dolce vita, the sweet life, and whether this feeling is tied to a place or a culture (like the Italian lifestyle), or if it’s more of a mindset: a slow, grateful noticing of life’s small, beautiful moments.
To invite more interaction, I hung an A0 board beside my work with a simple but meaningful question: “What makes life beautiful?” It was incredible to watch people stop, reflect, and write their own responses. The range of answers was deeply personal and moving, from simple pleasures to profound reflections. Seeing the board slowly fill up over the course of the evening became a living extension of the work itself.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared their thoughts, and asked questions. Your engagement and openness added so much depth to the night, and to my experience as an artist.
If you couldn’t make it to the opening, the exhibition is still open until Thursday 26th June 2025. I’d love for you to come and see the work, and maybe even add your own answer to the board.
More soon,
Gaia
Exhibiting as a Photographer:
From Paper to Presentation
From Paper to Presentation
Exhibiting your work is one of the most rewarding parts of being a photographer. It’s when your images leave the screen and enter the physical world, where texture, scale, paper choice, and presentation all start speaking for you. But showcasing your work is more than just printing and hanging. It’s a craft in itself, involving choices that directly impact how your photographs are seen, preserved, and remembered. Here’s what I gathered in the last weeks in preparation for the AUP Summer Grad Show to which I have participated myself, exhibiting my own work.
1) Printing Processes & Fine Art Papers. The choice of paper can dramatically alter the mood and perceived quality of your photograph. Today’s high-end inkjet printers paired with professional papers produce stunning archival results. I had two framed A2 prints being exhibited on white wall boards and for those I used Hahnemühle Bamboo Gloss Baryta paper. Made from 90% bamboo fibres, it’s a sustainable choice that pairs an eco-friendly base with the refined surface quality of a gloss baryta coating. The result is a beautiful balance: a soft, warm undertone from the bamboo, combined with the rich contrast, deep blacks, and detailed rendering you’d expect from a traditional darkroom-style baryta print. It’s ideal for photographers who want both environmental consciousness and striking visual impact in their exhibition prints. This is only an example, but choosing the right paper is like choosing a frame for your words: it should support your vision, not distract from it.
2) Mounting & Handling: The Small Details Matter. Proper mounting can elevate a print, or ruin it if done poorly. If you’re mounting your prints for exhibition, I recommend to use pH-neutral, white self-adhesive tape for a clean, museum-safe finish. Acid-free materials are key to protecting your print from yellowing or degradation over time. When handling your prints, always use white cotton gloves, especially when placing them into archival sleeves or portfolio boxes. Even clean fingers leave oils and micro-abrasions on fine papers. Educating your audience (and yourself) on this shows a level of professionalism and respect for the work you’ve created.
3) Portfolio Boxes: Essential, Not Optional. A well-made portfolio box doesn’t just store your prints, it elevates them. Whether you’re presenting to galleries, collectors, or laying out work at a review session, a rigid, archival-grade portfolio box offers protection from light, dust, and physical wear, professionalism in presentation, easy transport for larger fine art prints, some boxes even allow for print separation with interleaving tissue or archival sleeves, keeping each image pristine. If you want your work taken seriously, it should look like it deserves to be.
4) Choosing the Right Frames. Not all frames are created equal. Aluminium or solid wood frames are ideal for their durability and clean, professional look. Pair them with museum glass or anti-reflective acrylic (preferably with UV protection) to safeguard your prints while reducing glare. For matting, stick to acid-free white or off-white mats as they create breathing room around the image without distracting from it. Maintaining a consistent frame style throughout your exhibition helps create visual cohesion and keeps the viewer’s attention on the photography itself. And a final note: steer clear of glossy black plastic or narrow commercial mouldings, which tend to undermine even the most powerful images. I personally opted for white wooden frames to compromise look and costs, knowing I had the possibility of lighting them up with proper exhibition lighting.
