My Origin story
Leni Ciuro Photography Origin Story – Photography has always been a part of who I am. I received my first camera in 1985 — a gift that instantly captivated me and set me on a path I’ve followed ever since. I took that camera everywhere: family holidays, school camps, even a trip to Europe before I turned ten.
Melbourne, Victoria, 3000
Leni Ciuro Photography Origin Story
One of my earliest and most cherished images of myself as a budding photographer is from a family trip to Tasmania in 1987, camera in hand and completely in my element.
In high school, I borrowed a school-issued Pentax K1000 — a sturdy film camera that became my closest companion from 1994 to 1996. During that time, I focused heavily on photojournalism, especially sports photography.
As a dedicated squad swimmer, I spent as much time on the pool deck with a camera as I did in the water. I also dabbled in street photography, drawn to candid expressions, unfiltered moments, and real-life storytelling.
The Story Continues..
After graduating, I found myself in the middle of the digital revolution. Public darkrooms were disappearing, and I transitioned from black and white film to colour photography for the first time.
It was a strange adjustment, but it marked the beginning of my journey into digital. In 2006, I bought my first DSLR and reignited my passion for photography, revisiting my love of street and landscape imagery.
By 2011, I started exploring portraiture, drawn to the subtle ways light and shadow shape emotion. In 2012, I began working with children — a shift that taught me patience, timing, and the art of anticipating the perfect moment.
I built my reputation not just on my technical skill, but on my ability to use light to form narratives.
For me, light isn’t just illumination — it’s language.
In 2019, I began my master’s degree, and my work evolved yet again. This time, it was the Dutch Masters and Caravaggio who guided my hand. Painters became my greatest influence, even more than photographers.
I became fascinated by chiaroscuro, visual storytelling, and the way emotion can be conveyed through tone, texture, and composition.
Between 2022 and 2024, I had the privilege of being RMIT’s recommended photographer for documenting art and art spaces.
That role brought me into close contact with artists and creatives, and deepened my appreciation for the intersections between photography, fine art, and space.
Through all these chapters, my purpose has stayed the same: to create meaningful, timeless imagery that captures people, places, and stories with honesty and heart.