From Engineering to Emotion — With Curiosity as His Compass, Ciro Silvestre is Chasing Light, Framing Incredible Truth, and Photographing What the Heart Can’t Say
An Exclusive Interview with Pure Street Photography
Discover Silvestre on a powerful journey of self-learning — absorbing the world through observation, intuition, and fearless experimentation. His images invite us to look deeper, to feel rather than just see — reminding us that emotion is the purest light in photography.
Interview by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamal Kumaar Rao
12/06/2025
(c) Ciro Silvestre
(c) Ciro Silvestre
We would love to know more about you! Who you are and where you're from? When did you start street photography?
I'm a 34 year old boy from Naples (Italy). I've been practicing street photography for about 1 year , but photography has always been one of my many passions!
What inspired you to become a street photographer?
My main inspiration is the search for different points of view, from lights and shadows, but also the search for people's emotions. The street is the theater of everything that people feel, all emotions
How would you describe your work in terms of style and/or approach?
My main style is definitely B&W, I love Panning so much, but I'm experimenting with many other styles. A great idea was to develop a "Soviet style", where I reproduced an old 80s film recipe, similar to the projections of old TVs in the USSR. All this, associated with a brutalist style architecture. It was a great project :) I have many other ideas that I want to develop, including Vintage
(c) Ciro Silvestre
(c) Ciro Silvestre
What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day?
Having a job (engineering) that takes up my time full-time, unfortunately I have few hours during the week to take pictures. I photograph mainly during the weekend, trying to take advantage of both the morning and sunset light.
What camera or mobile device do you use for photography? Do you shoot digitally, on film, or a mix of both?
I photograph with a Fujifilm X-T4 digital mirrorless usually using an XF 23mm and a Viltrox 56mm, while I also own an analogic Kodak H35 and a Camp Snap, with which I take vintage photos, very fun!
What challenges do you face when photographing on the street?
My most difficult challenge, but for any street photographer I think, is not to be seen while photographing :D It is not easy to photograph people while remaining hidden, the most important thing is not to be too invasive and maintain respect.
Do you ever wonder what happens to the people in your photos?
Yes, I have often asked myself that. I would like to know what happens after that look, after that solitary walk, after that subway taken, after that hug, after that laugh. It would be nice to see the continuation of a piece of life captured by my camera.
(c) Ciro Silvestre
(c) Ciro Silvestre
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about street photography?
Very often people are afraid of photography, of being photographed. Unfortunately not everyone has the sensitivity and dimension to consider street photography as an intimate story of everyday life. People should understand that Street Photography is a real art, where the intention is not to invade privacy.
What are your favourite elements to capture in a street photograph? (light, colour, composition, human interaction, etc.)
My favorite elements are human interaction, because I like to capture people's feelings, I like to convey people's emotions through photography. Light, because I love the play of light and shadow, the silhouette, I love contrasts, especially in B&W. And I also love composition, when I photograph I love to capture geometric details.
What is your take on social media influence on street photography?
Mine is definitely a very positive opinion, because social media is used for a good reason in this case.
Are your prints available for purchase? If so, where can art buyers and collectors contact you to purchase them?
My prints are available for purchase! :) I recently started printing my photos. Unfortunately I don't have a personalized e-commerce site yet, but I can be contacted privately for negotiation and shipping (or delivery)
(c) Ciro Silvestre
(c) Ciro Silvestre
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
My advice is not to be afraid! Don't be afraid of not making it, don't be afraid of taking bad photos. Listen to yourself, open up to your emotions. Go! And take pictures, more you take pic, more you learn, be curious, ask lots of questions, seek inspiration from other photographers, have the patience to improve! Photography will save the world
A huge thank you to Ciro Silvestre for sharing his incredible journey.
In Frame : Ciro Silvestre