Member Spotlight: Christina Santucci
HI Christina! Your photography often feels rooted in observation and human connection. What draws you to documentary storytelling?
Growing up, I always wanted to be a photojournalist and over time, I think I have expanded that definition because the root of it is a desire to make photography that is true to the moment, tells the story and engages the viewer. I believe in the power of photography to document nuanced, individual circumstances but also convey universality. We relate to one another in photographs.
A former professor and now friend recently described the challenge of visual storytelling –– how it forces you to be so intentional. I think I really gravitate to this idea, and when I can make work that truly exemplifies the essence of a moment, it’s exhilarating.
As someone with a background in journalism and photojournalism, how has reporting shaped the way you approach people, trust, and narrative in your images?
I believe journalists are naturally curious people who are sincerely interested in others’ stories. For me, I genuinely enjoy meeting people and making connections, and I hope that is reflected in my work.
Sometimes trust can be developed quickly but moreover, it develops with time. When I reflect on my career, the work that I feel most proud of is often projects where I have had the luxury of time to build those relationships to make stronger and more intimate photographs but also to make a real human connection. I am grateful when people allow me into their lives.
Who or what has influenced your eye the most (whether that’s photographers, films, books, everyday life, or something else entirely)?
I find inspiration constantly in photography, other art forms and everyday life, and try to expose myself to thought-provoking work and situations as much as possible –– both in my personal life and at work. I feel that it is important to be open to receiving and exploring ideas as they reach you. Many years ago, a friend said to me: embrace the darkness. This is an idea that I have tried to embrace in my visual approach in terms of playing with light and shadow.
For my photography, I have been influenced by many in the photojournalism space who have made powerful work that has had an impact on public consciousness. There are stories that should and must be told.
Can you share a project or series that feels especially meaningful to you right now? We’d love for you to include 5–8 images from the work and tell us a bit about the story, process, or themes behind it.
A few years ago, I began exploring the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty in everyday life. Originating from my Greek neighbor’s 7-foot statue displayed prominently in her front patio, the project took shape as I began to notice and seek out depictions in my daily life. For example, I attended a Statue of Liberty costume contest at a tattoo shop, and dragged friends to have dinner with me at a restaurant where you can sit in a two-story-high bust of Lady Liberty.
For the series, I would like viewers to reflect on the various forms and what the statue symbolizes to them. And as it is still somewhat in the conception stage and I plan to continue this project toward the 150th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty, I would like to incorporate more voices and examples. I have been grateful to my enthusiastic CMC family for sharing some interesting depictions they have found and appreciate any suggestions of people, places and objects I may not have discovered yet!
