A self-portrait is often the most difficult task for a photographer. We usually present a subjective point of view and personal emotions, but from a safe observer’s distance. A long exposure portrait creates fluid images where time seems to have frozen and souls vibrate to a rhythm unknown to the ordinary eye. And although the details of the photographs are blurry, the emotions often depicted can be clearly seen. Maybe because we no longer focus on details? In such moments, when the time depicted seems to slow down, the fleeting emotions and delicate gestures captured seem very fragile. Showing these feelings, especially for a person who usually hides behind the camera, is not an easy task.
It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for – and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool – for love – for your dreams – for the adventure of being alive.
- Oriah Mountain Dreamer
This is a quote from my profile (Campaigner) from the 16 personalities test, which always accompanies me in the back of my mind. It fascinates and terrifies me at the same time. Because am I really that type of free spirit with an open heart and mind? Am I brave enough to risk being taken for a fool? Every time I read this quote I really hope that this is who I am.
Red, like a flame of fire, ignites not only the outer surface, but also the inner self-confidence. It is a colour that has symbolised power, passion and determination for centuries. When a woman wraps herself in a scarlet sheath, she becomes invincible, exuding self-confidence like a goddess from legends. Red adds spark and emphasises its femininity, attracting attention like a magnet. It’s not just a colour, it’s a manifestation of inner strength that makes a woman feel not only beautiful, but also strong and determined, ready to conquer the world. I haven’t worn red very often lately, as if I was afraid of this boost of self-confidence and energy. But when making this self-portrait, I needed this red “armour”. I hoped to discover what was inside me that I needed to release and let go to stop being afraid.
Milan in the afternoon light of summer days is a real feast for the senses. Despite high temperatures, the city pulsates with life and energy, while retaining its unique charm. The streets are filled with people walking with gelato in hand or chatting over coffee or aperitivo. Before sunset, the warm light draws long shadows on the facades. Monumental architecture looks great in such contrasts, creating a wonderful background for photos. However, quiet side streets filled with flowers are perfect for romantic shots.
Couple photography in Milan was Joanna’s idea, who, as a lover of Italy, wanted to immortalise a trip with her fiancé, Michał. Before the lovers arrived in the capital of Lombardy, we agreed together where the photo session would take place. I suggested starting the filming in the square at Colonne di San Lorenzo. We then crossed the Porta Ticinese Medievale and continued along Corso di Porta Ticinese to the Naviglio Grande Canal. You can see the entire route here. The time spent together during the photo session passed in the blink of an eye! After the last shots in the restaurant with a glass of wine, I left the lovers to continue their date, just the two of them
Privacy during the photo session
I can only share a few photos with you from this session. Joanna and Michał wanted to keep these intimate moments together only for themselves. Therefore, we mutually agreed which photos could be published. Out of concern for the privacy of photographed people, I always act based on their wishes. I do not publish photos without their consent, taking care to create a relaxed atmosphere during the session. It is important to me that each person feels comfortable and safe during joint photography projects. I respect the privacy and intimacy of my clients, which allows me to build trust and create authentic, beautiful images that reflect their personality and story. Cooperation based on mutual respect and understanding is the key to successful sessions and satisfaction for both me and my models.
The personal brand portrait of Elisa was a very interesting challenge because she is my teacher. In the photos, I wanted to show the connection between the art of yoga and nature, hence the choice of location – Nervi Park in Genoa. Yoga aims to balance the body and mind for a harmonious flow of elemental energy. These five elements are earth, water. fire, air and space.
Earth element (Root Chakra) makes us calm, grounded and safe. It also represents the structures of our bodies—bones, flesh, skin.
Water (Sacral Chakra) is responsible for flexibility, play, creativity and connection with our emotions. It is naturally represented by body fluids – saliva, digestive juices, synovial fluid, reproductive fluids and blood.
Correlating moods for Fire Element (Solar Plexus Chakra) are inner strength, discipline, motivation and change. It represents heat, light, digestion, and metabolism.
Air Element (Heart Chakra) is all about love, compassion, intellect and lightheartedness. It represents all forms of motion like blood circulation, breath, thoughts or motion.
