Kensington Leverne, Photographer
Kensington is a commercial and editorial photographer with over a decade of experience photographing people, fashion, design, interiors and luxury restaurants and hotels. Based in London - working around the world.
This is Kensington’s testimonial on our work together:
“I’ve attended several of Raffaela’s talks and workshops. She is always patient and knowledgeable, and can explain complicated things in a simple way. She has given me the ability to analyse my work and re-evaluate what is working and what is not.”
Kellie French, Photographer.
I am a still life photographer living and working in London.
I have my own studio where I create conceptual and commercial still life work.
My personal work involves exploring visual narratives between found objects. I am drawn to the tension between the surreal in everyday objects and experiences.
This is Kellie's testimonial on our work together:
"Raffaela’s energy and experience are a powerful mix.
She delivered a week long course jam-packed with insightful knowledge of the industry in a relaxed and engaging way. I learnt a tremendous amount and was inspired not only by the course content but by Raffaela as a person. I hope our paths cross again in the future!"
Emma Marshall, Photographer.
Portrait photographer based in London, UK. My photography focuses on people in creative business and in rights and development; musicians, entrepreneurs, artists, educators working on diversity and inclusion, communities living alternative lifestyles. I’m available for commissions on national and international photographic projects with a positive, empowering slant, as well as music and arts festivals and events, especially those with a civil and social element.
This is Emma's testimonial on our work together:
"Raffaela worked with me to refine my edit of my work and its presentation on my website, and helped me get more clarity about where to focus my efforts in developing my portfolio and attracting the kind of clients I want to work with in the future. Her extensive experience as a photo editor and hirer of photographers was really important to me in this process, helping to give me confidence that I'm on the right track. Raffaela is knowledgable, honest and a pleasure to work with. Overall, an extremely useful experience."
Jackie Dewe Mathews is a London based Documentary Photographer. She works on a mixture of self-initiated projects and editorial and commercial assignments, combining social documentary reportage with portraiture. She is moved to capture the emotional and atmospheric aspects of the people and the stories she photographs.
This is Jackie's testimonial on our work together:
"Raffaela's workshop was brilliant and thorough. She broke down the methodology and thinking behind editing, giving us invaluable tools to use on our own work. I can't thank her enough!"
Simon Buxton, Photographer.
Simon shoots for a mixture of editorial, commercial and NGO clients, his work driven largely by a wanderlust and taste for adventure. He has spent most of the previous five years between China, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, but is now based in London.
This is Simon's testimonial on our work together:
"Raffaela is not only totally dedicated to helping photographers to better edit and present their work. She was also incredibly diligent, patient and charming, which made the workshop not only productive but highly enjoyable, too."
JC Candanedo, Photographer
I’m JC, London based Fashion and Portraits photographer.
What inspires me is the idea of bringing fresh air into the Fashion industry, keeping alive the perspective of someone who has been on the outside looking in for a long time. I also want to be able to raise awareness of the issues that matter to me the most: eradication of discrimination of any kind (race, origin, gender, age, orientation, body type) to build a more inclusive fashion industry.
I work with a wide range of Editorial and Commercial clients, from international Fashion Magazines, to Modeling agencies, to Fashion Designers and Brands and my work has been published and exhibited internationally. I also offer Portrait Services to Corporate Clients, along with Lookbooks, Headshots and Model Portfolios.
If you have a project you'd like to discuss, or any questions you would like to ask, just get in touch. I'd love to hear from you!
This is JC’s testimonial on our work together:
“Raffaela and I gathered all the images that I have shot over the course of my career and put together an online portfolio that presents a more accurate version of who I am as a photographer.
It wasn't an easy task; we had to come up with a portfolio that was strong and coherent but that would also balance all the different types of photography that I shoot. Our main goal was to make the website appealing to those who are looking for my fashion work but also to those who want to see what I can offer as a portraiture photographer.
Raffaela helped me unify the Beauty & Fashion portfolios with the Portraits one, finding a consistent style all through. Also, she managed to build a Homepage Portfolio which could be appealing to Editorial and Commercial clients at once but also suitable and interesting for the general public. In the process, some of my favourite images were left out. But we had to sacrifice the most obvious commercial shots in order to give a contemporary edge to the website.
I am really happy with the result and I think that we nailed it!
It was a really difficult process because as photographers we are emotionally connected to our work. Having someone else take control over our work and tell us what we should and what we shouldn't present in our portfolios is probably one of the hardest things an artist can go through. But, in the end, it has been a relief. Just having the weight lifted off my shoulders of having to decide what to display in my portfolio has made the whole experience completely worth it.
