INTERVIEW WITH:
JULIA DA CAMPO
Earth and Sky: Julia da Campo's Photographic Connection to the Cosmos
In this interview with Cluster London, photographer Julia da Campo shares her profound connection to nature and the cosmos. Through her work, Julia balances artistic expression with environmental advocacy, creating vivid images that inspire viewers to reflect on the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
Her latest project, Terra e Cielo, explores the relationship between Earth and the stars, blending nature photography with astrophotography in a powerful reminder of our shared origins in the universe.
DAHLIA PETALS
A TEAR FROM THE SKY
Hi Julia! Your photography seems to advocate for environmental awareness. How do you balance artistic expression with the responsibility of conveying such messages?
Balancing artistic expression with environmental advocacy can be a rewarding challenge. I try to create visually compelling images that not only captivate but also provoke thought about environmental issues. By using composition, lighting, and colour, I aim to draw viewers in, while embedding subtle messages about conservation and the importance of preserving nature.
I also focus on storytelling—each photo can convey a narrative about the natural world, its beauty, and its fragility. Engaging with the subject matter deeply helps ensure that my work resonates on both an aesthetic and an ethical level. Ultimately, I believe that art can inspire change by connecting emotionally with viewers and encouraging them to reflect on their relationship with the environment.
How do you approach capturing the beauty of colours and details in your photographs? Do you have a specific technique or process that you follow?
Capturing the beauty of colours and details is all about observation. I start by spending time in the environment, allowing myself to really see the subtle variations in light and colour. My eyes are naturally drawn to interesting contrasts, small details, insects and patterns.
In terms of technique, I pay close attention to the time of day; golden hour (sunsets) usually provides the natural lighting I prefer. When doing macro photography I use a small aperture to create depth and highlight details, which helps isolate the subject against its background. Post-production is also crucial for me — I often adjust contrast and saturation to enhance colours. Ultimately, my goal is to convey a sense of wonder and invite viewers to appreciate the natural beauty around us.
ROCKS & WATER
ATLANTIS SECRET CAVE
In your artist statement, you mention that observing nature purifies the mind. Can you elaborate on how this belief influences your work?
Observing nature has a calming effect that allows me to clear my mind and focus on the present moment. This sense of tranquillity often influences my creative process. When I immerse myself in natural settings, I feel more connected to my surroundings, which enhances my ability to capture authentic moments and emotions in my photographs.
This belief also drives me to highlight the beauty and intricacies of nature in my work. I aim to evoke that same sense of peace and wonder in viewers, encouraging them to pause and appreciate the world around them. By sharing these experiences through my photography, I hope to inspire others to explore nature and find their own moments of clarity and connection.
DETAILS OF A LEAF
TINY SNAIL HIDES IN HER SHELL
What does photography mean to you on a personal level? How has it changed or shaped your perspective on life?
Photography, for me, it’s a way to document my experiences, emotions, and the world around me. It helps me make sense of my surroundings and often serves as a meditation, allowing me to be fully present in the moment.
Over the years, photography has profoundly shaped my perspective on life. It has taught me to appreciate the small details and fleeting moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. This awareness fosters a deeper connection with nature and a greater appreciation for its beauty and fragility.
Moreover, through photography, I’ve developed a heightened sense of responsibility towards the environment. Capturing natural landscapes, flowers and small details of nature deepened my commitment to conservation and advocacy. Ultimately, photography has not only enriched my life but also inspired me to share my vision and encourage others to see the world through a lens of curiosity and care.
How do you engage with the local art community in Verona? Are there any collaborative projects or initiatives you’re involved in?
I engage deeply in the local art community of Verona.
I managed to have my work exhibited many times in different art galleries and even during live music events.
THE LOST CITY OF ATLANTIS
“Observing nature has a calming effect that allows me to clear my mind and focus on the present moment. This sense of tranquillity often influences my creative process”.
PEARL OF THE SKY
RAINY AFTERNOON IN THE GARDEN
Terra e Cielo explores the relationship between our planet and the cosmos. What inspired you to bring together images of nature with astrophotography?
The inspiration behind Terra e Cielo (Earth and Sky) lies in the inherent connection between our planet and the cosmos. As we look up at the stars, we're reminded of our place in the vast universe—both grounded in nature and part of something much greater. I wanted to explore that duality: the beauty of Earth's landscapes intertwined with the grandeur of the heavens. Also, given that my father is an astrophotographer, I had a lot of material to choose from and I thought it would have been interesting to pair his work with mine.
Astrophotography has always captivated me with its ability to capture the invisible, to bring the distant and the abstract into focus. Pairing it with nature photography felt like a way to highlight how, despite the distance between them, the Earth and the stars are inextricably linked. We are, in a sense, made of the same elements as the stars, and these images serve as a reminder of our shared origin and destiny in the cosmos.
By juxtaposing terrestrial elements—flowers, landscapes, trees—with the night sky, I wanted to evoke both the awe and the humility we feel when we consider the vastness of the universe. It’s a way to bring together two forces—one that is tangible and familiar, and the other that is infinite and mysterious—inviting viewers to reflect on their own relationship to the Earth and the stars.
Thank you for reading,
Alexandra, Ema & the Cluster Team.