We’re looking forward to introducing you to Maria Riboli. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Maria, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
I don’t think I’ve ever had a ‘normal’ day…so ‘my’ normal changes all the time…but something I always do is having breakfast! No matter how early i get up for a shoot (sometimes 3 or 4 am) I will still have something to eat before I start cos I cannot function on an empty stomach!
Then it really depends if I have a photo or video session, a wedding, a live event…or I’m at home editing tons of memories for my clients…
I do go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week and anytime I can I try to go to the movies or the theater where my heart is…
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a photographer and my company is Maria Riboli Photography, and I focus on portraits, weddings and live events.
I was born and raised in Italy but I moved to NYC more than 27 years ago and I finally felt at home.
I lived there for over 20 years and NY will always be home to me.
I’m currently in Orlando, Florida but planning to relocate to NY next year.
I come from a theater and film background and my approach to photography carries all of that.
I’m interested in telling a story, in seeing the real person who stands in front of my camera.
Sessions with me feel more like a chat with a friend.
I think the biggest compliment I keep receiving from clients is that when they see the pictures, they really see themselves, not just a nice picture…
I always truly listen to my clients, their stories, their lives…and then I’m there to catch them on camera for them…
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was always me…I never let anything dictate who I was…
I was taught to lead with kindness and be there for other people, to always try to understand and never judge and I still live by that motto every day…
I’ve been a chameleon all my life, I’ve reinvented myself more times than I can recall and I don’t think I’m finished and I’m ok with that…I hope I’ll never stop learning…I don’t want to stop trying something new…
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Life has ups and downs and I’ve seen both. I believe the pain we carry never leaves us. It changes. It transforms in something we are able to carry around…
Time heals a lot of things…you cannot believe it when you’re in the middle of the storm..but after a few storms you know it’s true and that thought helps…
It’s important to seek help if you need it and to remember that you’re not alone in this world especially when you really feel like you’re the only odd one out…
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yup!
What you see it’s what you get… 😉
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The time I helped them see their true potential…
That would make me happy…to know that someone truly blossomed to be who they wanted to be and faced their fears…and now they are shining…and to know that I took a small part in that it would be a real blessing…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MariaRiboliPhotography.com
- Instagram: @MariaRiboliPhotography
- Facebook: @MariaRiboliPhotography
Image Credits
Maria Riboli Photography
www.MariaRiboliPhotography.com
