Photo Diaries: Paige Marinelli Unearths the Beauty of Self-Expression and Independence Through Self-Portraits
LA–BASED PHOTOGRAPHER — Paige Marinelli has always had a creative eye for finding beauty in the real world. Since the age of 12, Marinelli had an inkling that photography would be a massive part of her life and an outlet for her to express her story and that of others. After spending 10 years working in the fashion industry, Marinelli was brought back to her childhood memories of embracing her desire to make a difference. It’s evident from Marinelli’s various projects that portray light, simple, and down-to-earth themes that they have a knack for connecting everyday life to real beauty through their visual lens. In Marinelli’s recent self-portraits, they delve into their own forms of self-expression, creativity, motivation, and accountability.
Luna had the chance to chat with Marinelli to hear about her creative process, inspiration, and future plans. Read the interview below.
LUNA: Tell me a little bit more about yourself. What inspired you to go down the path of photography, and what you're currently up to?
MARINELLI: My love for photography began as early as 12 years old when I found myself inspired by the way it served as a vehicle for creative expression. My best friend and I would recreate photoshoots we found on the pages of fashion magazines, experimenting with our fashion and storytelling. It seemed early on that photography was an inevitable part of my life. I remember a photo I took where it really clicked — it was a picture I captured of my first love. It was on a day when I felt young, in love, and everything was beautiful. I was hooked, and [I] started a portrait photography business at 16, organizing creative shoots with my classmates.
LUNA: I'd love to hear more about your recent self-portraits and the story behind them. What inspired them?
MARINELLI: Self-portraits are a practice of seeing myself through my own creative lens, and therefore through my own eyes. It’s a full circle of self-expression.
LUNA: What did the process of the project look like?
MARINELLI: For me, self-portrait work is 90% motivation and 10% execution. When you have no one else to rely on, to be held accountable by, it's a way you show yourself — you'll show up for yourself.
LUNA: Were there any roadblocks or obstacles you faced?
MARINELLI: Since I prefer outdoor shooting, I’m always at the sun’s mercy, waiting for the exact timing to get the lighting I want.
LUNA: What is the biggest lesson or takeaway you got from the project?
MARINELLI: I can show up for myself and my own visions.
LUNA: I'm curious to learn more about your other work. What inspires you the most when it comes to capturing your muses or subjects?
MARINELLI: I’m interested in bringing a sense of nostalgia to future-thinking concepts. I yearn for the past while also holding hope for the future. It's within a moment in time, captured as a photograph, where these feelings intersect.
LUNA: What has been your favorite project to work on so far?
MARINELLI: It’s yet to come. My notebook is filled with concepts and ideas. I’m only in the infancy of my journey.
LUNA: Are there any projects in the future you're excited about or something you're hoping to experiment with more?
MARINELLI: I’m eager to share more intimate stories through self-portrait work.