Final Thought: Respect the Object. Photographic prints, especially in a gallery context, are physical objects. They deserve the same care and consideration as paintings or sculptures. From the moment you hit "print" to the time the work is hung on the wall (or handed to a collector), every step is part of the art.
1) Printing Processes & Fine Art Papers. The choice of paper can dramatically alter the mood and perceived quality of your photograph. Today’s high-end inkjet printers paired with professional papers produce stunning archival results. I had two framed A2 prints being exhibited on white wall boards and for those I used Hahnemühle Bamboo Gloss Baryta paper. Made from 90% bamboo fibres, it’s a sustainable choice that pairs an eco-friendly base with the refined surface quality of a gloss baryta coating. The result is a beautiful balance: a soft, warm undertone from the bamboo, combined with the rich contrast, deep blacks, and detailed rendering you’d expect from a traditional darkroom-style baryta print. It’s ideal for photographers who want both environmental consciousness and striking visual impact in their exhibition prints. This is only an example, but choosing the right paper is like choosing a frame for your words: it should support your vision, not distract from it.
2) Mounting & Handling: The Small Details Matter. Proper mounting can elevate a print, or ruin it if done poorly. If you’re mounting your prints for exhibition, I recommend to use pH-neutral, white self-adhesive tape for a clean, museum-safe finish. Acid-free materials are key to protecting your print from yellowing or degradation over time. When handling your prints, always use white cotton gloves, especially when placing them into archival sleeves or portfolio boxes. Even clean fingers leave oils and micro-abrasions on fine papers. Educating your audience (and yourself) on this shows a level of professionalism and respect for the work you’ve created.
3) Portfolio Boxes: Essential, Not Optional. A well-made portfolio box doesn’t just store your prints, it elevates them. Whether you’re presenting to galleries, collectors, or laying out work at a review session, a rigid, archival-grade portfolio box offers protection from light, dust, and physical wear, professionalism in presentation, easy transport for larger fine art prints, some boxes even allow for print separation with interleaving tissue or archival sleeves, keeping each image pristine. If you want your work taken seriously, it should look like it deserves to be.
4) Choosing the Right Frames. Not all frames are created equal. Aluminium or solid wood frames are ideal for their durability and clean, professional look. Pair them with museum glass or anti-reflective acrylic (preferably with UV protection) to safeguard your prints while reducing glare. For matting, stick to acid-free white or off-white mats as they create breathing room around the image without distracting from it. Maintaining a consistent frame style throughout your exhibition helps create visual cohesion and keeps the viewer’s attention on the photography itself. And a final note: steer clear of glossy black plastic or narrow commercial mouldings, which tend to undermine even the most powerful images. I personally opted for white wooden frames to compromise look and costs, knowing I had the possibility of lighting them up with proper exhibition lighting.
Final Thought: Respect the Object. Photographic prints, especially in a gallery context, are physical objects. They deserve the same care and consideration as paintings or sculptures. From the moment you hit "print" to the time the work is hung on the wall (or handed to a collector), every step is part of the art.
I Bought a Polaroid Just to Fly to Belgium,
Surprise my Family, and Capture the Reaction in an instant
Surprise my Family, and Capture the Reaction in an instant
Four flights.
Two on the way there, two on the way back.
All for just 36 hours with my family.
From Plymouth to Bristol, Milan to Brussels… then back again via Dublin and Bristol to Plymouth. Four flights in under three days, all for one reason: to surprise my visiting Italian family in Belgium. And in my rucksack, packed carefully between t-shirts and chargers: a Polaroid Now Gen 3 camera and one pack of i-Type colour film. This wasn’t just a visit. It was a mission, with the help of my Belgian family, to show up unannounced… and capture their reactions on camera, in an instant.
