Naples A Way Of Love

All Images from Naples A Way Of Love Copyright Carla Coulson Published by Penguin Australia

Twelve years ago I rolled up in Naples for the first time, stood on the streets with life whirring around me at a thousand miles an hour, murmuring like a madwoman  ‘it’s not too late, it’s not too late I have finally arrived in a photographers paradise ahead of time”.

I was torn, should I pack up my life in Florence, leave my photography studies and move to Naples to devote my life to photographing this place that is so rich, so poor, so tough, so kind, so generous and so me?

I felt like my blood had little bubbles inside like someone had mixed it with champagne. I started looking at apartments, checking out neighbourhoods and shooting myself stupid along the way. Florence won over and a little bit of regret has stayed in my heart  all these years.

I continued to visit, to shoot, to love profoundly this place that has such a tough reputation. In Italy you either love Naples  or hate it and there is no in between. But the ones like me that give Naples a go, fall in love like smitten fools and will defend her to the last slice of pizza!

One of those smitten fools is gorgeous writer Lisa Clifford and this book idea was born in a Florentine bar over a very large Aperol and prosecco (which had just been kindly offered to both of us by a very handsome waiter to celebrate my wedding).

Charged with Aperol and champagne I told Lisa of this burning desire I had to shoot Naples but I wanted a fab writer to tell the stories of the people of Naples and the things that make Naples throb. She said ‘I’ll do it”

And that was how the idea was born to shoot this book on Naples! To tell and show the stories of the Neapolitans and their Naples.

Naples is the home of pizza and we tracked down Naples most fabulous pizzaioli to tell their stories, their secrets and their relationship with Naples.

When most people think of Naples they never think of elegance but Naples is the home to Italy’s great sartoria, the equivalent of Saville Row. Pictured above is the heavenly Gennaro Solito who was born in the Quartiere Spagnoli and rose to become one of the greatest tailors in the world. His story brings tears to my eyes.

Naples is the home of tabernacles and beautiful girls flying on scooters. We left no rock unturned. We shot in the markets, the streets, the artisan’s workshops, the pizzeria’s, the cafes, the churches, the cemetaries, talking, walking, shooting and gathering their stories.

Evi O the fabulous graphic designer of Naples A Way Of Love continued the story of the photos and words with her beautiful design that has brought magic, warmth and love.  What a treat to work with her! Opera clap for Evi O..

All Images from Naples A Way Of Love Copyright Carla Coulson Published by Penguin Australia

This is a book that I want to stand on the rooftops and scream with happiness and joy that I had the opportunity to shoot, to live and to dream about. This was a rare project that started with joy and wonder and finished with wonder and joy. I love this book with all my heart.

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” Giuseppe Verdi

 

 

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