Aether or the Element of Space (Throat Chakra) makes us open. Moreover, it is the source of intuition and wisdom of the universe. This element rules the spaces of the body, for example the interior of our cells.
Why is a personal brand 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.
I have visited Turin several times. By coincidence, it was always winter or the beginning of spring, when the sky is clear of frost and the smell of snow is in the air. I miss it so much after moving to warm Italy, so maybe that’s why the city was love at first sight. Additionally, the short winter days beautifully lengthen the shadows and the honey light emphasises the monochromatic colours of the city and highlights the elegant architectural details.
Turin was the capital of Italy in the years 1861–1865 and its history is distinguished by continuous economic and cultural development. This is very visible in the city’s urban planning and architecture. An orthogonal, orderly grid of streets is lined with elegant tenement houses. The architecture of the buildings and the materials used indicate discreet wealth and prosperity. The wide streets are full of shops, restaurants and cafes, but uniform signs and the lack of flashy advertisements introduce an element of effortless elegance. The dynamic development and young spirit of the city deprive it of conservatism. Cultural diversity is visible, among others, in the rich collections of the Egyptian and Oriental Museum. However, my favourite exhibition space is theGallerie d’Italia.
Turin Travel Palette
Turin street photography helps you get to know the city and observe its colours. The capital of Piedmont is known for chocolate, so this sweet shade of brown is not accidental. What’s more, it is present everywhere, not only in cafes (I especially recommend Caffè Baratti & Milano and Caffè Platti). Staying on the topic of sweets – the next colour in Turin’s palette is caramel. It combines brown shades of old gold with winter, honey light. The bright colour is white and yellow alabaster. This mineral is used as a decorative stone, so it fits perfectly into the elegant character of the city. The final colour is a deep firebrick that adds some temperament to this monochromatic composition.
This is another unique female photoshoot in Genoa! The inspiration for the photos was the work of American photographer Jamie Beck, whose works resemble impressionist paintings, rich in mysterious light and colour. The portraits mainly depict women and very often the author herself. Everyday life photographed seems to have a distant, mysterious meaning. The colours are very different from my photos – the deep colours are subdued with sepia, making them look like they come from distant times. From the very beginning, I was sure that Saba, with her elegant beauty, femininity and impenetrable personality, would perfectly fit the atmosphere of the photo session. In addition, like photographer Jaimie Beck, she is interested in French culture.
Palaces of Genoa
We started shooting in the beautiful patrician palace Palazzo Doria Tursi on via Garibaldi. This is one of my favourite places for portraits in Genoa. Currently, the palace houses the city hall, so it is open to everyone and can be visited without any obstacles. The second place was the Palazzo Imperiale in Piazza Campetto. On its first floor there is a stunning atrium (and the Les Rouges cocktail bar, which I highly recommend). Definitely less light reaches there, but it makes the portraits more mysterious. The elegant, classic architecture and interiors were complemented by a bouquet composed especially for this occasion by the TSVIT Italy flower shop. This session is a combination of inspiring artistic patterns, feminine energy and mystery. Additionally, the atmosphere of patrician villas in Genoa takes us back in time, creating unforgettable images.
Portrait of a woman
Finally, a poem by Polish poet Wisława Szymborska, presenting a portrait of a modern woman. I think it fits perfectly into the atmosphere of my photo session, referring to the inscrutable and changeable female nature.
She must come in many varieties. To change so that nothing ever changes. It’s easy, impossible, hard, worth trying. Her eyes are, as needed, now deep blue, now grey, dark, playful, brimming for no reason with tears. She sleeps with him like a one-night stand, like his one and only. With him, she will have four children, no children, one. Naïve, yet giving the best advice. Weak, yet able to bear anything. Has no head on her shoulders, but will have. Reads Jaspers and ladies magazines. Doesn’t know what this screw is for and will build a bridge. Young, as usual young, as always still young. Holds in her hands a little sparrow with a broken wing, her own money for a journey long and distant a meat-cleaver, a poultice and a shot of vodka. Where is she running like that, isn’t she tired? Not at all, just a bit, very much, it’s not a problem. Either she loves him or is determined to. For better, for worse, and for heavens sake.
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.
Recent Comments