Francesca Donnoli is a Melbourne-born, self-taught street and portrait photographer with a deep connection to stories of community and heritage. The daughter of Italian immigrants who arrived in Australia after World War II, she grew up immersed in stories of resilience, displacement, and belonging—narratives that continue to shape her work.
She gravitates toward culture-rich communities, drawn to people whose faces and gestures hint at untold stories.
Her photography is influenced by the composition and solitude of Edward Hopper, the atmospheric colour of Saul Leiter, and resonates the way writers like Maya Angelou and Paul Auster explore the depth of human experience.
She has recently been a Judge for Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers 2025.
You can see more of her work on her website or instagram feed.

Visiting the Maria’s salon in Reservoir, Melbourne where she has been a customer for over 50 years.
Image: Francesca Donnoli

Image: Francesca Donnoli

The sun began early, its dreamy heat slowing my blinking.
The piazza is being set up around me, everybody is darting into their first positions for the days trade to begin.
I search for a matching colour to join the vibrant flowers.
Image: Francesca Donnoli

Image: Francesca Donnoli

Image: Francesca Donnoli

Image: Francesca Donnoli

Struck by this serene face right in the middle of the busiest market in Saigon. Arresting and open.
Image: Francesca Donnoli

The trick, they say, is to simply step out onto the road with confidence, that the herd of scooters coming your way will do the rest. Buying time, I wonder what will happen if I apply this advice and raise my camera, with confidence, towards the guard tower. Perhaps he will take care of the rest?
Image: Francesca Donnoli