305: SOFIA PERAZZO
Sofia Perazzo
305 is Fixer Magazine’s dedicated space for honoring the unique photographic perspectives that shape Greater Miami. Here, we recognize those whose work builds a lasting visual legacy, documenting the rhythms, textures, and layered narratives that define the city. These photographers capture the nuances of Miami’s everyday life—the culture, history, and character that lend it a singular identity.
We invite you to explore this curated selection, a testament to the individuals who, through their lenses, chronicle Miami’s distinct place in the world.
-What does photography mean to you?
Photography is an emotional and meditative tool for me. Beyond the fact that it has become my work tool, my relationship with it has helped me understand myself better and the world around me. It is energetic work, a way of connecting with myself and with what surrounds me and, when the time comes, translating it into a commercial language. It shows me that ordinary life can be extraordinary.
-What was your first encounter with photography?
from a very young age, I felt an affinity for photos. My favorite part of family trips was receiving the photos; the feeling went beyond simply freezing moments and having memories. I was always attracted to warm and vivid colors. I had several birthdays where photos were the main activity. I had a pool party at age 6, where I was gifted a film camera that could take underwater photos; at age 12, I did a photoshoot with my friends.
My parents were always fond of traveling and connecting with art. My dad recognized my passion for photography at a young age, so he gifted me my first digital camera when I was around 12 or 13 years old. Since then, I couldn’t stop taking pictures whenever we traveled, and I became that friend who, on Fridays after school, would organize plans to dress up, get ready, and do photoshoots. There, I found another joyful activity that turned into a passion: learning to edit and playing with the colors of my photos. It’s funny because today, in my documentary photography, I see pictures from 10 or more years ago and, although now I have better technique, I probably would have taken the same picture.
Photography has always been there. It has always been part of me. I never thought of it as a career but as a tool to express my creativity. I never took it seriously until later in life; it was always a method of exploring myself. My dad, who has the best taste in art and to whom I attribute much of what my eyes have absorbed and learned, shared his love for art history with me. He pushed me from a young age, enrolling me in Roberto Mata’s photography course when I was a rather lazy and directionless teenager. Thanks to him, I will always feel grateful for practicing and developing my skills from an early age, without knowing where I was headed in the future. To him, I was already a photographer.
-What challenges your photography?
Within my personal and documentary work, I am my own challenge. Photography is something sentimental to me. I have realized that I turn to it in dark moments. In those where I try to find light and life within myself. It’s like I need eye drops to see better. When I feel emotionally stable and present, I find myself losing touch with my practice. Although it never really goes away completely, since I make a living from it and must stay up-to-date producing content to remain relevant in a world as oversaturated as this one, because of how the algorithm works and to attract potential opportunities. I call that continuing to play the game of The Matrix.
I am a naturally creative person, but since this became my profession, most of the time, I put all my energy into commercial work, (which takes a lot of time and energy away from my creativity) as I am creating and fulfilling the parameters and vision of others.
In commercial photography, the pressure can be intense due to the collective responsibility for the outcome. for example, A surgeon, even though they have confidence in themselves and know what they’re doing before entering the operating room, they always feel the pressure and nerves that everything must go perfectly as planned so the patient won’t be affected for the rest of their life if they make a mistake. It’s not that photography is equally risky; there is certainly more control, but in large productions, where there’s great pressure due to the investment and achieving the intended result, the challenge lies in knowing how to handle that pressure and focus on what I do best: trust and lead my team with the best energy and attitude possible. one of the main challenges is working in this collective, collaborative, and positive energy, and feeling confident in getting the best possible result from the entire production. The outcome of the work of the stylists, makeup artists, producers, and art directors is all in my hands.
-What importance does playfulness have in your photography?
Playfulness is extremely important in my photography. I connect with my inner child and live through her when I have a camera—it’s like I become a child again. In my documentary work, it feels like a hunting game, while in my editorial work, it’s like playing with dressing dolls. I’m not a photographer who captures spontaneous moments; I need to be in a certain mood and concentration to channel my energy into it. I rarely carry a camera with me daily; I only take it when I’m ready to focus 100% on creating. To create, you need to be curious and let yourself be guided by intuition, just like a child.
This playful attitude comes even more to life when I work with color. I always loved coloring as a child, although I wasn’t good at drawing. Colors have always been important to me and are deeply connected to how they make me feel. Regarding playful composition, I’m very inspired by Where’s Waldo?—the hustle and noise of those compositions and the attention to detail, which somehow manage to work. A significant part of my inspiration comes from that childlike mindset—being naive, genuine, acting from a pure place, but always with a sense of playfulness.
-Does your dual role (in front of and behind the camera) work as one team when creating your images?
I generally have an affinity for art direction. I believe that when I create or connect with myself creatively, it’s a personal language, which also manifests when I’m behind a camera directing. I don’t feel comfortable when others take photos of me; I prefer to have fun alone or be in intimate settings where I can connect and feel comfortable. Sometimes, within my intimacy, this is part of my creative process and of enjoying myself, without the need of a team.
-What can you do that artificial intelligence cannot?
While some photographers worry that AI will replace them, I see it as an opportunity to expand our creative limits. My identity and work exist through reused software tools, simulating my own virtual reality. By using artificial intelligence, I have explored new territory, weaving together fragments of time, language, and emotion.
It has been fun and enriching to explore different styles, eras, and stories that live in my mind, imitating tools and techniques I have yet to access. These AI tools have sparked curiosity about the moment I first picked up a camera, and as an artist, I see myself as an ever-evolving experiment. I see AI as an ally, not a threat, allowing me to delve deeper into my subconscious and bring to life the stories rooted in my soul. Looking to the future, I imagine a collaborative relationship with AI, where technology meets tradition. It doesn’t understand feelings or human perception, but knowing its limitations helps us improve our creative works and maintain control. It’s a blend of nostalgia and innovation, where my past and future collide—I’m just an artist using technology to create images of my subconscious world and making use of these tools to enhance my work.
MIAMI TALENT:
portrait by Patricia Pietri
Sofi Perazzo, is a Venezuelan photographer based in Miami, Florida, that specializes in commercial and editorial photography for lifestyle, beauty, fashion, and luxury hotels and travel brands. She gained global recognition in 2019 for her groundbreaking series “If They Ask for Nudes,” shot at Haulover Beach, as well as “Language of Discovery,” exhibited at Apollo in Miami Design District in 2021, both tackling cultural taboos with innovation and creativity.
Sofia's documentary photography explores sensitive topics, including the beauty of life's simplicity and the natural aging process. Challenging societal beauty norms, her work celebrates authenticity and promotes inclusivity and self-acceptance. Sofía's visionary approach to photography captivates global audiences, showcasing the transformative power of her art. He is an invaluable addition to Miami's arts community, continually pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.
