In memory of Angela Raschi Zardi [1935-2024]

In a summer that is hardly ending, a pillar of our family left us last month, my aunt Angela.  She was a woman full of integrity, gifted by an upright and trustworthy personality. Her long, quite often challenging, existence was not about her: she devoted it to her family and her work. She was  one of the most self-sacrificing persons I have ever met. She was genuine to her core, a silent giver, resilient and courageous. The fond memories I will keep of her are her vital energy, her laboriousness, her warm hospitality, her culinary skills, her gusto for telling facts and describing people. She played a key role in our family and was respected in her community. She was unwavering in leading a generous life, and her love has strengthened us in ways that are more powerful than we can imagine. We all have learnt something from her.

“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” – John 16:22

Angela & Mikaël [Paris, 2012]

I don’t really have a lot to say about this shoot, as I can sum it up in one sentence: I loved EVERY SINGLE THING OF IT! I loved them, their love, their passion for life, artistic side, the details at their flat, I loved Paris, the weather of that day, that summer season…There’s just one question I don’t have an answer to, when I look at their shots, will I also experience such passion? Enjoy this loving and lovely memory!

Angela’s styled shoot [Paris, 2012]

Angela, Angela, what can I say about her…Photographs tell more than words! Angela is from Naples but has lived in Paris for two decades now. I met her through mutual friends while I was having an internship there and we did a couple of shoots over the years. These are the very first photos I took of her, dated early July 2012. Angela is beautiful, her sparkling soul is all in her eyes! She is alive, she is always on the go and is surrounded by a genuine enthusiasm that involves other people. The theme of the shoot was “Charleston dancer” of the Roaring Twenties.

We were hosted by a friend (Thanks, Francesca!) who lived in an evocative, very Parisian flat in Montmartre. There were also Francesca’s lovely cats roaming around (who got extra cuddles)! Back then, I realised how vital can be the pictures of the details, taken during the preparation phase. Enjoy this visual memory!

The cats in the bathroom ♡

WOW, charmers!

Angela’s joie de vivre!

You, beauty!!

My favorite below

Impossible NOT to finish this serie if not with this one…

Angela [Paris, 2011]

Angela is from Naples but has lived in Paris for many, many years! She IS a beautiful woman: her features, her coloring, her physique but also her personality would strike anyone! She is positive, lively, curious, sociable, artist (she is involved in theatre) and she is always on the go!

She asked me to take some artsy shots of her at Montmartre cemetery, while she was dressed as an angel. Back in those days (it was September 2011), I too was living in Paris and we were introduced through a common friend, so we met up one afternoon and just let loose! Although it was the first time that we had met, I am delighted with the results, I believe that her beauty, the location and her expressive natures shone through!

My favorite below!