Meet Luca Sportelli

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luca Sportelli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Luca, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

The hectic nature of my work stems from my upbringing in a middle-class Italian family in a small village in southern Italy. Growing up, I learned the value of hard work from an early age, as everything I achieved in life required dedication and perseverance. My experiences, both in the beautiful and not-so-beautiful places I had the chance to visit and work in, have shaped my approach to life and work. These places, with all their challenges and rewards, have taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of putting in the effort to create opportunities. This foundation of hard work and diverse experiences has been a driving force in shaping the way I approach everything I do today.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I run a dance and portrait photography business in Akron, Ohio, where I specialize in capturing the grace and beauty of movement through my lens. As a former professional ballet dancer originally from Italy, I bring a unique perspective to my photography, blending my deep understanding of dance with my passion for visual storytelling. My background in ballet allows me to connect with dancers on a personal level, capturing the essence of their performance and the emotions behind each movement. Whether it’s a dynamic dance shot or a timeless portrait, I strive to create images that not only reflect the artistry of my subjects but also preserve the fleeting beauty of each moment. Through my work, I aim to celebrate both the technical precision and the raw emotion that make dance—and portrait photography—so powerful.

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

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the art of movement. First, resilience was essential in overcoming the challenges I faced as a professional ballet dancer and later in transitioning into photography. The ability to keep pushing forward, even in the face of setbacks, has been invaluable in both fields. Second, my background in dance has given me an unparalleled attention to detail—understanding the way light, shadows, and angles interact with the body and how to capture movement in its purest form. Lastly, my knowledge of dance itself has been key in my photography work. Knowing the language of movement allows me to connect with my subjects in a meaningful way, capturing not just their poses, but the emotions and stories behind them.

For those early in their journey, my advice would be to stay curious and embrace the learning process. Resilience comes with experience, so don’t shy away from challenges or mistakes—they are part of the growth. Focus on honing the skills that align with your passion, whether it’s technical skills like lighting and composition or emotional skills like understanding your subjects. And if you’re in a creative field, find ways to immerse yourself in the world you’re working in. For me, it was dance, but for others, it might be art, music, or any other passion. The more you understand and connect with your craft, the more it will shine through in your work.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, collaborations are vital in every photographer’s journey.
I always look for collaborations with dancers and fellow photographers and videographers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lucasportellicreations.com
• Instagram: @lucasportellicreations
• Facebook: Luca Sportelli Creations
• Youtube: Luca Sportelli