Ciao! I'm Laura.
  • Journal
  • About
  • Writing
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Journal
  • Books
  • Podcast
  • About
    • Writing
  • Contact

Ciao Amalfi

PHOTOGRAPHY · January 24, 2016

Intrepid Naples with Carla Coulson

Naples Copyright Carla Coulson 0015
Photograph copyright Carla Coulson

Many travelers zip through Naples on their way to Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast, or think of it as just a point of arrival or departure for exploring the area. But that means you’re missing a remarkable place, full of history and energy and an Italian allure all its own. I could get lost in the images of photographer Carla Coulson. When I found out recently about her photography workshop in Naples, I couldn’t resist sharing about it here. Her photos capture that impossible to pin down allure of Naples – intensely beautiful, gritty, vibrant, diverse. I asked Carla to share more about this city she loves and about her Naples photography workshop. May this encourage you to explore Naples as well on your next visit to the Amalfi Coast!

 

What first brought you to Naples and when did you know you were smitten?

I was in Lecce way back in 2001 in front of one of its beautiful baroque churches and all of a sudden I was encircled by a group of Neapolitan women. Somehow I ended up lunching with them and they were so proud and enthusiastic about their city I ended up taking the train a couple of days later to Naples. I stayed in the heart of Spaccanapoli in a funny old Pensione and walked out into the streets and couldn’t believe my eyes, in less than an hour I was smitten with the place. It was like street theatre on every corner.

Naples Copyright Carla Coulson 0016
Photograph copyright Carla Coulson

You’ve described Naples as “raw, emotional, fast, voluptuous, confronting and generous.” Is is that blend of characteristics that draws you back?

I feel like you could draw a circle around Naples and it could be its own country. In ways it’s very Italian but in other ways it’s a whole new world, like Asia had a train crash with Italy! Each time I arrive in Naples I have the same feeling of awe as the first time I visited, there are so many contrasts and so much that still exists that has already disappeared from other parts of Italy. There markets and shops are overflowing with products, the architecture is grand and regal but with that “Cuban” faded patina and whole families glide around the streets of Vespas. I was warned each time I travelled to be careful but the Neapolitans were always so generous.

Naples Copyright Carla Coulson 0023
Photograph copyright Carla Coulson

What emotions do you enjoy capturing in your photographs of Naples?

I love to capture their passion for life, love, faith, family and music. Neapolitans are very easy and open with their emotions and it makes it a joy to take photos in Naples.

 

Why did you choose Naples for your photography workshop?

I wanted to offer a unique opportunity to travel somewhere that maybe a lot of people hadn’t been and where there is a rich daily life that is inspiring to photograph. It would have been easy to go to a place like Venice but Naples makes my heart beat harder and I have always followed my heart. I think the people coming on the workshop will have the time of their life and start a life long love affair with this special place.

Naples Copyright Carla Coulson 0022
Photograph copyright Carla Coulson

What is the one thing you wish every traveler knew about Naples?

There is so much to learn from Neapolitans, they have a great sense of humour, l’art d’arrangarsi (the art of getting by) which makes them extraordinarily creative when the chips are down but the one great life lesson we all could learn from Neapolitans is to live for the day. I have never seen a population take these words and truly live them. I have been told over and over again in Naples “that tomorrow can wait.” I think this is a beautiful way to live as you get the most out of today without the anxiety of thinking about the future.

______________

If you’d love to take your photography to a new level and discover Naples at the same time, then you’ll want to check out the Intrepid – Naples Unedited photography workshop with Carla Coulson. There aren’t many spots left, so don’t miss your chance!

Posted In: PHOTOGRAPHY · Tagged: Italy, Naples, Photography, Photography Workshop

You’ll Also Love

Photographing the Amalfi Coast: An Interview with Emanuele Anastasio
Moon Amalfi CoastMoon Amalfi Coast with Capri, Naples & Pompeii, 2nd Edition
Santiago Calatrava in Naples

Comments

  1. KareninCalabria says

    February 2, 2016 at 09:09

    Yes, the Neapolitans are as real as it gets. Nice photos.

    Reply
    • Laura Thayer says

      February 6, 2016 at 17:45

      I love Carla’s photographs and was so happy to share them here!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Moments of Sea Glass

Trending Now

  • ciao-amalfi-winter-things-to-do Visiting the Amalfi Coast in the Winter – 5 Things You Need to Know
  • Amalfi Coast Beaches Colourful Sun Umbrellas at the Marina Grande Beach in Amalfi - Horizontal A Guide to the Beaches of Amalfi
  • Amalfi Coast Travel Positano Beach Spiagga Grande A Guide to the Beaches of Positano
  • Amalfi Coast Webcams New Live Streaming Webcams of Amalfi!

Ciao!

My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

Ciao Amalfi

  • Journal
  • Moon Amalfi Coast
  • Newsletter
  • Contact

Amalfi Coast

  • Amalfi
  • Positano
  • Ravello
  • Amalfi Coast

Explore

  • Travel
  • History & Culture
  • Food & Drink
  • Shopping

Laura Thayer

  • About
  • Writing
  • Book Reviews
  • Work with Me

Latest on Instagram

This morning I said my goodbyes to Bruno Catalano’s “Travelers” on my morning walk. Tomorrow I’m off to be a traveler myself and they’ll likely be gone by the time I’m back. They’ve been good company, but it’s time for them to move on to their next destination. 🧳
Sunday morning strolling in the sweet sunshine. Sunday morning strolling in the sweet sunshine.
"I ain't even here, Sergeant. I'm in Cheyenne, Wyo "I ain't even here, Sergeant. I'm in Cheyenne, Wyoming."
The lay of the land … The lay of the land …
Stopping to reflect on old and new in Amalfi’s p Stopping to reflect on old and new in Amalfi’s port this morning - with a little bit of golden light too.✨

Buon Ferragosto! 🇮🇹
My city by the sea … 💙 #Amalfi My city by the sea … 💙 #Amalfi
I’m back! After some time in the USA with family I’m back! After some time in the USA with family, I’m back home in Amalfi and adjusting to the time with my usual early morning walks. What’s not usual is that there are so many people out and about now compared to when I left in July. At 7:30am this morning there were already people set up at the beach to get those first sun rays that you can see just hitting the beach. Very clever! The water is so clear and pretty in the morning. I enjoy watching the changes that come throughout the season. This morning there were two guys tossing a football on the beach. That was unexpected! 🏈
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Disclosure

Copyright © 2023 Ciao Amalfi · Theme by 17th Avenue