For some time now I wanted to organize a workshop in Romania, but it felt strange to do this when I never participated at one myself. So when I heard that two of the photographers whose work I admire the most, Nirav Patel & Ed Peers, are holding a workshop in Italy, it seemed that the most natural thing to do was to go down there and meet them.

Italy is our treasure chest, a place where we always find magic, so we went there a couple of days earlier to have time to explore the narrow streets, the forests and the hills around. We walked on the slopes of Mount Crocione, and enjoyed the beautiful Bellagio, having the Dolomites always on our background. No wonder Verdi was so inspired by this place that he composed Traviata here!

On the workshop day I met Ed and Nirav, who surprised me with their humble and natural way of being. I know that images are filtered not only through our cameras and computers, but, more importantly, through our eyes and minds. The eyes are the lamps of the body. I saw the vision and the light that Ed & Nirav are holding onto and understood that this light, together with a God-sent talent, stands behind a beautiful imagery.

I also had the honor of meeting and photographing the talented Erin+Gabri (+ their baby in the belly!), two fun and artistic photographers based in Italy.  Erin, I appreciate you for not giving up on that hike to San Martino church and for keeping such a positive attitude! Your uplifted spirit made the pictures glow.

It was inspiring to meet in person such great story tellers and it was fun to change lenses with the best photographers out there! 🙂  Here is a glimpse of the story I got to tell.