Los Angeles Branding Photographer
I don’t post much about myself on this blog, but this is a great chance to tell you about an amazing work experience I had recently while also letting you get to know a little more about me. One of my favorite things in the world is travel. Whether I’m on my own, with my family or friends, seeing the world is the thing that makes me the most excited about life. The last two years I’ve been so fortunate to be able to ramp up my trip volume and have had amazing trips to Canada, Iceland, Scotland, France, and most recently, Italy.
Most of these trips have just been for pleasure, but last month, I had the incredible opportunity to combine my photography work with my love of travel and team up with an amazing company, Solo Female Travelers. The two founders of SFT, Mar and Meg, plan amazing trips for women who come from all over the world to spend time together exploring new places, learning about the culture, eating amazing food and making new friends! The trips also make a point to support local female-owned and led business, which I love. My job was to capture the memories for their travelers on two back-to-back trips- Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I was there to make sure these fabulous women didn’t have to worry about having their phones out or missing out on pictures of themselves. Solo travel is such an empowering experience, but let’s face it – getting great pictures of yourself when you’re traveling alone can be tricky. That’s where I come in, ready to snap away, capturing all the amazing candid moments! Plus, my photography also supports Solo Female Travelers’ own branding and marketing, and if any of the participants wanted a beautiful portrait of themselves at one of our gorgeous stops, I was right there to lend a hand. And of course, I got to participate in all of the fun myself too!
Immersive Florence & Tuscany Experience
Our journey started with the Immersive Florence & Tuscany trip, and oh my goodness, it was a dream. We explored Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and Pienza, hitting all the beautiful spots these regions have to offer. From walking through five medieval villages to food tours and winery visits, it was nonstop magic.
One of the trip highlights for me was the truffle hunting experience. Imagine venturing into a serene forest in Tuscany with a trained dog and a local truffle expert! It was such a unique, behind-the-scenes adventure. We learned all about truffles – how they grow, when to harvest them, and what makes them so sought after (spoiler: it’s hard work!). After about an hour of trekking through the woods and finding truffles, we enjoyed a truffle-themed seasonal lunch that was truly delicious. We stayed at a private Tuscan villa where a very talented chef cooked for us every day (yes, it was as amazing as it sounds), indulged at a thermal spa, and ended the trip with a farewell dinner that featured an opera singer – talk about a perfect ending!
Before meeting up with the group in Tuscany, I even made time for my own photoshoot in Florence – because in such a beautiful city, how could I resist? The backdrops are stunning, and every corner of the city feels like it’s begging to be photographed. Plus, having some updated shots of me for my Los Angeles branding photography website was a fun bonus. I worked with Stela at Florence Photographer, and she was so much fun. You can find her on Instagram if you are booking a trip there and want some beautiful photos! It is always strange being on the other side of the camera, but it’s good for me to do it every now and then so remember how my clients feel.
Amalfi Coast Adventure
Next, I headed to the Amalfi Coast to meet up with the second group, and wow, what a change of scenery! The sea view rooms with private balconies, the picture-perfect gardens at Villa Cimbrone, and the tiled walkways of Praiano, Ravello, Positano, and Amalfi were all just breathtaking. My favorite part of the Amalfi leg? Ravello and the gardens at Villa Cimbrone. This stunning spot sits high up in the cliffs, and the views from the Terrace of Infinity are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. No wonder it’s considered the best view of the Amalfi Coast. The gardens themselves are straight out of a fairy tale, filled with vibrant flowers and greenery.
Not far behind on my favorites list was our boat tour and the pizza-making class. Let me tell you – there is nothing like making your own pizza from scratch with fresh ingredients. It’s so simple but so delicious. I might be a bit of a pizza snob now because it’s officially the best pizza I’ve ever had!
All the while, I was capturing the essence of the journey for Solo Female Travelers – the laughter, the joy, and the new friendships blossoming during our many adventures. Whether it was the participants sipping wine at a local winery, rolling up their sleeves for a cooking class, or standing in awe of the Amalfi Coast views, I got to capture it all.
Looking Ahead
As a Los Angeles-based travel photographer, I feel so lucky to be able to combine my passion for travel with my love for photography. Italy was a whirlwind of beauty, delicious food, and unforgettable moments, and I can’t wait to see where my camera will take me next. Spoiler alert: I’m off to Oaxaca over New Year’s! Stay tuned for more adventure-filled updates.
For now, I’m back home, continuing my work as a Los Angeles branding photographer. Whether it’s capturing the essence of a solo adventure or working with business owners to elevate their brands, I’m always ready for the next photo-worthy moment!
