We were captivated by Valeria's Instagram profile from the moment we discovered it. Her photographic content and artistic vision drew us into a visual world filled with authenticity and sensitivity. It didn’t take long for us to decide we wanted to collaborate with her, showcasing some pieces from our Place To Be kids collection. We placed our full trust in her and gave her the freedom to create, allowing her inspiration to guide every detail of the collaboration.
In this journal, we invite you to explore some of the beautiful photographs Valeria took of her daughter in two iconic and contrasting locations: the Rastro in Madrid and the coast of Cantabria. Additionally, in a brief interview, Valeria shares more about her journey, her project, her artistic vision, and what capturing authentic moments means to her. We invite you to get to know this talented creator and her inspiring work up close.
Do you try, as much as possible, to integrate sustainability into the clothes you wear daily or in your wardrobe staples? If so, what are your favorite pieces that reflect this commitment?
-Yes, I do my best to integrate sustainability into my wardrobe. I focus on natural and organic fabrics, with most of my staples being made of cotton, linen, and wool. For sportswear, I choose items made from recycled polyester or recycled cotton, as they balance performance with a lighter environmental impact. I also follow the principle of “less, but better,” prioritizing high-quality pieces that will last. For me, this means investing in classic style like blazers and trousers, which not only have longevity but also reduce the need to update my wardrobe often.
As a fashion company, we strive to carry out all processes sustainably. Unfortunately, it is not an easy task and requires high costs, but we remain committed because it is the foundation of our brand. How do you see the future of sustainable fashion?
-In my view, the future of sustainable fashion will increasingly revolve around a mindful approach to choosing, using, and extending the life of clothing. It’s important to understand that buying clothes is not just about fashion. Even now, people are choosing more carefully, opting for high-quality, durable pieces. Second-hand items, for example, give clothing a second life. In the future, the fashion industry maybe will shift away from rapid turnover of collections and trends.
We love your style. Do you also follow fashion trends when selecting outfits for Sofía? I imagine you both enjoy picking her favorite pieces together; do you like going shopping together?
-Thank you! I do follow trends, but I don’t run after them, and I allowed Sofiia to choose her own clothes since she was 3 yo. At first, her outfits didn’t always look harmonious, but it was important to me that she learned to make her own choices and feel confident in them. Now, as she’s nearly 6yo, she often takes inspiration from my style and prefers more “grown-up” pieces instead of her previous favorite cartoon prints :) When we shop online, we choose a basket together based on what’s needed, and then I can suggest which pieces might be more useful and mixed with other clothes. Sofiia loves shopping one of the most .
As a working mom, what strategies do you use to balance your professional life in fashion and photography with motherhood?
-Balancing between my work as photographer and motherhood is a challenge and I don’t always manage it perfectly. Sometimes, when I’m inspired by new ideas, I’m diving to my work, as photography is my passion. However, with a flexible schedule and the support of my family, I find ways to make it all work. I try to arrange shoots and work during school hours. As well Sofiia happily supports my ideas and enjoying create together.
We know you give individual photography masterclasses. Tell us more about this interesting project—we’d love to hear more
- I offer individual masterclasses where I share my personal journey and insights into photography. My focus is on teaching how to capture ‘living’ images—those that convey real emotions and feelings. I guide my students in creating portraits where the eyes truly speak, capturing a depth that goes beyond just a beautiful image. There is a lot of technical information and theory available online, even for free, but when times come to practice something is not working , as we can expect. That’s why I focus on helping my colleagues to bring life into every frame, teaching them to make stories, not pictures. I also teach how to find inspiration everywhere, encouraging them to see the world more deeply. These masterclasses are about discovering photography not only as an art but as a way of connecting with people and the world around us.
What advice would you give to those who want to integrate their passion for photography into their daily lives and routines?
-I recommend starting by learning to see the world even without a camera in hand. Practice observing light, textures, people and emotions around you. Be curious and bold, don’t be afraid to express yourself and experiment, and make sure to practice often. Invite people for photo sessions regularly— it can be friends. And be brave go share your creativity.
Where do you find inspiration for your creative projects? Do you have a favorite place?
- I photograph with my eyes first. I always paying attention to what is around me, observing people and their emotions. Sometimes, just sitting in a cafe, I can notice how the light from a lamp falls beautifully or can notes reflections in a window, and an idea for a shot will start forming in my mind. I’m inspired by old streets, simple walk can help for my vision. Traveling and experiencing new cultures giving me fresh ideas always. Cinema also plays a big role, from movie posters to the films themselves, I am watching how light and color are used to convey emotion. Social media can be inspiring too. Sometimes I can notes a random profile or a family photo, and it gives me an idea for a shoot.
Thank you Valeria, for taking the time to work with us, for creating these beautiful photographs, and for your dedication to our collaboration. We wish you all the best in your ongoing project and future endeavors. Discover more on her instagram @valeriapoloz.ph
