Meet Valentina Berti

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Valentina Berti. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Valentina, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

Cinematography brings me joy, and that joy is where my optimism begins. I feel incredibly grateful to do work that excites and fulfills me, and that sense of purpose naturally shapes a hopeful mindset. When I’m on set or behind the camera, I’m constantly reminded that there’s always more to discover: a new way to shape light, a fresh visual language, a perspective I haven’t yet explored. That curiosity fuels my growth, both creatively and personally. And when things don’t go as planned, I try to step back and see the wider journey. One off day is just a single frame in a much larger story. That bigger-picture thinking helps me stay centered and keeps my focus on what’s still possible, not what’s gone wrong.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a cinematographer from Milan, Italy, and I really love telling stories through frames and light. I work on all kinds of projects, including commercials, narrative films, music videos, and fashion films. Each one gives me the chance to explore different ways of visually telling stories.

Currently, I’m location scouting around L.A. for a new fashion film project I’m super excited about. I love scouting as part of my job and discovering new places and avenues. I actually started out making fashion films for friends in Milan.

One project that stands out as particularly rewarding was a commercial I did for Foot Locker. It’s set in a fun, quirky sandwich diner, and the idea was to show how making the perfect sandwich is kind of like finding the perfect pair of shoes that fit your style and personality.

What made that project really special was the amazing energy on set. Everyone, the cast and crew, came together like one big happy team, and that made the whole experience so much fun and fulfilling.

For me, the best part of this job is the feeling of working together with people and creating something special. Connection and teamwork on set are what I value above all.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Honestly, I think it takes deep passion and relentless drive. To make it as a cinematographer, you have to want it so much that it becomes something you live and breathe. It’s a long, challenging path, and that requires a lot of dedication.

Lighting has always been at the core of what I love. I’ve always been fascinated by films that looked a certain way, how light can create mood, texture, and speak on its own. That connection has stayed with me and continues to guide my work.

Learning the technical side, such as camera systems, sensor sizes, lens characteristics, lighting fixtures, post workflows, made everything easier. Once I really understood the tools, I could communicate better with my crew and make stronger creative decisions. It’s an industry that’s always evolving, so you have to stay up to date.

For anyone starting out: follow what excites you, learn the craft inside and out, and keep creating. This work rewards consistency and genuine passion over time.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past 12 months, the biggest shift in my work has come from stepping into documentary cinematography and embracing the beauty of travel and the unknown. I had never worked on a documentary before, and I absolutely loved the experience. Being on the road, discovering places I’d never been, all while doing the work I love, there’s nothing like it. It’s an experience that’s priceless.

There’s something incredibly humbling about arriving in a new place with just your camera and your curiosity. You start to notice all the little details, and you learn to follow the sun, using natural light as your main source, which adds a whole new layer of creativity.

I’ve always loved traveling; I think it opens your mind in ways few other things can. It’s a constant learning experience. I’m definitely looking forward to more documentary projects in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.valentinaberti.com
• Instagram: @valentinabertib