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?
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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.
Is one day in Siena enough to see the city? Certainly not. But it is sufficient to be able to get lost in it. It’s probably my favourite kind of sightseeing – without a plan or tourist spots to pass. That way you don’t have to rush or look at a map too often. And Siena is a great place to wander around.
The pride and sanctity of the inhabitants are the contrade – the districts. Each has its own animal symbol, such as a unicorn, a dragon or a porcupine. Thanks to the ubiquitous flags, signs and coats of arms, it is very easy to see which district you are in. The very strong neighbourhood ties and local patriotism of each contrade are something unparalleled in Italy. It is rumoured that a relationship with someone from outside the district is still seen as a bit of a misalliance. Representatives of the contrade take part in the famous Palio – the horse races around the main Piazza del Campo square. It is a major festival held twice a year – on 2 June and 16 August. The Palio riders are treated almost like famous footballers. The square is also very unusual – semi-circular and sloping. It was built on the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheatre.
The perfect complement to aimless wandering around the city is good food. Tuscany has perhaps one of Italy’s most meat-based cuisines. Therefore, I would like to recommend two restaurants that I managed to test while in Siena: Antica Trattoria Papei and Osteria La Sosta di Violante.
Travel Palette of Siena
In Italy, I miss the golden Polish autumn and its colours. However, one day in Siena made me feel a bit of a fall atmosphere. It turned out that the city has beautiful warm colours. First of all, a warming burnt sienna. Yes, this colour is named after the city. An enveloping and aromatic saffron. The mild tan provides a beautiful background for the other, more vibrant colours. Did you know that the Polish language lacks many terms for shades of the colour brown? The English name “tan” means the colour of tanned leather. In Polish, it is simply light brown. Misty pink, on the other hand, adds a dreamy atmosphere of dawn and dusk.
The capital was the last stop on my Iceland trip (gallery). After two weeks in the middle of stunning nature, a walk around Reykjavík turned out to be a completely different experience. I think we already get used to the emptiness, space and desertedness. And since our road trip was quite intense, we decided to spend the last three days in Iceland wandering around without a specific (tourist) destination and eating well.
The capital
The capital region is home to two-thirds of the country’s population, which is only 222,500 people. You can imagine that it is not the largest city. That’s why a walk around Reykjavik is very relaxing. Even despite the cold weather. The city lacks the rush of other European capitals. The streets are bustling but without the noise of cars (maybe because most of them are electric?). Restaurants and bars are full of people and good food – I particularly recommend Braud & Co and Forréttabarinn. Although the city plan is not regular, Reykjavik gives the impression of being very structured thanks to its uniform architecture. Whether it is traditional wooden houses, industrial buildings or modern architecture, we can see that symmetry and rhythm are maintained. A beautiful contrast to the whole is the ubiquitous, energising street art.
Travel Palette of Reykjavik
The city repeats the country’s natural colours – dark, silvery and cold. But we can also notice other strong colours, especially present in street art and architectural details. The most common of these is red.
The photo session in Milan is a surprise gift from Paweł to Ewelina on the occasion of their wedding anniversary. Their shared passion for travelling, especially around Italy, made it an unforgettable experience. This time, it was the first trip with an enlarged team – their little daughter was born. That’s why Paweł and I agreed to the photo program and the route of visiting places much earlier, taking into account the needs of the young mother and baby. During summer photo sessions in Italy, it is important to remember how severe the heat can be. We were lucky that day and the temperature dropped.
We started our photo walk at the famous Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – the landmark of Milan. After that we entered the Museo del Novecento (20th Century Museum). Few people know that its floor offers a beautiful view of the cathedral, and photos can be taken without a crowd of tourists in the background, which adds a unique charm to them. The walk also took us through the charming streets of Via dei Mercanti and Via Dante to reach the Sforza Castle and Sempione Park. Our little model turned out to be extremely patient, which also allowed me to capture several touching portraits for her parents. It was a special day full of emotions and beautiful moments that they will now be able to capture forever thanks to photography.
Privacy during the photo session
Out of concern for the privacy of photographed people, I always act based on their wishes. and do not publish photos without consent. In response to the parents’ request, I respect the decision not to publish photos with their daughter’s recognizable face. 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 photoshoot at Golfo Paradiso was made to say goodbye to summer. In 2022, with Saba and Stephanie, we decided to celebrate almost at the end of the world – we went for an aperitivo to Punta Chiappa on the charming bay of Golfo Paradiso (Italian: Paradise Bay). It is located in the eastern part of the Ligurian Riviera. Punta Chiappa, on the other hand, is a sharp section of land – la punta (it. the point). This place is part of the Portofino Natural Park, a Marine Protected Area of the commune of Camogli. We took a train from Genoa to beautiful Camogli. While waiting for the water taxi to take us to Punta Chiappa, we saw a small port. We were also lucky because on this day the Dragonara castle was open to visitors.
Capitan Mugugno
Finally, a water taxi took us to the Capitan Mugugno bar hidden among the cliffs. From the motorboat we could admire the panorama of Camogli – it looks even more beautiful from the sea. The journey took about 15 minutes and transportation was provided by the bar. Capitan Mugugno is the size of a kiosk and opens only in the summer season. Fortunately, summer lasts a very long time in Italy. The tables are placed on a concrete platform right by the sea. When you get off the boat, you can almost immediately take your seat. To the delight of all adult “children”, there is also a swing there!
We were very lucky again and got a table at the very end of the pier – with a view of the sea. Thanks to this, we had the opportunity to observe how the colours of the water and sky change with the setting sun. The passage of time was clearly visible, but I felt as if everything had stopped. The isolation, the sound of the sea and the spectacle of light were like meditation. The whole thing was crowned by the night illumination of towns visible on the distant shore and the endless, dark nothingness of the water. We said goodbye to summer in the most magical way we could have imagined.
Before I flew to Iceland for the first time, I had already imagined the story I wanted to tell with my photos. A story of the smallness of man in the face of the vastness and power of nature. Our journey around Iceland lasted two weeks and I didn’t feel that way once. Everything, despite its boundlessness, had good proportions and was in its place. Mountains covered with clouds. Water penetrating every possible crevice. The sun is not setting. Empty spaces filled with lupine flowers. I felt a very natural comfort.
Isolation
The journey around Iceland was supposed to be a story about solitude because, after all, there are only 368,590 people on the island. But I didn’t get to experience that either. Everyone has their own space of privacy and autonomy there, so there is no need for barriers. There are no fences or curtains. Even the sheep don’t bother and come right up to the road. Maybe that’s why it’s so easy to understand that we are not the center of the world.
Vanishing
Unfortunately, this is also a bittersweet story. In the face of ubiquitous nature, it is very easy to see its scarcity in the daily life of crowded cities. It’s as if the lack of space to wander with our eyes diminishes our perspective. However, I was most struck by this when visiting the Langjökull Glacier. It is the second-largest in Iceland (roughly the size of Lisbon) and could disappear in about 80 years.
Travel Palette of Iceland
Fortunately, the journey around Iceland is still a story about colors. It’s surprising how many shades can exist in such harsh conditions of fire and ice. Everything has deep hues that change tones. Cool and silvery in the fog or warm as soon as the sun comes out from behind the clouds. In addition, somewhat playfully contrasting yellow and purple flowers. A color palette so different from pastel cities.
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