Working with Raffaela not only helped me present a more accurate version of myself as a photographer, but it has also made me realise that the quality of my work was better than I gave it credit for.”
Thomas O, Photographer.
I’m Thomas, a fashion photographer based in the Venice area (Italy); I work with a wide range of Commercial and Editorial clients, from prestigious international Fashion Magazines to Modeling Agencies and Designers.
I’m part of ART & Commerce Photo by Vogue Italy as young emerging talent and my personal works are distributed by Millenium Images (London, UK).
From 2013 I collaborate with the Fashion Ground Academy of Verona (Italy), where I teach Fashion Photography.
This is Thomas’ feedback on our work together:
"During my career I have worked successfully with many people, but working with Raffaela was definitely a pleasure.
She’s a very kind and respectful person, with a positive and sunny disposition, who transmits serenity at every meeting. Her great experience and knowledge in photography and marketing allowed me to grow significantly as a photographer; for the first time, it felt like someone was as passionate as me about my career, really understanding what I deeply wanted, making me actively work to achieve my goals.
It was neither easy, nor short, but the results are really good.
Her reviews have changed the way I look at my own work and her editing has added a substantial extra value, giving rhythm and accentuating meaning in my projects, while with the postproduction restyling that we made, she managed to show me how to create a more consistent and contemporary mood in my portfolios.
Raffaela has put a practical emphasis on my goals and thanks to the clarity of her method she was able to make me evolve both in the quality of my work and in my communication & marketing strategy."
Alessandra D'Innella is a London-based photographer, she gained an MA in photography and video at Goldsmiths University. Her practice focuses on landscape photography and the relationship between people and the environment. Central to her work is the exploration of creative processes and how these are affected by cultural identities. She is interested in how other countries and cultures can trigger imagination, nostalgia and escapism and how this can be visually translated into something that echoes a particular place or pure imagination.
This is Alessandra's testimonial on our work together:
"Raffaela's workshop was very inspiring and on a practical level very useful. She is warm and friendly and she knows exactly how to explain the complex editorial market in a very clear and effective way. Plus her sensitivity and knowledge in editing are precious, she can easily range from documentary to fine art photography. Definitely a worthy experience."
John Paul Foster has lived, taught, and taken pictures in Japan for two decades. He is the author of four books: “Now a Geisha”, “Geisha & Maiko of Kyoto”, “One Hundred Views of Kyoto”, and “One Hundred Views of Maiko and Geiko”.
This is John’s testimonial on our work together:
“I had the pleasure of working with Raffaela twice on my book “Now a Geisha”. The first time was to select and sequence images for the book proposal (30 photos), and the second was to edit and sequence the entire book, which ended up being about 190 photos.
I had never worked with a photo editor before, so I wasn’t sure I would be happy with the results.
Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. I felt at ease with Raffaela from our first conversation on Skype. More importantly, our conversations and Raffaela’s detailed messages gave me new perspectives and ways of thinking about my images - and this was before I had even seen her edits!
This feedback was a tremendous help to me as I thought about the structure of the book.
One of the things Raffaela said that has stayed with me is that editing and sequencing photographs is a kind of alchemy. I believe this to be true, and I also believe that Raffaela Lepanto is an alchemist of the highest order.
I look forward to marveling at her magic again soon as I begin work on my next book!”
Beatriz Perez, Photographer.
I am Beatriz! A Spanish-born, Venezuelan photographer based in London. I am a Conceptual and Portrait Photographer.
I graduated with an MA in Photographic Studies from the University of Westminster in 2013. My work was short-listed for the Renaissance Photography Prize in June 2012.
My photographic practice is concerned with the visual representation of the subtle, yet complex, interplay and ongoing dialogue of the inner self with the external environment. My work explores the power of the subconscious mind where dialogues shift, fragment, interrupt, and expose emotional states.I have gained a strong commercial acumen as a Business Consultant working in major multinational organisations, in the UK and abroad.
I am currently a Researcher and Assistant to renowned Magnum Photographer Chris Steele-Perkins. I also do Volunteering work at the Camden Arts Centre and have worked at a leading commercial art gallery in London.
I am currently looking for Agency Representation and I am available for Commissions.
This is Beatriz's testimonial on our work together:
"I have had the luxury to attend the Future Focus One Step Beyond workshops sponsored by Photofusion and delivered by Raffaela. I was impressed by her deep knowledge and vast experience in the field, both as photo editor and photographer.
The content of her workshops was high quality, clear, concise, engaging and all relevant. They were well structured and professionally delivered! Her workshops are a must for any photographer that is serious about pursuing their career, whatever the genre.