Why a Polaroid? Because Surprise Happens in a Flash. There’s something about surprises, they happen all at once. One second, everything is normal. Next, everything changes. That’s why I knew a Polaroid was the right camera for the job. A Polaroid doesn't wait. It doesn't let you fine-tune, retake, or polish. It gives you the moment, exactly as it is. A raw visual artifact of an emotion as it’s happening. And that’s what makes it beautiful. Some photographers often chase “the perfect shot.” But moments like this remind me: perfection isn’t always polished. It’s spontaneous, emotional, and messy. And sometimes, the best thing you can do with your camera is just be ready.
The Shot: All gathered on the sofa in the living room,clueless. No idea someone was about to walk through the door. As it creaked open, my Polaroid camera was already raised. My face behind the lens. Ready. My mum’s face froze in disbelief. My dad burst into one of his big, contagious laughs. My brother looked on, savouring their reactions. My nana turned to her sister, my Belgian aunt, immediately suspicious she’d been in on it all along. Click. Flash. Whirr. In a few seconds, the photo developed in my hand. The moment was already becoming a memory.
There’s something deeply rewarding about photographing people you love in their rawest, most unfiltered state. No posing. No warning. Just the moment surprise turns into joy. Just the realisation spreading across their faces: confusion, then recognition, then warmth. This trip reminded me why I fell in love with photography. It’s not just about documenting, but it’s about feeling the moment twice: once when you live it, and again when you see it frozen in time.
Two on the way there, two on the way back.
All for just 36 hours with my family.
From Plymouth to Bristol, Milan to Brussels… then back again via Dublin and Bristol to Plymouth. Four flights in under three days, all for one reason: to surprise my visiting Italian family in Belgium. And in my rucksack, packed carefully between t-shirts and chargers: a Polaroid Now Gen 3 camera and one pack of i-Type colour film. This wasn’t just a visit. It was a mission, with the help of my Belgian family, to show up unannounced… and capture their reactions on camera, in an instant.
Why a Polaroid? Because Surprise Happens in a Flash. There’s something about surprises, they happen all at once. One second, everything is normal. Next, everything changes. That’s why I knew a Polaroid was the right camera for the job. A Polaroid doesn't wait. It doesn't let you fine-tune, retake, or polish. It gives you the moment, exactly as it is. A raw visual artifact of an emotion as it’s happening. And that’s what makes it beautiful. Some photographers often chase “the perfect shot.” But moments like this remind me: perfection isn’t always polished. It’s spontaneous, emotional, and messy. And sometimes, the best thing you can do with your camera is just be ready.
The Shot: All gathered on the sofa in the living room,clueless. No idea someone was about to walk through the door. As it creaked open, my Polaroid camera was already raised. My face behind the lens. Ready. My mum’s face froze in disbelief. My dad burst into one of his big, contagious laughs. My brother looked on, savouring their reactions. My nana turned to her sister, my Belgian aunt, immediately suspicious she’d been in on it all along. Click. Flash. Whirr. In a few seconds, the photo developed in my hand. The moment was already becoming a memory.
There’s something deeply rewarding about photographing people you love in their rawest, most unfiltered state. No posing. No warning. Just the moment surprise turns into joy. Just the realisation spreading across their faces: confusion, then recognition, then warmth. This trip reminded me why I fell in love with photography. It’s not just about documenting, but it’s about feeling the moment twice: once when you live it, and again when you see it frozen in time.
Monday 26th May 2025
Tips for Keeping Your Vintage Analogue Lenses Clean, Dry, and Fungus-Free !
Lately, I picked up a beautiful Nikkor 55mm macro lens (shipped from Japan!) for my Nikon F3. That meant it was time to store my trusted Nikon 50mm prime lens properly and safely. I originally purchased it from Soper Photographic on Ebrington Street in Plymouth, so I went back to the shop to get advice from the best expert in town. With that guidance, and a bit of research, here’s what I learnt about storing camera lenses long-term, especially when dealing with vintage or analogue gear.
Why Is Proper Lens Storage So Important?
