Born in Verona, Italy, in 1988, Ilaria Mariagiulia Rizzuto has always felt an unshakable connection to the sea and its creatures.
From an early age, her fascination with the ocean inspired her involvement in various water sports, which deepened her appreciation for the underwater world. This passion naturally led her to become a certified diver in 2019, followed by mastering the art of freediving, further intensifying her bond with the depths.
In 2021, Ilaria embarked on her journey into underwater photography, driven by a desire to capture the mesmerizing beauty of marine life. Under the expert guidance of her mentor and partner, renowned underwater photographer Pietro Formis, she rapidly developed her technical and artistic skills. Her dedication soon bore fruit as she began to make her mark in prestigious photography competitions, winning multiple awards. In 2024, she received the distinguished Og. Picoty prize as Emerging Photographer of the Year, a testament to her talent and vision.
Ilaria is also an ambassador for Marelux and Beuchat, two renowned brands in the diving and underwater photography industries. Her role allows her to promote cutting-edge equipment that supports her mission to capture the wonders of the ocean.
For Ilaria, underwater photography is more than an art form—it's a powerful medium to raise awareness about marine conservation. Through her lens, she strives to showcase the intricate beauty and fragile diversity of ocean ecosystems, hoping her work will inspire others to protect and preserve these invaluable environments. She holds an immense respect for marine life and believes that every image captured can help tell a story about the importance of ocean preservation.
Being underwater with her camera is where Ilaria feels most at peace. It is in these moments that she experiences pure joy and a profound sense of protection, as though the camera itself is an extension of her connection to the ocean. Her love for the sea and photography fuels her constant desire to return to the water, where her creativity and passion for capturing the wonders of the deep are ever renewed.