She is honest, friendly and fun!. She always provided constructive and practical feedback, the one that really helps you move forward with your photography.
She is worth her weight in gold. Thanks Raffaela! "
Zoë Maxwell, Photographer.
Hello, I am Zoë, a Scottish lass living in London, working as a photographer.
I like taking pictures, but more often than not I end up making them, building and crafting them in pre or post-production. I've been shooting commercially for 10 years now, and this time has been interspersed with working on a picture desk of a national newspaper, as a retoucher, in the archive of a photographic collection, on educational projects and studying an MA Photography at the Royal College of Art. All of these experiences have further enriched my love of photography, aided my curiosity and allowed me to diversify. I'm excited about this, that one medium and a concept results in a photographic oeuvre of music, still life, fashion and art.
Working free-lance, I'm currently based at my studio in East London, but I'm often in Scotland and happy to travel. Feel free to look me up or drop by, I'd be happy to put the kettle on.
This is Zoë's testimonial on our work together:
"Exceptionally generous with her knowledge and advice, I have had the great pleasure of attending workshops and one to ones with Raffaela. Practical, realistic and informative in her content and delivery, she successfully breaks down all that might seem impossible into easily digestible steps. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the act of image making, photographers and the world of photography is prevalent throughout, making the sessions not only inspiring but very enjoyable indeed."
Tim Mitchell, Photographer.
Tim studied Public Art at Chelsea College, then worked as an artist technician for clients such as Artangel and as a set-builder for film and television. Subsequently he has worked as a photographer, artist and educator taking on photographic commissions, workshops and teaching within the UK. Often working collaboratively, his projects document our relationship with our surroundings, with an increasing focus on the issues of waste, sustainability and the environment. People, places and objects hold the evidence of our values as they are used, transformed or discarded.
Tim has exhibited in both solo and group shows in London and the Northeast of the UK.
This is Tim's testimonial on our work together:
"Working with Raffaela has been an amazing opportunity to seek advice from someone who has a valuable perspective from both sides of the fence - as photographer and as picture editor. She has a strong understanding of the breadth of the photographic world and the subtitles of combining different ways of working into one, coherent narrative. Never an easy task. A brilliant, sensitive and attentive person".
Born 1974, Yaron Lapid is a London-based Artist and Filmmaker. His work is thought provoking, typically exploring social side effects and behaviours in his surroundings. Yaron is always interested in creating a challenging work, that requires creativity in photography, image and beyond.
This is Yaron's testimonial on our work together:
"It was a great pleasure to work with Raffaela. A sensitive and experienced consultant, she was able to recognize a way to bring together the practical and the personal."
London based Photographer Elizabeth Khan-Greig works both in the UK and internationally, shooting predominately fashion for various publications. Documenting all areas of the fashion circuit, not only does her work fit briefs given by clients but she also shoots reportage telling stories from her travels and unveiling narratives along the way.
Alongside her work in fashion, Elizabeth throws herself into social documentary and makes time to research important issues surrounding her subjects.
Ongoing projects include an exploration into nudes which started in 2009 and has developed into an ever changing and challenging study. These projects help to stabilise her love for the medium and encourage new ideas for commissioned work.
Publications; Harpers Bazaar US/UK, The Daily Telegraph, Vanity Fair, Glamour, The Raven Arts Society and The Royal Photographic Society.
Do not hesitate to contact Elizabeth about prospective work.
This is Elizabeth's testimonial on our work together:
"I attended one of Raffaela's Marketing Workshops which opened the door to the other side of the desk for me. She has excellent systems in place so that all the key elements of marketing are hit and followed up. Incorporated into this was the introduction of new and ever evolving media platforms and how they can be used effectively. All her advice has stuck with me and helped me to improve my office hours and pin down meetings quickly as well as staying true to my vision as a Photographer."
Artur Madej, Photographer
I am a Warsaw-based fashion photographer fascinated by movement. In Hebrew, "good" and "beauty" are expressed with the very same word. I hope to catch that concept in my photography. Fashion and choreography are tools I use to capture peace, stability, warmth that can be found "between the moments”.
I've cooperated with talented Polish designers and celebrities. My work was published in several fashion magazines including K-Mag, Elle (Pl), Fused, Vulkan, Trend Prive, Superior Magazine, Huf, Next Door Models and more. I won the 2017 edition of Art & Fashion Forum by Grazyna Kulczyk.
I pursuit happiness, stay in love and stay inspired.
