I took my portrait by the sea on a cloudy February morning on the beach in Genoa. I often dream about water, which reflects my internal state. Clear and undisturbed when I am calm, agitated and cloudy when something worries me. I come from the southern region of Poland, which was many hours’ drive from the Baltic Sea. That’s why I’ve only seen the Polish sea a few times in my life. It was only when I lived close to water, first in Lisbon and now in Genoa, that I noticed its magical influence on my life. Sea therapy, as I called it, becomes for me not only a moment of relaxation, but also of deep reflection. When I look at the endless horizons and listen to the sound of the waves, I feel inner peace. It is often in moments like these, when I am alone with myself and the endless water, that I find inspiration to create. I am fascinated by its changing dynamics and colours. That’s why a self-portrait on the beach was a very personal experience for me.
Long exposure time
Portraits made using long exposure are real magic. This technique allows you to capture subtle movement, which gives the photo depth and dynamics. Thanks to long exposure, you can create unusual artistic effects, such as a fog effect around characters or a blurred background that focuses attention on the main subject of the photo. Such portraits are full of mystery and drama, which gives them a unique character. They often create a fairy-tale or oneiric atmosphere that attracts the eye and arouses emotions. This extraordinary combination of photographic technique with creativity and artistic sensitivity makes long exposure portraits extremely fascinating for both photographers and people viewing the photos. Each such portrait is a unique story about emotions, relationships and the beauty of human nature.
To take such a photo, you need a tripod or a place where you can place the camera still. In the case of a self-portrait, it is worth asking someone to help you take the photo, using a self-timer or a remote control. To further extend the exposure time, I used an Urth lens filter.
Contrasts and beauty of the city found in the side streets
I visited Palermo at the end of April. The main streets were full of people and chaos. The diversity inherited from the ancestors – Roman, Germanic, Slavic, Nordic and Arab – was delightful. However, the side streets were completely empty. Shabby facades, laundry moving lazily in the wind and long shadows further enhanced the apocalyptic atmosphere. Everything seemed faded by sun and time. If anywhere the sacred meets the profane, it is here. Temples next to markets with meat carcasses hanging out. Byzantine golden interiors coexist with street art. Beautiful historic architecture is often covered with garbage.
The city has a very unclear relationship with the sea, which, although so close, is not an integral part of it. Maybe because buildings located on flat terrain effectively isolate people from water? You get a similar impression when looking from the sea – the city is surrounded by a wall of facades and only the domes indicate that it has depth. One of the most beautiful places we visited was the botanical garden. Exotic (to me) plants took on fanciful shapes as they climbed towards the spring sun. I also liked the silence that fell in their shadow.
Of course, Palermo is also a culinary journey, dominated by street food. You can’t ignore the arancini at KePalle. But if you would rather sit down, it is worth visiting Il Cambusone. An aperitivo on a boat (Mini Crociere) at sunset with a view of Palermo was also a beautiful experience.
Palermo Travel Palette
Palermo street photography helps you get to know the city and observe its colours. The first one I noticed was gold – ubiquitous in Byzantine and Baroque interiors. It reminds us of the city’s former glory, now somewhat forgotten. The city streets are dominated by sun-faded beiges – represented in my palette by the colour almond. Like Neapolitan yellow, it has a pink tint to it. Palermo is a port city, so there was also blue – the deep shade of lapis lazuli contrasts with the bright colours of the city. The palette is complemented by green Mediterranean plants. The colour of myrtle has a cold, blue tint.
The photoshoot in Santa Margherita Ligure took place in July and, as you can see in the photos, the weather can be unpredictable even in the middle of summer. But the cloudy sky did not prevent us from capturing not only the beauty, but also the amazing positive energy of Rayan. Her smile lit up each photo, adding a special joy to them. When this woman smiles, she smiles with her whole being.
Rayan wanted photos in the park of Villa Durazzo-Centurione, so of course I complied with her request. The complex of two patrician villas, a castle and a garden is located on a hill overlooking the town and the bay. Beautiful architecture and lush greenery create a very romantic backdrop for photos. Intense colours allow you to create beautiful contrasts. We also took advantage of the magic of green doors – I don’t know why, but portraits taken against their background always look beautiful. We took the last photos in the port overlooking the city skyline. At the end of the day, we went for a well-deserved aperitivo to Vernissage. The bar has outdoor tables with a stunning view of the city’s bay.
