My name is Valentina and I am a professional photographer and writer. I was born in Caracas. I lived, loved and celebrated in my beloved hometown until 2003. I am also a fan of airplanes and mass transportation, and a daydreamer.
I moved to Atlanta, GA and got an MFA in Photography from Savannah College of Art and Design. Previous education includes a MS in Integrated Marketing Communications, a Law Degree and Literature studies. I began my photography studies at the prestigious Roberto Mata Taller de Fotografia in Caracas. I have also attended several workshops at the University of Iowa’s Summer Writing Festival.
I am fortunate to be able to jump around the globe often. Twice a year, I volunteer as a Photography Instructor for children and youth at Esperanza Viva, a home for youth in Puebla, Mexico, through Aver School. Also, I have documentary work from Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, Costa Rica, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, United Kingdom, Venezuela and the US.
I have worked with clients in Caracas, Miami, Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Vancouver BC and London, UK. My work has been shown in several cities in the United States and in Caracas, and has been published by Delta Sky Magazine, The Food Network, Helio Magazine (Peru), Restaura Magazine (Chile), Seattle Magazine, Seattle Metropolitan (online), Edible Seattle (online), Where Magazine, Jamie Oliver Food Revolution, Interior Design Magazine, King5′s Evening Magazine, MyNorthwest.com, and Refrigerator Soup. I also published a book, “Buenos Aires, Diario de Viaje”, in 2008.
Currently, I live, work and enjoy the fortune of having wonderful friends in Seattle, WA. A few times a week, I work for an amazing startup company called Shutter Tours, conducting photographic tours in Seattle. Lately, I have been dipping my toes in the food photography world. It has been a delicious happening.
My practice is in Eastlake, Seattle.
I make sure I am always surrounded by good, warm coffee, chocolate, farmers market, great chefs and food lovers and water to enjoy with my husband Ryan.
Photo by Valentina Vitols
Laura Gëhring is a good friend, and occasionally, she collaborates with the Studio. Her talent has no limits–her photographic work is provoking, beautiful and edgy. She is currently getting her BFA in Photography from the Seattle Art Institute.
The story of how we met is great. Laura was looking for someone in Seattle to talk about Documentary Photography for one of her classes, and used Google to find that photographer. Fortunately, my name came up. An email here, another one there, and we got together to discuss the presentation. From moment one, we clicked. I am very grateful to Laura for bringing me to the Art Institute to talk about one of the passions in my life. Also, what was supposed to be a brief presentation, turned into a wonderful conversation with around a dozen of photography students and their professor.
Working with Laura is always a fun and reciprocal experience. I enjoy having her around and listening to her suggestions!
To find more about Laura and her work, visit her blogs: http://lbgphoto.wordpress.com/ and http://lbgphoto.tumblr.com/. You will be in for a visual treat.