“Hi, I’m Silvia, a photographer from Reggio… I’d like to document the women from Reggio Emilia who have achieved significant goals in sports outside their hometown. Would you be interested in being photographed?”
From this direct message sent to Arianna Casoli via Instagram, an exciting collaboration was born. Because Arianna is extraordinary, full of energy, and ready to challenge the impossible.
Arianna made her debut in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series in 2016 and immediately won the final standings of the Lady Trophy. In four seasons, she has achieved 19 victories in the Lady Trophy and has secured an 11th place as her best overall result in Venray, becoming the most successful driver in EuroNASCAR history.
However… creating this photoshoot was very demanding, both for me (carrying the weight of the cameras and softbox on my shoulders) and for her (an unforgettable moment was the terror on her face when I said: “Come on, let’s do the photos. No makeup, no hairstyling, just as you are”).
Yet… once she put on the suit, she found herself in her element, even though we weren’t on the track but at the Tecnopolo in Reggio Emilia. From there, endless conversations, countless shots, and a “pit stop” at Officine Credem, who kindly hosted us for a “wardrobe change,” sparking curiosity and questions among those who had patiently waited for us.
We both share the experience of discovering and pursuing our talents after 40, turning them into professions despite all the obstacles we faced (and still face) along the way.
We both want to help women understand that gender and age stereotypes are still difficult to overcome, but not impossible.
You don’t need to be Wonder Woman; it’s “enough” to be yourself. And that is A LOT.