If you’re using film cameras or vintage lenses, extra care is essential. Older lenses are especially prone to fungus, which thrives in damp, humid environments and can permanently damage your optics. Proper storage helps prevent fungus and keeps your gear clean, clear, and ready to shoot for years to come.
Top 5 Tips: How to Store a Camera Lens Correctly
1) Clean the Lens Before Storing. Use a microfiber cloth to gently remove any fingerprints, dust, or smudges. Dirt and oil can promote mold and fungus growth over time.
2) Keep Lenses in a Cool, Dry Place. Avoid window sills, lofts, or damp cupboards. Store your gear somewhere dry, at a stable room temperature, and away from direct sunlight.
3) Use Silica Gel to Absorb Moisture. Place silica gel sachets inside the lens cap and lens pouch or case. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent moisture and humidity. Replace them every few months or once they’re saturated.
4) Store Vertically with Both Caps On. Keeping your lens upright (mount-side down) reduces pressure on internal components and helps keep dust from settling deep inside.
5) Use a Lens Bag or Padded Case. Soft pouches or padded cases protect your lens from bumps and offer a perfect place to tuck in those silica gel sachets.
My final thoughts are: proper lens storage is key to protecting your investment. With just a few simple habits, like using silica gel, storing in the right environment, and asking for expert advice, you’ll keep your vintage lenses fungus-free and ready for action. And a special shout-out to Soper Photographic in Plymouth for their brilliant guidance. Local camera shops are full of wisdom, so don’t hesitate to pop in and ask.
Why Is Proper Lens Storage So Important?
If you’re using film cameras or vintage lenses, extra care is essential. Older lenses are especially prone to fungus, which thrives in damp, humid environments and can permanently damage your optics. Proper storage helps prevent fungus and keeps your gear clean, clear, and ready to shoot for years to come.
Top 5 Tips: How to Store a Camera Lens Correctly
1) Clean the Lens Before Storing. Use a microfiber cloth to gently remove any fingerprints, dust, or smudges. Dirt and oil can promote mold and fungus growth over time.
2) Keep Lenses in a Cool, Dry Place. Avoid window sills, lofts, or damp cupboards. Store your gear somewhere dry, at a stable room temperature, and away from direct sunlight.
3) Use Silica Gel to Absorb Moisture. Place silica gel sachets inside the lens cap and lens pouch or case. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent moisture and humidity. Replace them every few months or once they’re saturated.
4) Store Vertically with Both Caps On. Keeping your lens upright (mount-side down) reduces pressure on internal components and helps keep dust from settling deep inside.
5) Use a Lens Bag or Padded Case. Soft pouches or padded cases protect your lens from bumps and offer a perfect place to tuck in those silica gel sachets.
My final thoughts are: proper lens storage is key to protecting your investment. With just a few simple habits, like using silica gel, storing in the right environment, and asking for expert advice, you’ll keep your vintage lenses fungus-free and ready for action. And a special shout-out to Soper Photographic in Plymouth for their brilliant guidance. Local camera shops are full of wisdom, so don’t hesitate to pop in and ask.
Tuesday 20th May 2025
I have attened Tom Oldham Workshop at Plymouth Photo Festival:
Here is what I have learned!
Here is what I have learned!
I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend both a talk and a portraiture workshop led by the legendary photographer Tom Oldham. It all started at Arts University Plymouth Cinema, during Plymouth Photo festival, where Tom gave a talk that truly blew me away. His portrait work is stunning, and yes, that includes Pedro Pascal!!! During the talk, Tom shared a beautiful poem that was written in response to a shoot held in his London studio. It spoke to the deep relationship between photographer and subject, and the way we connect as humans, beyond hierarchy. It reminded me how portraiture is just as much about empathy and mutual respect as it is about technique. The following morning, I attended his portrait workshop. Here is what I learned in bullet points:
1) The background matters. It should say something about the person you’re photographing. If you’re shooting a chef, why not place them in their element (the kitchen?). The setting is part of the story.
