I began photography while studying abroad in Florence, Italy at Florence University of the Arts (FUA). I took my first digital photography class and participated in a student exhibition through FUA titled Tiny Florence. I also curated a selection of 10 photos for my Experiential Learning semester project captivating life in Florence.
August–December 2024
Tiny Florence Student Exhibit
5 of my photos were selected to be displayed in Tiny Florence. Over 20,000 photos were taken by students during this project with about 400 of those submitted for consideration and only 65 making the final cut. I had the unique opportunity to also capture the event for the FUA Instagram and exhibit article linked below.
4x4 black and white photo grid
4x4 black and white photo grid
Tiny Florence exhibit photos
pointing at my photos
my exhibit photo
exhibit hall
first photography exhibit showcasing my work and capturing the event
Experiential Learning Project, Florence University of the Arts, Fall 2024
10 curated photos capturing life in Florence, Italy
These photos were captured over my 15 week study abroad semester in Florence, Italy
I attended Florence University of the Arts (FUA) with CIS Abroad during Fall 2024. That semester, I took an Introduction to Photography course which included a 3 week intensive class followed by a 10 week Experiential Learning (EL) project. The EL section of the course included an individual portfolio of 10 curated photos on a topic of choice as well as attending 5 events to photograph for FUA's online article.
For my portfolio piece I wanted to take the chance to showcase the authenticity of life in Florence through my lens. I got to embrace the Italian culture by wandering the streets of Florence, finding hidden gems among the most famous of landmarks. My favorite photo is to the left, a hustling crowd with colorful umbrellas in front of the Duomo in the rain. I captured this photo from the Move On record store and bar that overlooks the Piazza. I love the perspective of this photo overlooking the crowd in the middle ground, with a windowsill plant in the foreground and the Duomo dominating the background. The umbrellas add pops of color to the gloomy rainy day. Passing such a beautiful piece of architecture everyday became mundane, but I will always have this photo to remind me of the privilege it was to pass by the Duomo in the ordinary because the Duomo is anything but ordinary.
Collection names:
La dolce vita: Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Taste of Firenze: Vivoli affogato
A stamp in time: Scuola del Cuoio workshop
A window into the table: Street corner cafe
Natural Reflection: Giardino delle Rose windowpanes
Extraordinary in the ordinary: Piazza del Duomo
Beaming bloom: Piazza di Santa Croce bicycle
Piazza della Repubblica: ancient Roman forum Column of Abundance and historic antique carousel
Duomo and Giotto's Bell Tower
Pencil pine road
