3 / Sara Ghedina / Portrait and Food Photographer
/
Sara Ghedina is a food and portrait photographer, based in Venice, Italy. Sara is also a much admired member of our Headshots Matter community.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
It's either accomplishing something you've worked hard for, like a marathon or a special professional project, or relaxing at the beach on a late summer afternoon with your mind free of any worries or thoughts. So maybe the idea of happiness for me could be relaxing at the beach after you've done something meaningful.
2. What is your greatest fear or challenge?
I am afraid of getting old. The idea of not being able to do the things I do now scares me. I am afraid of not being able to hold a camera still, of not being able to read, or travel, run, bike, walk, hike, and camp outdoors. You also need to accept the idea of not having much time left to pursue the things you love. It's scary.
3. What trait do you most value in yourself?
I've always been an introvert. When I was younger, I felt it was a barrier and a limit. Now, I value the ability to have a conversation with my own thoughts, so to speak, before I even start a conversation with others.
4. What is the trait that you most value in others?
Empathy and kindness. It's very easy to judge others, much less so to put yourself in their shoes. I try to cultivate these qualities myself, and it's not always easy.
5. Which living person do you most admire?
As an artist, I admire people who made a successful career out of their passion while staying true to their vision. The first person who comes to mind is the greatest photographer, Annie Leibovitz. She truly redefined the art of portraiture, and she keeps doing it with the same passion she had when she started.
6. What is your greatest extravagance?
I have a closet full of vintage dresses that I hope to wear someday.
7. What is your current state of mind?
I've been feeling a creative block for a few months, it's difficult to overcome the lack of inspiration, but I think I am gaining back strength and ideas, I can almost feel it deep inside, it's exciting.
8. What do you consider to be the most underrated virtue?
Patience. It's so difficult and yet so important. Many of life's achievements require a consistent effort over a long period of time. We all love immediate results, especially in such a fast-paced world like the one we live in. Patience allows you to stay committed without being frustrated. I have to remind myself over and over again.
9. On what occasion do you break the rules?
I am vegan, but I can't resist Venetian frittelle, a special dessert they make during Carnival in Venice. They are deep-fried pastries, some filled with raisins and pine nuts and some filled with pastry cream or "zabaione," a custard cream made with Marsala wine. I kind of made a deal with myself: Indulging in frittelle during Carnival helps me be fully vegan for the rest of the year.
10. What do you most like about your life?
I am beyond grateful to be able to do what I love the most, which is taking photos. I am a self-taught photographer, and I discovered this passion later in life, which makes me even more grateful.
11. What quality do you most enjoy in someone you work with?
Considering I work with the people I photograph, I love it when they play the part and overcome their initial embarrassment. It makes my life easier!
12. Which words, phrases, or gestures do you most overuse?
As an Italian, I have a long list of gestures I use when talking :-)
Joking aside, my partner teases me because every time I eat pizza, I say, "OMG, it's buonissima! I could eat pizza every day of my life!" And it's not a joke, I could eat pizza every day of my life and never get tired of it.
13. What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My partner. He is the most generous, kind and caring person I've ever met. We had a long-distance relationship for many years: I was living in California, and he was living in Italy. When he visited me, he would fill three-quarters of his suitcase with things for me from Italy that he knew I couldn't find in the US. He helps me set up the lights when I take portraits; he models for me when I need to test some new gear, and he is my greatest fan and supports me no matter what.
14. When and where are you happiest?
Any new experience that goes beyond my daily routine makes me the happiest. It could be travelling to a new place or even trying out a new type of food. As you get older, you have fewer chances to try or do things "for the first time", and I welcome the enthusiasm associated with it with great joy.
15. Which talent would you most like to have?
I wish I could have more self-discipline to stay focused and manage my time more effectively. Instead, I get easily distracted, even by my own enthusiasm for new or different projects.
16. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I am a perfectionist, and I feel the need to have everything under control. While this could be good at times, it is also an obstacle because you risk wasting time on things that will never be perfect instead of focusing on what comes next. I need to learn to let go of perfectionism because perfection doesn't exist anyway.
17. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I didn't really make a big deal of it at the time, but I moved to California by myself at a fairly young age and I was able to adapt to all sorts of situations. Looking back, I can say it wasn't always easy, but I managed and eventually earned my double citizenship.
18. Where would you most like to live?
I've lived in San Francisco for over 20 years, and it is still my favorite city in the world. I moved back to Italy to be with my partner, as he couldn't live and work in the US, but I still consider San Francisco my home, and I miss it so much.
19. What is your most treasured possession?
It's probably my phone, but not for the reasons one may think. I've taken hundreds of photography classes over the years and I've meticulously taken notes on my phone. It's like having what you've learned during a lifetime always with you. I am so lazy I never took the time to do a full backup of my phone, and maybe now that I am being reminded, it's the right time to do it!
20. What is your favourite way to spend your time?
I love being active, running, hiking, or riding my bike. I am happy when I can exercise outdoors breathing some fresh air. I also love going to the movies and checking out art exhibitions. I am lucky to live in Venice, where they literally abound.
21. Who are your heroes in real life?
Kathrine Switzer, the American marathon runner, who became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967, despite the efforts of the race director to remove her from the course. She had to register with only her initials, pretending to be a man, because women were not allowed into road races at the time. But she managed to complete the marathon, breaking the gender barrier and paving the way for women in running. People like her who fight against prejudice inspire me every day.
22. What is your ultimate dealbreaker?
This is easy. Anything or anyone against gender equality.
23. What is your greatest regret?
I wish I had discovered my passion for photography earlier in life. But, as someone always tells me, I should consider myself lucky to have found it, better late than never.
24. What has been your favourite journey?
As a physical journey, I would say a trip to Death Valley together with my partner. It was almost mystical, and if I close my eyes I'm still able to feel the vastness of the landscape. I have a vivid memory of us two, driving through the desert around sunset listening to America by Simon & Garfunkel. It was pure magic. As an emotional journey, my favorite is the one which lasts a lifetime, the path to self-discovery and self-acceptance.
25. What kind of legacy would you like to leave?
I'd like to quote the Japanese author Haruki Murakami, who wrote:
"Some day, if I have a gravestone and I'm able to pick out what is carved on it, I'd like it to say this:
Haruki Murakami
1949-20**
Writer (and Runner)
At Least He Never Walked”
For more information about Sara Ghedina and her photography you can find her at: saraghedina.com and also view her work on social at: Instagram / Behance / Pinterest / LinkedIn