Why is it worth doing an individual photo session?
An individual female photo session in Italy is a unique opportunity to immortalise your beauty in a magical environment. For you, an expat living in Italy or visiting this country on vacation, a photo session will become an unforgettable experience that will combine the charm of Italian culture with your personal story. Italian landscapes, such as picturesque streets, charming alleys and majestic monuments, are the perfect background for our photo session, adding a unique charm and atmosphere. As a professional photographer, I will provide you not only with beautiful photos, but also a comfortable atmosphere that will make you feel confident and at ease in front of the lens. It’s the perfect way to discover your beauty in a unique setting and create a unique souvenir that you will enjoy for years. Discover the magic of Italian landscapes during our personal photo session and capture unforgettable moments forever!
The hen party in Bergamo was a surprise for the future bride Natalia. To thank her friends, she decided to organise a photo session from part of the party. Everything happened through her maid of honour – because Natalia didn’t know yet where her surprise party would take place.
Before arriving in Bergamo, we determined the exact route for our photos, because with such a large group (8 girls!) It is worth organising everything in advance so that the photos go smoothly and without unnecessary loss of time. So I looked for photogenic places, away from the main streets of the town, which were full of tourists in May. Natalia and her friends radiated positive energy, which made the session take place in an amazing atmosphere. We took many group photos, but each girl also had her own individual moment. At the end, we opened champagne on the viewing terrace, which was enthusiastically received, creating natural and emotional photos. The girls were very spontaneous, so this idea perfectly showed their characters and energy. It was a special evening full of joy and unforgettable moments! And thanks to photography, these beautiful moments will remain with them forever.
Why is it worth doing a reportage on a hen party?
A hen party is a special moment full of emotions and unforgettable moments spent with best friends. Therefore, it is worth immortalising this special time through a professional reportage or photo session. Photography from a hen party not only allows you to preserve beautiful memories, but also documents the unique atmosphere of this event. A professional photographer can capture authentic emotions, joy and spontaneity, creating photos that will be a valuable souvenir for years to come. Additionally, a photo session during a hen party can be an excellent opportunity to create beautiful group and individual portraits. During an emotional party, there is no risk that you will forget to take photos. Thanks to a reportage or photo session from a hen party, you can keep these magical moments forever, share them with your loved ones and enjoy beautiful memories for many years.
The photo shoot in Portofino took place at the end of March, but summer was already in the air. Ania is a born diva, so the choice of place was not accidental.
We took a ferry from nearby Santa Margherita Ligure to the bay hidden among the hills. Portofino is one of the most exclusive resorts on the Italian Riviera, popular with celebrities from all over the world. The small marina with colourful rows of houses hides boutiques of famous fashion houses as well as luxurious hotels and restaurants. However, at the beginning of spring, when the season has not yet started, the town is almost empty. Thanks to this, the photo session could be done in an intimate atmosphere, without crowds of tourists. And Ania, with Portofino in the background, simply shines! With its self-confidence and classic style, it fits perfectly into the luxurious atmosphere of the Riviera. Of course, we couldn’t end the photos in any other way than with a glass of Aperol in Calata 32 overlooking the sea. Since the last ferries had already left, we returned to Santa Margherita Ligure by bus.
Accepting yourself
As a portrait photographer, I believe in the profound importance of self-acceptance and recognizing the innate beauty of every person, regardless of size, skin colour or other physical characteristics. Each person brings with them a unique story, personality and essence that deserves to be celebrated. My goal is to capture the authenticity and inner beauty of my characters, showing their individuality and self-confidence. By accepting ourselves as we are, we unlock the deep sense of strength and self-confidence that radiates from each portrait. It’s not about conforming to society’s standards of beauty, but rather about accepting your uniqueness and celebrating diversity. Every person deserves to feel noticed, appreciated and beautiful in their own skin. My role as a photographer is to help recognize and appreciate the beauty that lies within her, to capture moments of true self-love and acceptance that go beyond outward appearances.