This is Artur’s testimonial on our work together:
“I was lucky to meet Raffaela at a moment when I was struggling to find who I wanted to be as a photographer: I wasn't really able to identify my strengths so I was throwing in the mix a little bit of everything hiding my most personal images behind commercial work and eye candies.
Without long talks, Raffaela was able to dig out my identity from that mess; by narrowing down my work to the most consistent and bold pictures she gave me the portfolio that I believe makes the statement. What's even more valuable for me - it gave me confidence and a sense of direction for my future projects. Working with Raffaela was a truly enriching experience.”
Based in London, but carrying out commissions all over Europe, Chris Brock is a Commercial Portrait Photographer whose work has seen him shooting everywhere from the top of a Danish lighthouse to the inside of an RAF helicopter. He loves working with people, and the short-lived relationship between subject and photographer which creates a fascinating dynamic existing only for the time it takes to get the shot.
His work has appeared in magazines such as British Vogue, Sunday Times Style and ShortList magazines, and clients include McLaren Automotive, Singapore Airlines and The Ford Motor Company.
In 2012 Chris was a finalist for Photographer of the Year at the Digital Magazine Awards, and a year later was shortlisted for Professional Photographer of the Year by Professional Photography Magazine.
This is Chris' testimonial on our work together:
"I worked with Raffaela on marketing workflow, and she gave me some great insights into the tools that are available. She then taught me how they can be brought together to create a seamless methodology that lets you see what works, how to capitalise on those small successes to turn them into big ones, and how to create a simple to manage approach to getting my work out there, and building relationships to foster new work and ever better successes."
Daya Dodds, Photographer and Filmaker.
I am a photographer and filmmaker. Primarily my pictures are based around people, in nature or the city. I'm currently working on an exhibition 'Journey'. I'm available for photography commissions. I have a studio as well as access to professional graphic design, Illustration and retouching.
This is Daya's testimonial of our work together:
"The course was a wonderful experience, I learnt a great deal. I was very happy I did it. I found Raffaela a very inspiring and warm person, I would recommend her highly. She is knowledgable, passionate, creative and professional. She is a wonderful person."
Lucy Piper is a Documentary & Editorial Photographer based in the South West of England. She shoots commissions & personal work both in the UK & USA, and has a huge love for people, the outdoors & music. She graduated in Press & Editorial Photography from Falmouth University in 2013, and in 2012, did a work placement at The Los Angeles Times. She prefers to work at a slower pace to fast photojournalism though, establishing strong connections with her subjects.
This is Lucy's testimonial on our work together:
" I learnt a huge amount during the week I worked with Raffaela about how to better edit & present my work. From her extensive experience working as a picture editor, Raffaela has great insight & knowledge of the photography industry, particularly documentary photography & photojournalism. She therefore had some very useful advice to pass on to me as a photographer working in these fields.
As well as her intellect & professionalism, Raffaela's warm & bubbly personality made working together all the more enjoyable :-)
I hope we can meet & work together in the future.
Thank you Raffaela! Lucy x "
Suzy Flood, Photographer.
I am a London based photographer specialising in children, dogs and natural landscapes. Always on the lookout for timeless scenes, I can find magic in an overcast day, a cluster of trees, a barefoot kid or a shaggy dog — and always with my camera. This is what I love to do.
This is Suzy’s testimonial on our work together:
"I came away from a week-long workshop with Raffaela newly inspired and motivated about my photography, on both a creative and practical level. Her presentation was thoughtful, comprehensive and thoroughly enjoyable. She easily filled five days and left me wanting more. Raffaela delivers insightful criticism with humour, kindness and intelligence.
I hope to work with her again soon."
Aldo Soligno, Photographer.
Aldo’s sophisticated eye for minimal landscapes and his almost flemish-peinture approach to portraiture make an unexpected contrast with the committed themes he chooses to represent. From the exploration of the link between media and war in Gaza strip (Plunged into Cast Lead and A Scorching Summer) to the most recent The struggling Life of Gay Community in Uganda, his ability to establish a deep relationship with his subjects has granted him many awards. His pictures have been exhibited in Italy and abroad, including the recent XV Biennale de la Mediterranée,Thessaloniki, Greece. Aldo currently lives in Milan.
Since 2013, he is represented by Echo Photo Agency.
This is Aldo's testimonial on our work together:
"Raffaela has been the Photoeditor of my first agency, Emblema. The first Photoeditor with whom I had the good fortune to work with. And this has been for me something great, as she taught me most of the things I use in my work today. She has taught me how to learn from the experience of each single work, each single reportage, to improve and progress in the next one.
Most importantly, she taught me professionalism. What it means to produce a reportage for distribution to customers and how to lay the foundation of a relationship with them.
