Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilia Sciarretti
Hi Lilia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi! My name is Lilia, but my friends call me Lil. So you can call me Lil too.
I’ve always considered myself lucky in the fact that ever since a young age, I have always known exactly what I wanted to be. A documentarian. I remember the exact moment I fell in love with it actually. I was on vacation with my family in Gatlinburg, TN and I was about 8 or 9 years old. We were stopped at a rest stop that had this insane view of the mountains. My mom brought a disposable camera for the trip and I remember asking if I could use it to take some photos of the landscape. I still remember how it felt; to be able to capture something and save it for later. It was the fact that even though we would eventually have to go all the way back home to Ohio, I could still see those mountains anytime I wanted. I went crazy with the disposable camera the rest of the trip.
I went on to study photography in college. And although it was only my minor, I always knew in the back of my mind it was what I was going do for the rest of my life.
Fast forward almost 6 years later and I was right. They say follow your gut, so I did. Something has always been telling me to make this my career and I truly don’t know where I would be without it. It’s a part of my DNA. It makes me who I am. When people ask me about me, it’s the first thing I mention: “I’m a documentarian.” Now photography has always been my first love, until I was introduced to video. Then it quickly became a tie for first. It touches a part of my soul I didn’t even know was there.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t consider this journey a smooth one that’s for sure. Ever since high school, I was told that I would never get a job if I studied photography in college (Hey Mr. Troyer, look at me now). And although my parents are extremely supportive now, that wasn’t always the case. I graduated college with out a job and moved back home to start building my business. Naturally I think that would alarm any parent. But I knew in my gut it was always going to work out. And I was right.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lilia Sciarretti Photo and Film?
After 3 years of living in Ohio post-grad, I knew it was time for a change. So I decided to plant roots in Charleston, SC about 2 years ago – a place that’s always felt like my home away from home. I absolutely love shooting local weddings. The architecture, the history, the people, it’s truly all so beautiful. But traveling is what keeps me alive, so I consider destination weddings my “thing.” I consider myself being based worldwide, after traveling to Italy and Greece for weddings the past couple years.
I offer both wedding photography and videography, and in homage to my first love the medium of film, I shoot both 35mm photographic film and Super 8 film, as well as digital photo and video. In addition to weddings, I love to document engagement sessions, proposals, branding sessions and the occasional family.
My approach to documenting my subjects is what sets me apart. I always strive to capture them, in a space, doing their thing. Starting with some prompting and posing, the energy almost takes over and that’s when the organic laughs and cheek kisses come into play. Whether you’re traditional or non-traditional, I’m here for it all.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for photography and videography that’s candid, a more documentary approach, rather than orchestrating, and photos that swim in nostalgia. Cinematography is a huge influence for me, and you can see that shine through in my work. I’m a big fan of those “in-between” moments and I would describe my editing style as raw, warm, and with a vintage feel. So let me capture you or you and your partner for who you truly are.
How do you think about happiness?
I love light. The way it dictates the whole mood of an image or a video inspires me. I was born to document and create. It’s my passion. It’s my calling. It gives me energy. And connecting with people makes this “job” even better. Being able to learn about what drives you or how you met the love of your life or why you prefer jam instead of butter on your toast keeps me going. It’s always been you.
Pricing:
- Engagement sessions start at $850
- Weddings start at $6,000
- Elopements are custom priced
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.liliasciarrettiphotoandfilm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liliasciarrettiphotoandfilm
- Other: https://vimeo.com/liliasciarretti
