Discovering a new passion later in life can be a daunting task. For Donna Gioia Volpe, a Somerville local and photographer for Bridgewater City Lifestyle, photography began as an exciting hobby and quickly evolved into a profound exploration of artistry and human connection. "I always enjoyed capturing moments and scenery," she reflects. "But it wasn't until later, when my kids were older and I found myself with more time, that I decided to delve deeper."
Initially, Volpe enjoyed focusing on landscapes, inspired by her yearly trips to Vermont. However, her work with City Lifestyle introduced her to various genres, such as food photography and portraiture, giving her the confidence to transition from landscapes to more people-centric photography. "Working with City Lifestyle exposed me to various genres like food photography and portraiture," she explains. "It gave me the confidence to transition from landscapes to more people-centric photography."
Her path into headshot and portrait photography was a practical decision as much as it was creative. "Traveling for landscape photography was costly," she admits. "So, I thought, why not turn portrait photography into something to support my hobby?" This decision allowed her to continue working creatively beyond retirement.
Transitioning into this new field, Volpe embraced the challenges with enthusiasm. "Starting out during a shoot, I focus on making clients feel comfortable," she notes. "I approach each session as if we're old friends, which helps create relaxed, natural portraits." As Volpe continues to define her style, she emphasizes the importance of creating a comfortable atmosphere for her clients.
Guiding clients in selecting the right style for headshots involves understanding their needs. "For corporate clients, it's about professionalism with neutral backgrounds," Volpe explains. "For actors, a more natural look that reflects their casting potential."
Her love for photography extends beyond headshots, and she envisions future projects such as surprise proposals and engagement shoots. "I want to venture into surprise proposals and engagement shoots. I love capturing the candid moments that demonstrate the joy of a moment," she muses.
For Volpe, photography isn't just about capturing images; it's about empowering people. "Seeing clients gain confidence during a shoot is incredibly rewarding," she shares. "Helping them shine in front of the camera is why I do this." As she continues to grow her portfolio and skills, her passion for photography remains steadfast. "Photography allows me to learn and create while building a second career that will keep me engaged and passion driven," she says. For Volpe, photography is a journey of discovery and connection that she looks forward to expanding.
Email: donnagioiavolpe@gmail.com
Phone: (908) 963-2418
Website: www.donnagioiavolpe.com
Instagram: @donnagioiavolpe