All this has meant, for me, the difference between being a good photographer and become a serious professional."
Jessica Arneback is a Portrait and Reportage Photographer originally from Sweden, based in London. She has a combined media and development co-operation background, among other things working with democracy and human rights programmes in East and West Africa as well as the Middle East.
This is Jessica’s testimonial on our work together:
"I've participated in two of Raffaela's workshops, both of which were extremely useful. Sessions included analysing and editing the work and websites of different photographers including our own ones. As a follow up, I've also had one on ones sessions with her, and the advice and support she has given me on my personal website and in general has been invaluable.
She is highly intuitive at getting a feel for the photographer you really are, giving relevant feedback and advice, and she has extensive knowledge of photography and the photographic industry. I'm most grateful for her support."
Flavio Tecchio is a Travel Photographer and a dreamer; he loves the old Ilford HP5, the quieter streets of his city, the freedom of boundless landscapes of distant countries, ordinary people, the music of America. He has exhibited in many galleries in Italy and his work has received major awards. He’s happy to continue using his analog camera and black & white films without yielding.
This is Flavio's testimonial on our work together:
“I met Raffaela at one of her workshops in Milan and it immediately struck me was how friendly and affable she was with anyone, far from the pretentiousness and arrogance that we so often encounter in our lives.
I had long felt the need to take some serious steps in growing as a photographer, and the easiness of approach that I felt during the workshop made me decide to contact her to find support: she has always had a constructive and determined approach to tackle all the difficulties that I was encountering, especially about new technologies, using her great knowledge to share informations in a simple and sympathetic way.
Definitely a place of privilege in my affections I reserve it to this talented girl with whom I worked really well; competent, professional, helpful and of great humanity, her empathy of thought is tangible; without being intrusive and preaching, she offered her preparation and knowledge in a way that I could fully appreciate during our long dialogues, a humility that is characteristic only of beings of great intelligence, and that to my eyes appeared disarming.
I would like to continue to build my professional future with her aid, availing myself of her valuable collaboration that I highly recommend to those who want to deal with a professional prepared and sincere.
Thanks Raffaela. “
Jonathan Goldberg (b.1973) is a London Portrait and Documentary Photographer. His personal work addresses themes around sustainable living and alternative lifestyles. In May 2014 he was selected to produce a public space photo essay commission on Sustainable Transport, launched as part of the Brighton Biennial. In 2013 he won Best Video award at the Environmental Photographer of the Year.
He was also shortlisted for the Vignette Award, and selected for inclusion in the Photofusion Salon. In previous years he has been selected for Foto8 Summer Show and was exhibited at London's City Hall.
This is Jonathan's testimonial on our work together:
"During the first one to one session Raffaela whittled 150 images down to a more manageable number, before proceeding to create a web edit with a far more suitable number of images. I was surprised at the inclusion of some images, but when placed next to several of my favourite pictures, it is clear that they add much-needed breathing space into the project as a whole. I'm really happy with the final cut and sequence, as I feel it has become more coherent and far stronger despite the omission of several pictures that I was previously reluctant to lose.
Her method of consulting in person, then emailing back an edit was very efficient. I also think the tone of the pictures in the final edit is strong, and contributes to the success of making them a coherent set.
Since working with Raffaela I gained an important commission on Sustainable Transport, part of the One Planet public space commission, to launch at Brighton Biennial 2014."
Daniel Duart, Photographer.
Born in Valencia, Spain, in 1975. I started working as a documentary photographer in 1996 while living in Moscow working as a translator. There, I started taking pictures of the city and my love for photography began.. After a few years working as a freelance (1998-2003) I started to work as a photojournalist for local newspapers and photo agencies in Eastern Spain (2003-Today). Since 2011 I’m getting shyly into fashion photography and its a great tiny little world, but I keep shooting travel and documentary photography as my main interest.
This is Daniel's testimonial of our work together:
"I was a little surprised when Raffaela called me to join Emblema PhotoAgency, in Milan; most of the photographers were Italian, so at first it was very flattering to see they had interest in my work, but the main reason for that was that she trusted me; Raffaela trusted the way I take pictures and the way I tell stories, and she wanted me to be part of the agency re-launch. After the contract was sorted, they began to move my pictures and surprisingly in a very short time they sold my work “Cities from a taxi” twice!
I was very pleased of being part of her team. She just makes things work.".
Shariq Siddiqui, Photographer.
Hi! I'm a portrait and lifestyle photographer based in London, working on commercial, corporate and editorial assignments. My clients include large corporations, creative and communications agencies, publications, and entrepreneurs. You'll find me as much as at ease in a boardroom as the streets of Mumbai.
