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Born and raised in Philadelphia, with a name most people can't pronounce, Cielito (/sh'lee·tow/) is an award winning travel and portrait photographer. Her work unpacks the human condition, capturing the essence of communities and individuals across the globe. Driven by an unwavering curiosity and passion for storytelling, she aims to illuminate the soul of her wide range of subjects, from cooks to iconoclasts to neighborhoods.
Cielito holds a BFA in photography and new media from Penn State University. After graduating, she moved to New York City where she spent fifteen formative years refining her craft. Currently, she divides her time between there and Philadelphia, with frequent sojourns in Spain. Having studied abroad in Barcelona, Cielito maintains a deep connection to the idiosyncratic city, inspiring much of her work. She often produces her own shoots as well, expanding her expertise and network of creatives with which to collaborate.
A Leo by zodiac sign, Cielito injects plenty of energy into her work with tireless joie de vivre, a quality she’s had since childhood and reflected in her ever-changing hairstyles. Of two foreign-born parents, Cielito's diverse upbringing sparked a fascination with different cultures. She is working on a series of personal projects that include first-generation experiences and the intricate interplay of immigrant families and subcultures.
In her free time, Cielito enjoys propagating plants and hiking mountains. She is an avid fan of live music, stand-up comedy, Philadelphia sport teams, and tennis — her first job being a teenage instructor. Additionally, she is an active member of: Diversify Photo, The Luupe, and Women Photograph.
Cielito’s work has been published nationally and internationally ranging from AARP, Buzzfeed News, GoodRx Health, Loud and Quiet Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The New Yorker, The Times UK, The Washington Post and T Brand Studio of The New York Times.
Biography by Zachary Ioannucci
AWARDS
2022 Comm Arts Photography Shortlist — Self-Promotion Category
2023 National Mature Media Award Gold Winner
2024 Comm Arts Photography Shortlist — Editorial
2024 Danda Awards Season 1 Gold — Digital Media
2024 Danda Awards Season 1 Silver — Digital Media
INTERVIEWS & PRESS
Philly photog creates cookbook preserving immigrant family recipes — ABC6 Action News
“24 Mouthwatering Photos of Snacks from Around the World”— The Luupe
”Looking at Ourselves: Self-Portraits by Women”— The Luupe
”These Photos Celebrate Pantone's 2023 Color of the Year: Viva Magenta!”— The Luupe
”These Twenty Photographers Show the Elegant Evolution of Cannabis Branding”— The Luupe