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elena givone

| dreamer | creator | explorer |

| dreamer |
| creator |
| explorer |

Elena, a woman with black hair, red lipstick, and a red hat, holding a brass magic lamp and smiling.

a bridge between dreams,
art and photography

Welcome to my world! I’m Elena Givone, a photographer, visual artist, and tireless dreamer. My journey has been one of weaving together stories, cultures, and moments into the language of images.

With every frame, I seek to connect people, share emotions, and spark creativity.

A black and white cartoon drawing of Elena, wearing a hat with a red stripe, taking a photo with a camera.

the beginnings of a dream 

Growing up in Italy, I was always captivated by the world beyond my doorstep. But photography wasn’t just a way to see it—it became my way to understand it.

My academic path began at the University of Turin, where I explored International and Diplomatic Sciences, diving deep into the dynamics of culture and visual sociology. This foundation became the lens through which I view art today: as a bridge that unites people.

From there, I followed my passion to the European Institute of Design (IED) in Turin, earning honors in Photography. At the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam, I uncovered the conceptual side of photography, learning to communicate not just moments, but meaning.

Collage of photos showing children and adults engaging in photography and filming activities, including kids with cameras and a woman directing a photo shoot.
A world map with illustrations representing each country: Brazil with a colorful blanket, Ukraine with a person holding flowers, Myanmar with two Buddhist monks, Sri Lanka with a traditional pot, Mali with a water bottle, and Albino with a rabbit, among others. The map features hand-drawn style with waves indicating water and a person relaxing on a carpet in Africa.

journey around the world

Though I was born in Italy, my soul had always been restless, drawn to the far corners of the world. Life led me beyond Italy’s borders, each step shaping both my art and my soul:

  • Amsterdam, where I spent three transformative years exploring and perfecting my artistic language.

  • Brazil, in Florianopolis and Salvador de Bahia, I taught photography and collaborated with local NGOs, discovering the joy of empowering others through art.

  • Sri Lanka also became my home for four years. Here I founded and nurtured a photography school for youth, empowering others to tell their own stories with their lenses.

  • Travel has taken me to Spain, France, Africa, Asia, and beyond—each destination leaving its mark. Recently, my partner Andrea and I embraced a three-month artist residency in China, adding yet another chapter to this global adventure.

Group of children and a woman smiling in an outdoor alleyway, holding books or artwork, dressed in jackets and casual clothing.
A diverse group of five children and Elena smiling together in a classroom, with a chalkboard in the background.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to share my work in spaces that celebrate the power of art:

  • Exhibiting in prestigious museums and collections, such as Donata Pizzi’s photography collection.

  • Publishing in renowned international magazines.

For me, traveling isn’t just about places; it’s about the people I meet, the cultures I immerse myself in, and the stories I uncover. The world, in all its diversity, is wonderful, and art is the bridge that brings us all together.

A young girl standing outdoors holding a yellow water container, with a barren landscape, other children, and goats in the background under a large tree.
Two young girls sit cross-legged on a small yellow rug in a plain, white-tiled room, eyes closed, appearing to meditate or rest. There are twin beds with gray mattresses and some clothes or objects on a table to the side.
A young person sitting on a park bench next to a grassy area, with tall grass and yellow wildflowers, in an urban setting with high-rise buildings in the background on a cloudy day.

sharing the dream

Photography has taken me on an incredible journey of teaching, creating, and connecting.

I’ve taught across Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Italy, sharing the art of storytelling through photography with students from all walks of life. Collaborating with institutions like the Nikon School, Manfrotto School of Excellence, and MART in Rovereto, I’ve guided aspiring photographers to discover their unique perspectives.

Collage of photos from conference and event, including a woman with a red hat at an indoor event, an audience in a theater, a stage presentation, and people in a gallery or museum setting.

As a speaker at events like Ehi Mum, Baby&Kids, and Newborn Lovers, I’ve shared my experiences and creative vision with audiences eager to explore their artistic potential.

Innovation has also been at the heart of my journey. As a Brand Ambassador for Fujifilm and Elinchrom, I’ve embraced cutting-edge technology to inspire and challenge the boundaries of photography. Represented by Contrasto Agency, I’ve collaborated on projects that bridge art and storytelling.

Most rewarding of all has been my work with NGOs, using photography as a tool to educate and empower, continuing my mission to make the world feel a little smaller and a lot more connected.

Collection of various photos including a couple examining a camera, a black and white silhouette of a person holding a baby, two scuba divers underwater, a woman taking a photo in a lavender field, a person in a pink dress in a desert landscape, and a scuba diver under the ocean.

beyond the camera

When I’m not travelling immersed in photography, you’ll find me:

  • Hosting heartfelt dinners, with signature recipes like pizza and tiramisu, and dishes handed down from my grandmother.

  • Sharing dreams and ideas, always believing in the magic of possibility.

  • Spreading positivity and embracing the power of the law of attraction.

my philosophy — dream BIG! 

Photography is more than just a tool to capture images—it’s an opportunity to tell stories, inspire, and transform lives.

Through my workshops and courses, I strive to help others:

Two women looking at a device outdoors, one wearing a purple jacket and glasses, the other wearing a black jacket and red hat, holding a camera and a small radio.

find their unique artistic voice,

Four women standing together indoors, with one woman holding baby dolls, all smiling at the camera.

dream BIG and turn their creative passions into fulfilling careers,

A woman holding a large calendar with photos of a man and woman in an industrial printing room, standing near printing equipment on a concrete floor.

and create authentic and impactful projects

A cartoon woman with sunglasses, a hat, and red shoes sitting on a rug with three owls, two with glasses and one with a scarf, along with a dog and a city skyline in the background. Multiple teapots are flying in the sky.

an invitation to connect! 

If you’re ready to explore your creative potential and build something extraordinary, I’m here to guide you on this journey.

Remember: the world is wonderful, and your dreams deserve to come true.

EXPLORE MY COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
EXPLORE MY COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
A model in a flowing pink dress posing against a white ornate wall in a grand hall, with two photographers capturing the scene near large windows.
Open scrapbook with photographs, leaves, and drawings, surrounded by printed photo strips, small leaves, and a vintage orange camera on a white surface.
A photoshoot taking place outdoors in a garden or park with trees and plants. A woman is sitting in the grass holding a small dog, while a photographer and a crew member with camera equipment and a reflector assist with the shoot. The woman is wearing a blue dress, and the crew members are dressed casually.
A woman hugging a young child on a lush green lawn in front of an ornate red brick building with large windows and manicured gardens in the background.