I'm most interested in people and their stories: I'm fascinated by the things they do, and what their experience of life makes them feel. I'm always trying to find beauty and meaning amidst the clutter around us, and ultimately trying to make narrative sense of our world. I work hard to maintain an efficient and scalable workflow, and yet I'm more likely to talk about light and vision than my tools.
You'll find my images crisp yet approachable, and you'll find me to be a communicative, resourceful and reliable creative partner. Let's talk.
This is Shariq's testimonial on our work together:
"Raffaela has a gift for distilling her vast experience into practical, actionable advice. She is genuinely devoted to photography and wants photographers to be able to refine their vision and do well. Raffaela is on top of the current direction of the field, not just in terms of aesthetics but also business practices and a feel for what works in today's world. I've benefited from her advice on editing photos into a tighter edit that flows well, as well as marketing workflow that generates results. Photographers are notorious for finding these crucial areas daunting and often end up avoiding them; working with Raffaela is like having a trusted friend who understands you and can advise you on navigating these areas with a simple and effective approach. She is kind and generous, and a pleasure to be around."
Carla Borel is a French/English photographer, born in Paris, raised in Las Vegas and a Hampshire village. Formerly a croupier, a bar tender at the French House in Soho, and a gallery girl in London’s art world, she is now a portrait and fine art photographer. Her personal work addresses themes of transience, identity, community, isolation and loneliness in an old school documentary style.
In 2016, her work was shortlisted at Kolga Tbilisi Photo; finalist at the San Francisco Street Photography Awards, and finalist at the Kuala Lumpur International Portrait Awards, and featured in the Royal Academy Summer exhibition. She was also selected by Brian Griffin to show alongside his Himmelstrasse series at the Magic Gallery, the Royal Photographic Society’s London pop up space.
This is Carla's testimonial on our work together:
"Being part of Raffaela’s workshops on Marketing Workflow for Photographers, and Online Portfolio Curation has been an invaluable experience for me. It has helped me transform my website to be more dynamic and exciting, and helped me build a structure for working without becoming overwhelmed with all the tasks at hand.
Raffaela’s friendly approach means that the whole group feels included and her workshops are very enjoyable as well as informative."
Andrea Falletta, Photographer.
I'm a documentary photographer and photojournalist based in London, where I've been covering breaking news for Agence France Press for the last three years. My work focuses on social issues, the environment, politics and human rights.
My projects have been exhibited at the Italians of London Exhibition (UK 2014), Tblisi Photo Festival (Georgia 2013), Occhirossifestival (Italy 2011, 2012) and have been published on The Times, The Independent, The Washington Post, Il sole 24 ore, El Mundo among others. I am currenly represented by Nur Photo Agency and Transterramedia Agency.
This is Andrea's testimonial on our work together:
"My experience in group and in one to one sessions with Raffaela was an important point in my career; thanks to her knowledge of the Agencies world and of how to reach potential clients, I am now much more confident on how to present my work and how to organize my website. I feel much more focused on my path as a full time freelance photographer."
Simon Tang is a London based portrait and reportage photographer working in both artistic and commercial fields since 2000. Having been published in notable magazines such as Korean Vogue and Numero Simon continues to take on assignments both in the editorial and commercial sector. His latest project “Found NYC” has had its first exhibition at The old Coffee House, Soho, London and now can be seen at Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road, London.
This is Simon's testimonial on our work together:
"Raffaela’s workshops are a must for those seeking creative photo editing advice. Her knowledge and experience as both photographer and consultant gives aspiring photographers a clear path through the minefield that is portfolio building."
Francesco Bencivenga is an Italian photographer based in Rome specialising in Interiors, Architecture and Industrial photography, working with Private Properties, Air B&Bs, Estate Agencies, Hotels, Corporate Environments and Industries in all Europe.
He’s also a Professional Journalist and has a background in Corporate Communication.
A real passion for his work brought him working and living in many different cities all around the world (Rome, Vienna, Berlin, Dresden, New York, Prague, Kazan). His clients include Ansaldo Breda, Astaldi , Rome Underground among others, while his Hospitality clients range from Boutique Hotels to B&Bs and private homes.
Francesco and I worked hard to sort out his extensive production to give his Photography a clear direction and target reach. The work involved editing, sequencing, styling, copywriting and development of a brand New Website.
This is Francesco’s feedback on collaboration:
“Photography is increasingly a collaborative profession, which requires specific skills in the various phases of the workflow and a clear, agile and strategic vision in an era of collective "distraction".