Our weekend trip to Puglia starts on Friday in Bari – the capital of the region. Together with Saba and Stephanie, we decided that it would be most convenient to rent accommodation in this city and commute to selected towns every day. We travelled only by public transport and our destinations were Matera, Polignano a Mare and Alberobello. Unfortunately, for this reason, we only visited Bari looking for morning coffee and a place for breakfast or at night, walking around after dinner. However, I can recommend two very good restaurants: Mastro Ciccio and MattarelloStreet Food or breakfast at Salvatore Petriella – Pasticceria Café & Bistrot. The weather at the turn of April and May was quite capricious, so both sunscreen and an umbrella came in handy.
Sassi di Matera
On Saturday morning we went to Matera for the day on the Appulo Lucane Railways train. It is worth checking the timetable directly on the carrier’s website because it is not compatible with Google Maps. Matera is located in the Basilicata region, on the border with Puglia. It owes its world fame to the historic districts called Sassi, inscribed on the UNESCO list. The characteristic buildings carved in the rock date back to 7000 BC. and they are still inhabited! Perhaps that’s why this place stole my heart – the history of this place takes us back in time and delights us with its splendour.
Matera Travel Palette
Matera’s monochromatic colour scheme caused dilemmas. But in the end, the town is best reflected by the natural pigments of the earth – umber, earth yellow and khaki. And all complemented by sap green that, perhaps unnoticeable at first glance, gently fit into the town.
We reached Polignano on Sunday morning with Trenitalia national airlines. The small town stretches on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The white, geometric shapes of the houses are reflected in the turquoise water. Blue also accentuates building details – signs, shutters, doors. The combination of these colours makes Polignano similar to Greek cities. And maybe this similarity is not accidental, it is believed that this is the place where the ancient Greek city of Neapolis was located.
Alberobello
The last destination of our trip was Alberobello, to which we took a bus from Bari on Sunday afternoon. The city is famous for its characteristic huts – trulli. Their conical grey roofs and white walls contrasted beautifully with the stormy sky. In the 15th century, farmers were sent to the area to cultivate the land built without the use of mortar. Temporary structures created in this way did not qualify as houses and were tax exempt.
The branding portrait of the yoga teacher was a very interesting challenge. Simona is the owner of the Zenith studio in Genoa, where I practise. That’s why when she asked me to take headshot portraits, I was excited and intrigued. Because I could observe Simona’s way of working and personality during our training, I immediately knew what kind of teams I would like to create. From flexibility to control. Losing yourself and finding balance. The embodiment of both softness and strength. Attention to detail without losing the image of the larger whole.
My favourite frame from this photo session is the shell gesture – Shankh Mudra. It is performed by joining the four fingers of the right hand around the thumb of the left hand, while the thumb of the right hand touches the middle finger of the left hand. This mudra represents the shell horn that is played in the morning to announce the opening of the temple doors. Therefore, it symbolises the light shed on our inner temple. The gesture removes physical and spiritual impurities. It is also used for all throat problems and to open the respiratory tract or relieve pain in the lungs.
Why is a branding portrait important in creating a personal brand?
Branding photography is of great importance in today’s competitive market. In a world where your personal brand is crucial to your professional success, high-quality photos play a key role in shaping your online identity. The visual representation of the brand shows professionalism, credibility and personality to potential clients or employers. A well-executed brand portrait captures not only the physical appearance, but also the essence of a person’s brand history, values and unique strengths. It provides insight into their character, expertise and approachability, strengthening trust and connection with the audience. Moreover, consistent brand portraits across platforms ensure brand recognition and reinforce brand messaging, contributing to a strong and memorable image. Whether entrepreneurs, freelancers or corporate professionals, investing in professional branding portrait photography is essential to building a compelling brand presence that stands out in today’s competitive marketplace.
Mariana lived in Genoa only for a few weeks and I hope that this female photoshoot in Nervi will be a beautiful souvenir of that time for her. I have already taken photos by the sea many times, but this time we went a step further (literally and figuratively) towards the water. We took portraits in the first days of autumn on Caprafico beach.
I wanted to recreate the relationship between man and the element, but not as an attempt to tame it, but as a harmonious coexistence. The portraits show this connection in a very feminine and sensual energy. After all, bathing in the sea is both a feeling of being lost in its vastness and the power of its limitlessness. It is a rhythmic dance that our body performs, surrendering to the waves. A sting of pain as salt water rushes into your eyes. The young moon was already visible in the sky, towering over the last rays of the setting sun. Many religions associate the moon with female energy because of its connection with both the menstrual cycle and the woman’s life cycle.