2) Be Your Model’s Biggest Fan. Support your subject. Motivate them. Make them feel beautiful, relaxed, and confident. Your energy as a photographer influences the entire shoot. Hype up your model and your team: it leads to stronger, more natural portraits.
3) Lighting: Keep It Simple, but Smart. Build your lighting setup with intention. You don’t need a complex rig. Often, the simplest setups are the most powerful. A softbox can do so much when you experiment with its angles and positioning. Get creative with what you’ve got.
4) Show Your Eye, Show Your Work. Tom emphasised how important it is to let your unique photographic voice shine through on your website. Show plenty of examples. Let people see how you see. And during a shoot, don’t stop. Keep going until you’ve explored every angle, expression, and emotion.
Thank you, Tom, for being not just an incredibly talented photographer, but a generous and kind teacher.
And a side note: I might be tempted to switch from Fujifilm to Sony after this… but no matter what, my beloved Nikon F3 is here to stay.
1) The background matters. It should say something about the person you’re photographing. If you’re shooting a chef, why not place them in their element (the kitchen?). The setting is part of the story.
2) Be Your Model’s Biggest Fan. Support your subject. Motivate them. Make them feel beautiful, relaxed, and confident. Your energy as a photographer influences the entire shoot. Hype up your model and your team: it leads to stronger, more natural portraits.
3) Lighting: Keep It Simple, but Smart. Build your lighting setup with intention. You don’t need a complex rig. Often, the simplest setups are the most powerful. A softbox can do so much when you experiment with its angles and positioning. Get creative with what you’ve got.
4) Show Your Eye, Show Your Work. Tom emphasised how important it is to let your unique photographic voice shine through on your website. Show plenty of examples. Let people see how you see. And during a shoot, don’t stop. Keep going until you’ve explored every angle, expression, and emotion.
Thank you, Tom, for being not just an incredibly talented photographer, but a generous and kind teacher.
And a side note: I might be tempted to switch from Fujifilm to Sony after this… but no matter what, my beloved Nikon F3 is here to stay.
Friday 16th May 2025
Co-Lab Photography Exhibition at Ocean Studios:
The Opening Night at Royal William Yard, Plymouth
The Opening Night at Royal William Yard, Plymouth
I do admit, I’ve always enjoyed the opening of a Photography Exhibition. The excitement, the conversations, the chance to see new work. I find it such a thrilling and enriching opportunity!
A year after my group Photography Exhibition, Unwritten, I found myself and some of my fellow photographers from Unwritten back at Ocean Studios, in Royal William Yard, Plymouth. Once again and with no disappointment, the space was filled with fresh perspectives and diverse voices since second-year photography students, lecturers, and MA students from Arts University Plymouth had come together to create something truly special.
The exhibition, running from 16th to 23rd May 2025, is a celebration of creativity and collaboration. It was wonderful to see how the space had evolved, now brimming with new ideas and energy. Returning to Ocean Studios always feels like coming home. It's a place where creativity flows freely, thanks to the dedication of Rob Tarasek, the studio's Events & Performance Lead. Rob's commitment to keeping the space open and welcoming to the public and emerging talents is evident in every corner. Exhibitions and creative workshops are a constant, making it a vibrant hub for artists and art lovers alike. A fantastic creative hub in the South West.
A big congratulations to all the exhibiting artists and the curators who brought this show to life. Your work continues to inspire and remind us of the beauty and power of Photography.
Saturday 3rd May 2025
A Vintage Cinema Experience at Totnes Cinema
I recently had my first trip to Totnes Cinema, and what a lovely surprise it was! This charming, independent cinema feels like stepping back into the 1970s, with its cosy atmosphere and jazzy decor. The sipping cocktails are delicious, and the gelato is the best I've ever had in the South West, trust me, I've tried both to make sure!
A bit of history I learned from their website: The building was constructed around 1880, but It became a cinema only in 1946, hosting Thursday night screenings by a travelling cinema. Back then, there were no stairs, and so the projection box was reached by climbing a vertical metal ladder: a true testament to the dedication of early cinema pioneers.