I immediately perceived Raffaela as a precious ally in my professional path, thanks not only to her 360 ° expertise, but also to the genuineness, frankness and depth of thought that distinguish her.
I recently read that photographers' websites are the ones that have among the highest bounce rates: thanks to Raffaela I realized that beautiful, decontextualized and inconsistent photos (both in style and genre) are useless from the customer's point of view.
I really appreciated the editing she did, the fine work of copywriting (both oriented to respond to the needs of my ideal clients and to present my style at its best) and the sequences of the selected images.”
Mike Kemp is a London-based documentary photographer. Specialising in a warm, humorous approach to reportage-style documentary, news, and street photography. Available for assignment, and widely published, including The Washington Post, Newsweek, The Sunday Times, GEO, The Guardian and Die Zeit, and for The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. See commissioned here.
This is Mike's testimonial on our work together:
"Figuring your way through the business side of photography is an overwhelming and difficult thing for any photographer. A workshop with Raffaela, or her 'one on one’ advice, will help you clear the mist of how to move forward.”
Andrew Youngson is a London-based photographer whose work explores the connection between landscape and memory, specifically in relation to armed conflict. In recent years he has worked with UNICEF in Ethiopia; Al Haq in Palestine; SOS Sahel and Book Aid International in the UK; Bedouin communities affected by Second World War land mines in Egypt and unexploded ordnance contamination in Berlin. After graduating with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art Andrew interned at Magnum Photos and has been working as a freelance photographer since 2005.
This is Andrew's testimonial on our work together:
"Raffaela's workshops are an excellent resource for photographers interested in venturing into the editorial market."
Pietro Cardoso, Photographer.
I’m a Unit Stills Photographer, born in Milan (Italy) and based in London (UK). The cinematic set is for me the perfect environment for the type of photography I love, which is is both portrait-oriented and narrative; shooting the making-of the movie, along with rehearsals, behind-the-scenes, details and portraits, truly opens up infinite creative possibilities, and unexpected meta-narrative layers; finding a balance between documenting the life on set in all its elements and characters and envisioning a parallel story to the screenplay one, while looking for a ‘mood’ as close as possible to that of the movie, is for me a real act of creation.
I regurarly collaborate with the London Film School – a fantastic place where I have the opportunity to meet incredibly talented people – and shoot official portraits of actors too."
This is Pietro's testimonial on our work together:
"Working with Raffaela was a real revelation.
Despite my young age, our collaboration had from the start a very professional character, made pleasant by her sympathy and friendly approach.
Her critical eye showed me my work in a completely different perspective, which, however, Raffaela has always been willing to discuss together. Her advice and photography tips have helped me to progress considerably, and showed me a way I had never considered before: when she told me that my strongest potential was as a Unit Stills Photographer, she also showed me the all the good work done so far, and I found this very encouraging.
Both from an artistic and from a technical point of view she gave me great advice that made me feel a lot safer when I'm on the set, and the feedback she has given me has been very useful for assessing the type of images I should focus my energies on. "
Philipp Ammon, Photographer.
My camera is a passport. It opens doors to Worlds otherwise closed off to the outside. Countries. Homes. Offices. Venues. Cultures. Counter Cultures.
The most important part of my identity as a photographer lies in relating to other humans. Every face has a tale to tell, and every person a piece of wisdom to share. I’m inspired by learning from people close to home and across the globe. My passion is to share those experiences through visual language.
Wanna light the set on fire? Require a humanitarian story across the globe? I’ll find a way to shoot it… One thing is certain: whether documentary, editorial features, or portrait shoots, I build rapport with my subjects. You will never find me hiding behind the camera.
My home is in London, but my feet carry me around the globe.
Get in touch, and ask me how I might be able to help shape your visual narrative.
This is Philipp's testimonial on our work together:
"I participated in a marketing workshop for photography professionals run by Raffaela. If you want to survive as a professional photographer, it is inevitable that you will have to wrap your head around solid business practices and strategies that will better connect you with potential clients. With the plethora of social media and online platforms available, this field can feel overwhelming to navigate.
I came away from Raffaela’s workshop with some very useful and immediately actionable steps that helped me define, clean up and streamline my marketing strategies for better outreach. Her expertise and experience in the imaging industry on setting goals and scheduling content is particularly useful, and I would highly recommend her workshops to anybody looking to grow their business in a competitive industry."
Ania Mroczkowska, Photographer.
