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WikiPortraits Volunteer Spotlight: Astra Marina Cabras

Tom Sturridge, Rami Malek and Luther Ford at Cannes Film Festival 2026 at the premiere of “The Man I Love.” By Ondine Goat, CC BY-SA 4.0

WikiPortraits volunteer spotlight: Astra Marina Cabras

Astra Marina Cabras (User:Odine Goat) is a full-time photographer who splits her time between Rome and Paris — “my two favorite places in the world,” as she puts it. Born and raised in Rome's Cinecittà district, she came to WikiPortraits after applying online out of curiosity, and was soon photographing the Venice Biennale. Since then she's covered major events including Cannes and Venice, with her sights set on an even bigger milestone ahead.

Q: How did you become involved with Wikipedia and WikiPortraits?

I came across the application form online and decided to apply out of curiosity. Not long after, I found myself at the Venice Biennale surrounded by incredibly interesting people, which gave me the chance to learn much more about the Wikipedia and Wikimedia world. I'm still at the beginning of my journey, but I'm excited to keep learning and contribute as much as I can.

Margot Robbie at the Paris premiere of “Wuthering Heights” at Le Grand Rex. By Ondine Goat - Own work, CC0

How did you get started with photography?

I was born and raised in Rome, in the Cinecittà district, so I like to think photography was somehow part of my destiny. My grandfather was very interested in photography, which made it feel like a natural presence in my life from an early age. My interest grew even stronger when I attended the Roberto Rossellini Cinema and TV High School, where I began to explore visual storytelling more seriously.

Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac at world premiere of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein on August 30, 2025, at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. By Astra Marina Cabras. — Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac at world premiere of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein on August 30, 2025, at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Image courtesy Astra Marina Cabras.

What was it like to shoot Cannes and Venice?

It's always incredibly exciting to be part of events that are recognized and celebrated all over the world. Being there with a camera is both a privilege and a great honor. For me, these experiences feel like milestones in a long and beautiful journey, moments that remind me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

Alma Allen, American sculptor, at Venice Biennale 2026. By Ondine Goat - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

What have been your other WikiPortraits highlights?

One of the things I'm most excited about right now is the possibility of photographing Pope Leo XIV in the coming weeks, as soon as the opportunity becomes available. It would be a very special addition to my WikiPortraits journey.