I went there to watch High Fidelity, a romantic comedy from 2000 starring John Cusack. The film follows Rob Gordon, a record store owner who revisits his past relationships and top-five breakup lists to understand his romantic misadventures. Cusack's performance is both humorous and heartfelt, capturing the complexities of love and self-discovery. The film's witty dialogue and memorable soundtrack make it a standout in the romantic comedy genre.
Watching this film in such a historic and intimate setting made the experience even more special. Totnes Cinema truly offers a cinematic journey that blends the past with the present, creating a unique cultural gem in the South West.
Friday 4th April
The Magic Rubber: Your Secret Weapon for Perfect Exhibition Boards
When you're preparing work for an exhibition, every detail counts, especially the condition of your presentation boards. Even the most beautiful artwork or carefully planned layout can lose impact if it's displayed on scuffed, scratched, or dirty surfaces. That’s where the humble magic rubber comes in. It might seem like an unassuming tool, but it can seriously elevate the finish of your presentation.
And no, this isn’t an ad or some kind of brand collab, I promise! It just really works. I actually have a nostalgic connection to it. Back in primary school in Italy, we used to play with what we called “gomma pane” , literally “bread rubber” or “gum bread.” I’ve always found it funny how the same object can have different names across languages and cultures. The Italian name isn’t (entirely) about our national obsession with bread. It’s instead because of the rubber’s soft, malleable texture, kind of like a piece of dough that you can shape and knead.
Pro Tip: Keep a magic rubber in your exhibition kit, along with a cloth and small spray bottle. A quick polish before setting up or during install can make a huge difference in how professional and cared-for your presentation looks.
And no, this isn’t an ad or some kind of brand collab, I promise! It just really works. I actually have a nostalgic connection to it. Back in primary school in Italy, we used to play with what we called “gomma pane” , literally “bread rubber” or “gum bread.” I’ve always found it funny how the same object can have different names across languages and cultures. The Italian name isn’t (entirely) about our national obsession with bread. It’s instead because of the rubber’s soft, malleable texture, kind of like a piece of dough that you can shape and knead.
Pro Tip: Keep a magic rubber in your exhibition kit, along with a cloth and small spray bottle. A quick polish before setting up or during install can make a huge difference in how professional and cared-for your presentation looks.
28th Febrary-1st March 2025
Behind the Scenes of Each a Fire – A Film Set on Dartmoor
In between the end of February and the beginning of March this year, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of something truly special as I worked as a Behind the Scenes Photographer and Videographer on the local film Each a Fire, directed by Luke Sym.
Set against the stunning, windswept backdrop of Dartmoor, the shoot was nothing short of magical. The raw beauty of the landscape added a moody and cinematic feel that perfectly matched the tone of the film. During what felt were the coldest day of the year (joking), I captured behind-the-scenes moments throughout the production of the film of Each a Fire, and interviewd as many people that were taking part in the film production as possible, trying to fit everybody in the busy schedule. What a journey it has been. Despite the biting cold, the sun was shining during the day of production, and I have discovered hand warmers for the first time, and adapted them to be feet warmers too!
What made the experience even more memorable was the team I had the pleasure of working with. The cast and crew were not only talented but also deeply collaborative and welcoming. There's something powerful about being on a set where creativity flows freely and everyone is committed to bringing a shared vision to life.
I truly loved to witness the human interactions that built this film set together, and keep it steady and strong. And so, it was a priviledge to try to capture it on camera. I found myself to feel particularly passionate about trying to translate through video footage and stills the ongoing friendly and passionate spirit carried by the whole crew.
I'm incredibly grateful to have been a part of Each a Fire and to contribute to its storytelling in my own way. This project has deepened my passion for film and photography, and I’m excited for what lies ahead in this ever-evolving industry. Here’s to more adventures, more stories, and more behind-the-scenes magic.