Andrea Passarella
About
Andrea Passarella is a passionate educator and photographer who captures the complexities of life through visual storytelling. With a keen eye for detail, her work captures the subtleties of human experience and is centered around themes highlighting the interconnectedness of our shared humanity.
Andrea advocates for engaged pedagogy and experiential learning, weaving social and cultural narratives into her photography and teaching practice. Through her creative approach, she developed an integrated curriculum centered around “place-keeping,” where participants learn the craft of photography by exploring the diversity of their cities and neighborhoods. This method encourages reflection, fosters dialogue, and promotes an autoethnographic approach to storytelling, allowing individuals to share their perspectives and experiences.
In her photography projects, workshops, and exhibitions, Andrea aims to bridge the worlds of contemplative arts, education, and social dialogue, empowering students to engage with the world through a compassionate and creative lens. Committed to fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and personal growth, she integrates mindfulness and photography into her programs, supporting students’ development both creatively and personally.
Gallery
LACP Interviews Andrea Passarella
LACP asks Andrea Passarella ten questions about their background, career in and beliefs about photography.
Los Angeles Center of Photography: What kind of photographer are you?
Andrea Passarella: I am a portraitist and a storyteller at heart using photography to capture the complexity of human experience. My projects focus on the emotions, connections, and narratives that shape our lives. With a keen eye for detail, I explore the human figure as a form framed within space, accentuating the interplay between form and environment. Ultimately, my work seeks to foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other, sparking meaningful conversations that bridge cultural and social divides.
LACP: How long have you been photographing?
AP: I have been shooting for nearly 25 years.
LACP: Where did you get your training?
AP: While I took a few classes in college, my real education came from assisting professional photographers. My formative years were spent working alongside fashion photographers—setting up lighting, loading film, and gaining hands-on experience. However, I was always more drawn to photojournalism.
It was under the mentorship of the acclaimed photographer Mary Ellen Mark that I truly found my direction. She taught me the power of street photography, the art of portraiture, and the importance of developing a cohesive project. I also became deeply inspired by studying the work of photography masters like Cartier-Bresson, Arnold Newman, Sebastião Salgado, and many others, whose images continue to shape and influence my work.
LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to photography?
AP: Studying with Mary Ellen Mark was a transformative experience for me. Before that, I had been captivated by the magic of photography, but under her mentorship, I came to understand the deeper ethics and responsibility that come with the craft. It wasn’t just about creating compelling images; it was about doing so with integrity and respect for the subjects and stories being shared. That shift has stayed with me and continues to shape the way I approach photography today.
LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?
AP: I stepped away from shooting at times, but it has always been in my life.
LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a photographer?
AP: I think by combining photography with education and later integrating contemplative pedagogy, I’ve found a way to not only sustain my craft but also deepen and enrich it. It’s been a powerful way to keep my work dynamic and meaningful, allowing both my creative practice and my teaching to evolve together.
LACP: What have you gained by being a photographer?
AP: I deeply value patience, observation, shared experiences, and the craft of storytelling through photography. There’s something truly special about working with others to help them tell their stories and share their unique vision. I’m a huge fan of participatory research methods because they create space for collaboration and collective insight. A core principle of my photography projects is captured in the anthem, “Nothing about us, without us”—meaning every voice deserves to be heard and involved in the process.
LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?
AP: Teen Classes; Beginning Photography and Special projects
LACP: What do you love most about teaching?
AP: Everything! It’s incredibly rewarding to see students take pride in their images. I love teaching them how to read and talk about photographs. Learning to create great images is like discovering a whole new way of seeing the world, and once you’ve mastered that skill, it stays with you for life!
LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in photography?
AP: I would say, trust your instincts, be brave, and find good mentors who will guide you and help to shape your career.