Nervi
Nervi is the easternmost district of Genoa and can be easily reached by train, which stops almost right on the seafront. Was it originally a Celt colony? Very likely. Its name comes from the saying “near av inn” – a place close to the sea. Its most beautiful part is the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi1 promenade suspended on the cliffs, which, attacked by waves, leads to a quiet port. Maybe this road still remembers its humble beginnings and the daily path of fishermen and farmers? Or the glory days when wealthy patricians built their summer residences here? Over time, the growing settlement absorbed the parks of seaside villas. The remaining parts of the gardens were combined into the Parchi di Nervi botanical complex. People here don’t talk much. Probably because the sea drowns them out.
Annotations:
1Wife and comrade-in-arms of Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi who united Italy.
Going for a walk “fare una passeggiata” is a ritual for many Italians and the seaside promenade of Corso Italia is perfect for this. That’s why my street photography of Genoa focuses there. The promenade stretches lazily along the coast, like a boundary between the steady city and the changing sea. Someone pours sunshine there every day, which slows down the steps and encourages mindfulness. Despite half-closed eyes from the light and the sound of the waves in your head. Of course, it is not necessary to have a goal or a finish line. The important thing is to walk ahead, which becomes very fluid in the company of the sea. And you don’t even realize when, almost in a meditative state, you reach the end. And at the end – the ancient borgo Boccadasse, a former sailors’ settlement. A small bay opens its mouth to the salty waves. Simple, nestled houses have loud colors and smell like a sea. They don’t match the splendor of la Superba1, so they are hidden behind a corner.
Of course, as it is in Italy, it is difficult for a walk to go without food. That’s why, if you make it to Boccadasse, I recommend trying cono fritto at Ge8317 (a cone with fried seafood and vegetables), snacks from Il Genovese and, for dessert, ice cream from Antica Gelateria Amedeo. While here you can see photos from Genoa.
The photo shoot in Nervi turned out to be a success, despite the cloudy sky. The sea is always amazing, regardless of the weather. The contrast of turquoise water and dark sky created a beautiful background, adding character and charm to each photo. During the session, the magical atmosphere of the beach was captured, and the gentle sound of the waves added additional depth to the photos. Despite the vagaries of the weather, every moment was full of life and energy, which made the photos exceptionally charming and authentic. The rough sea contrasts interestingly with the lovers’ small gestures of tenderness, emphasising the intimacy of their relationship. Their feeling seems to be the last form of existence that survived the attack of the forces of nature.
Nervi is the easternmost district of Genoa and can be easily reached by train, which stops almost right on the seafront. Was it originally a Celt colony? Very likely. Its name comes from the saying “near av inn” – a place close to the sea. Its most beautiful part is the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi1 promenade suspended on the cliffs, which, attacked by waves, leads to a quiet port. Maybe this road still remembers its humble beginnings and the daily path of fishermen and farmers? Or the glory days when wealthy patricians built their summer residences here? Over time, the growing settlement absorbed the parks of seaside villas. The remaining parts of the gardens were combined into the Parchi di Nervi botanical complex. People here don’t talk much. Probably because the sea drowns them out.
Me, You and the Sea
Marzia Sicignano
Don’t just take anyone to see the sea, that’s a big deal. […]
Bring someone you don’t have to talk to, because the sea is a silent film that surprises you with its colors, with the sensations it provokes in your guts, and not so much with the sound of the waves, of course, but also. But what really counts, of the sea, are the nuances. As of everything that is beautiful, after all.
Bring someone who has been able to show you that you are worth much more than you think, than what you would expect, someone who makes you a priority and not a pastime, who can feel your tragedies inside without thinking that they are trivial and irrelevant.
Bring to see the sea, someone who can understand you without talking who lift you up if you are lost who lets you lean on his shoulder when you fall, […].
Bring someone, who makes you feel inside a perfect, stupendous chaos, who makes you feel that it is beautiful to wake up in the morning, just beautiful.
Bring us someone like that, and you’ll feel like you’re seeing something amazing, something shocking and you’ll feel like you’re seeing the sea for the first time in your life because it’s so beautiful you’ve never seen it before.
I myself tried to translate a poem by Marzia Sicignano. You can read the text in the original Italian here.
I also invite you to see other galleries of portraits of couples with Bella Italia in the background.
Annotations:
1Wife and comrade-in-arms of Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi who united Italy.
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