Meet Cynthia Magliocco

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cynthia Magliocco. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cynthia below.

Cynthia, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

True story … For some of us life is a long journey with different scenarios some good and some bad. In a perfect world, we grow up given most or all opportunities to move ahead. There is no perfect home and for those who surf through life with very few cares and issues, I congratulate you! For many of us, that is not the case! I for one had many road blocks starting at a young age with a mother who had psychological issues that interupted the. flow of a normal life for myself and my siblings. Unfortunately, that’s all we knew when growing up. We all thought our situation was normal but through the trials and tribulations of her disease, we lacked the support of a mother who at times couldn’t even function for herself. All my sisters were left with scares due to her absence. She went on to be treated but had numerous bouts of depression. Our family was basically torn apart. No blame is intended but we all built our lives on the circumstances that we were given. My middle sister was brilliant but lacked the support and still went on with a wonderful career at Bell Canada. She was able to work her way up the ladder of success without any formal education. My younger sister, turned a negative situation into a positive. She was able to continue her schooling with her high ambition and supported herself by working at the age of 12. She graduated from Concordia University and held many very prestigious positions. At a very young age, showed a high interest in the arts but that was frond upon by my father. My dream was to be an Interior Designer and quickly that was passed off! Although, I also worked at Bell Canada, became a stay at home mother, worked menial jobs as my husband had his own company. As my marriage was plagued with infidelities, after 25 years I left the marriage! Finding myself without a stable job, overpowered threats in the settlement of property, (my son was 21 at the time so he decided who he wanted to live with), I managed to purchase a meager home and then set off in any field of art that I could venture into. It basically, took me 25 years of a bad marriage, an unstable childhood home, and lack of confidence to reach a place where I am content.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My Creative Journey Through the Lens

I’ve always craved the arts. Over the years, I’ve explored many creative avenues—teaching Interior Decorating at a local library, folk art painting, and beginner photography classes. It was in photography, however, that I found a true sense of purpose. The second 25 years of my life were transformed as I embraced the camera and discovered the joy of capturing life through a lens. Photography became the perfect outlet for my creative energy—a deeply fulfilling way to explore the world and express myself.

In 2012, I joined the Lakeshore Camera Club, where I was immediately impressed by the incredible depth of knowledge and generosity of its members. Although I am primarily a self-taught photographer, my artistic instincts have guided me, helping me grow and evolve within this craft.

From floral compositions to portraits and beyond, I enjoy every aspect of photography. There’s no subject I won’t explore. Each photo is a new adventure, a chance to see the world differently.

Today, I serve as Co-President of the Lakeshore Camera Club. It’s a role that allows me to share my passion, help guide the club, and continue learning from an inspiring community of fellow photographers. For me, photography isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life, and my life feels complete because of it.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

We’ve all noticed that the things which truly interest us often guide us naturally toward success. It’s as if our passions pave the way. For example, if the sight of blood makes you squeamish, you’re unlikely to pursue a career as a surgeon. Our inclinations matter—they’re not coincidences, they’re clues.

Looking back on my own life and creative journey, I can clearly identify a few key elements that shaped my path:

An Artistic Flare
Having a creative spark is a wonderful beginning—no matter which branch of the arts you explore. That natural urge to create can be the foundation for so much growth.

A Passion for Learning
Whether it’s through formal education or self-directed exploration, a hunger to learn is essential. For me, it was often my inner drive and curiosity that led the way, allowing me to deepen my skills and discover new dimensions of photography and the arts.

Perseverance Through Failure
Failure is not the end—it’s part of the process. The ability to continue, to learn from mistakes, and to stay committed in the face of setbacks has been one of the most valuable lessons of all.

These three elements—creativity, curiosity, and resilience—have been cornerstones in my journey. There are certainly more, but these resonate the most when I reflect on how far I’ve come and how photography has completed a part of my life I didn’t know was missing.

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

Reflections on Growth and Leadership

Growth is always present, whether we’re consciously aware of it or not. Each day brings subtle steps forward—through our thoughts, our dreams, and the quiet pull of desire and hope. These forces gently, yet persistently, push us toward improvement.

Over the past 12 months, as I stepped into the role of Co-President of the Lakeshore Camera Club, my perspective shifted. My focus moved beyond my own challenges in photography. Capturing the “perfect” image was no longer the only goal. I found myself in a new position—not on the field, but in the dugout—acting more as a coach than a player.

With this responsibility came a broader vision. I began to recognize the collective energy of our members, each photographer playing their own version of the same game: a deeply personal journey driven by passion and the desire for a rewarding experience. I realized that the real competition in photography isn’t with others—it’s with ourselves. We all strive to improve, to express, to connect with something meaningful through our work.

This past year taught me a powerful lesson: each of us is on a unique mission. We don’t aspire to be like the next person—we aim to become more ourselves. Individuality, authenticity, and self-satisfaction are what we truly seek. And in helping others find their voice, I’ve deepened my understanding of my own.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: cinzia101
• Facebook: Cynthia Maglioco

Image Credits

Winning Flora Image (First Place) at the Lakeshore Camera Club
Merit Awards from CAPA (Canadian Association of Photographic Arts)