Ania Mroczkowska is a London based photographer specialising in fashion and portraiture photography. In 2010 she founded a fashion, art, culture and photography magazine, SLAVE. A year later she obtained a BA Distinction in Professional Photography from the University of Abertay, Dundee (UK). Ania is a finalist of many major photography competitions in UK including AOP, BIPP and Nikon Foundation Competition. Among her clients are Grammy Awards winning singer Karin Park, GQ Magazine editor and comedian James Mullinger, artist Richie Culver, Novartis Pharma.
This is Ania's testimonial on our work together:
"The Workshop with Raffaela was a great experience. She is really professional and has a great knowledge about the editorial market."
Sandra Jordan, Photographer.
I am a travel and fine art photographer based in London. I travelled the world with my family from an early age, and as an adult have lived in Austria, Turkey and Morocco, sparking a huge interest in foreign countries and cultures. I create images that have space to breathe - like visual meditations. I find simplicity in remote places and beauty in abandonment. I travel to escape my crowded city life and use photography to slow down and appreciate this beautiful world that surrounds me. Photography silences the chaos and offers me a sensory escape. Much of my work centres around the remote expansive areas of the Arctic, but even when photographing in an urban environment, I still seek the moments of solitude.
I invite the viewer to explore my images and hope that in doing so they experience their own sensory escape.
This is Sandra's testimonial on our work together:
"I recently attended Raffaela’s Marketing Workflow for Photographer’s workshop and found it full of really useful and helpful information - it was quite amazing how much she managed to fit in. I really felt it was of great benefit that she is also a photographer so can see it from both sides. I came away with a big checklist which will enable me to develop my own business further and am really looking forward to working with her again in the future."
Elisabeth Blanchet, Photographer, Writer, Mixed media artist.
I am a London-based photographer, film maker and mixed media artist interested in life and in people, documenting social conditions and communities. I feel at ease photographing people from any background, close as possible to their own reality. Through my different projects, I explore emotions, attachment, memory and nostalgia. I see my camera as a passport to meet people and discover their homes, their territories, the way they live. I work as a documentary photographer both for editorial clients (Time Out, The Guardian, The Independent, Le Monde, Le Figaro…), and charities (Ambitious About Autism, Handicap International, Live Music Now…), but I have also produced advertising campaigns (Channel 4, Just Giving) and work for the web Travel and Food industry (Frommers, Zagat, Google) and for publishers (Shire Books). I am also a documentary film maker and a writer, writing both in French and English.
This is Elisabeth's testimonial on our work together:
"I was very lucky to attend Raffaela's ‘Marketing Workflow for Photographers’ seminar and I was totally impressed by the quality of the content of the seminar and the way Raffaela delivered it. I learnt so much about marketing that it really inspired me and gave me the confidence to move on much quicker in developing my marketing strategy."
CJ Everard continues to develop and define his photographic practice based in London and Los Angeles.
The visual language has been described by the audience as immersive, magical, de-stabilising, voyeuristic,
dangerous, beautiful, a dreamscape. For CJ the process is driven through collaborations with photo editors,
digital creatives, printers, curators, writers, book designers and others. There is no distinction within the practice between ‘personal’ and commercial projects – the totality is unique
and modern.
This is CJ's testimonial on our work together:
"I came away from my workshop with Raffaela full of inspiration and excitement.
Something that stood out for me specifically was the quality of the work – other photographers/artists – referenced by Raffaela during these two days and her interpretation and use of these series of images.
Additionally, in my opinion the balance between personal creative agendas and commercial considerations as presented during the different elements of the workshop was perfect."
Vera Dohrenbusch, Photographer.
I am a photographic artist and an advocate for stillness and space. They are of paramount importance to me; they inspire and let me breathe. I find them most often (and successfully) in nature’s embrace, and capturing them photographically has been my main artistic pursuit for many years.
But what holds great significance for me as well is that creative activity in itself has a calming effect on me, independent of subject matter, which has led me to work with several organisations which utilise the healing qualities inherent to the arts in their support of people experiencing mental distress (Core Arts, CoolTan Arts) or of victims of human rights violations (Helen Bamber Foundation).
I was born and raised in Zurich, Switzerland, but have made London my home for the past nine years. I hold a Master of Arts in Photographic Studies from University of Westminster and a Master of Law from University of Zurich.
Please get in touch if you’re interested in finding out more about any of the above, to inquire about print sales, possible collaborations or commissions. I’d love to hear from you!
This is Vera's testimonial on our work together:
"Finally somebody who understood my work, my concerns and my questions!
Raffaela’s ‘Photo Editing for Photographers’ and ‘Marketing Workflow for Photographers’ seminars and also her one-to-one sessions are all fantastic as she cares deeply about her work, has a vast knowledge of photography and always manages to be inspiring rather than daunting. Thank you so much!".