Elisa Benedetti
b. 1970, Caracas, Venezuela ; resides in Miami.
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to Miami in 2018. It was then that I decided to pursue photography seriously as a profession. Initially, I focused on capturing landscapes, particularly the beautiful sunrises and sunsets around Florida.
In 2019, I attended a documentary photography workshop, and since then, documentary photography has become my passion. I embarked on a significant project documenting the gentrification process affecting some of the most important African American neighborhoods in South of Florida. I began with Coconut Grove, working there for over two years. Subsequently, I focused on documenting Overtown, which became the subject of my Master’s project at Photo España. This work was exhibited in Spain in September 2023 as part of the 2023 Photo España Festival.
Currently, I have been documenting Liberty City, a neighborhood that significantly impacted Miami after the infamous case of Arthur McDuffie’s brutal assassination.
In addition to my ongoing project, I previously showcased a compelling exhibition providing an intimate look at an iconic bus in my country, which has been a fixture on the city’s streets since 1960.
This four year documentary photographic work of the bus and its drivers culminated in my first documentary book.
My dedication and passion for documentary photography have led me to inspiring and impactful work, showcasing the transformation and stories of diverse communities.
This journey has not been easy. As a white woman walking neighborhoods with predominantly African American residents, I have faced challenges and risks. I acknowledge the dangers but refuse to let fear consume me. Instead, I approach each community with an open, kind, and understanding perspective.
My commitment is evident in how I immerse myself in the streets, losing track of time and disregarding risks to capture authentic and meaningful moments. My distinctive approach of entering people’s homes and genuinely connecting with them sets me apart as a photographer, allowing me to gain deeper understanding of the communities I document.
My ability to approach strangers with empathy and respect is a special characteristic not everyone possesses. It enables me to tell their stories intimately and powerfully.
Elisa Benedetti
https://www.elisabenedettih.com/
WOPHA Congress
from October 23 to 26, 2024
www.wophacongress.org
www.wopha.org
