Member spotlight: Chiara Leoni
Hi Chiara! Could you introduce yourself?
Hello, I’m Chiara! I’m a UX designer by day and a street photographer by heart. Originally from Italy, I now call Rotterdam home. When I’m not out wandering with my camera, you’ll probably find me sipping a latte, playing a video game, watching anime, or daydreaming about my next trip to Japan.
“I love that it’s a space where you can just be yourself, whether you're in the mood to chat or want to focus on your shots while taking inspiration from the people around you.”
How long have you been into photography and how did you get into it?
I’ve always loved taking photos to capture memories, but I really got into photography when we booked our first trip to Japan. I wanted to take amazing photos, so I bought my first DSLR and even took a basic photography class. But honestly, I put too much pressure on myself, the photos didn’t turn out how I hoped, and I ended up so disappointed that I stopped for a while.
It all changed when I moved to Cambridge, UK, and got my first mirrorless camera (my beloved Fuji X-T1). I had a lot of free time, so I started going out with my camera, just exploring. At first, I took photos of the usual tourist spots, but slowly I found myself drawn to people and everyday life. That’s when I fell in love with street photography and the joy of capturing little moments as they happen.
When did you join The Photographers Club and do you remember your first time joining a photowalk?
I joined The Photographers Club back in February 2025 during the rainy Kop van Zuid photowalk. Even though the weather wasn’t great, so many people showed up, and the atmosphere was incredibly relaxed and welcoming. What really stood out to me was how naturally the group flowed—some people quietly did their own thing, while others got into spontaneous conversations. I love that it’s a space where you can just be yourself, whether you're in the mood to chat or want to focus on your shots while taking inspiration from the people around you.
Can you tell us a bit about your own photography, what do you like to photograph and why?
Through my lens, I love exploring movement, shadows, and those fleeting moments that happen in the streets. I’m especially drawn to the subtle interactions between people and their surroundings, those little scenes that often go unnoticed but tell quiet stories. Every now and then, I go back to more classic landscape shots, but I always try to add my touch, whether it’s through light, silhouettes, shadows, or playing with focus to make it feel a bit more personal.
Please share 3 photos you made that you like and tell us a bit about them!
Here are three photos I like; they also mark different stages in my photography journey.
Reflection
This one is from 2020, taken in Cambridge. It’s the first street photo I took that I actually liked. I remember seeing it and thinking, “Okay, maybe I can do this, this is fun.” It’s a reflection shot, which is still something I enjoy playing with.
Experiment
The second photograph is from 2021, and it’s the photo that made me think, “Alright, maybe I can try more artistic stuff with my photography.” That’s when I started experimenting with things like motion blur, colours, and a bit of abstraction. In this shot, you can’t see the girl’s face, but you can feel she’s there, and I love that kind of mystery where the viewer can imagine their own story.
“meant to be”
The third photo is from 2023, and it’s probably my most “famous” photo so far. It got a bit of love on Instagram and was shown at the @worldwidestreet exhibition in Amsterdam, which still feels surreal. There’s a fun story behind it, too: I saw this amazing light in front of a restaurant, but the scene felt empty and not interesting. So I asked my boyfriend to walk through the frame. Right after he stepped out, one of the employees walked in, and I just hoped I got the shot. Luckily, I did! It really felt like one of those “meant to be” moments. I even have a version with my boyfriend in it, which I love just as much.
What’s something you really like about being part of a photography community?
What I really like about being part of a photography community is just how great it feels to be around people who share the same passion. I’ve always loved being involved in groups where I can share what I’m into, whether that’s books, video games, or anime, so joining a photography group felt like a natural next step.
I “know” a lot of photographers on Instagram, but nothing beats having those in-person connections. I especially enjoy seeing how others approach shooting, where they stop, and what they focus on. It’s not about copying their shots, but more about getting inspired by their different perspectives and being encouraged to try new things or see things differently.
Thanks for joining Chiara! If there’s anything else you’d like to share with our readers, drop it here! :)
We’re aiming to keep the Rotterdam photowalks going every month, so if you have any ideas or suggestions for future walks, please let me know! Looking forward to seeing you all at the next photowalk!
