Hello, my dear friend, glad to have you here spending a little time reading my article. I truly appreciate your time and company!
Now, for those who’ve followed my newsletter from the early days—and I warmly include the new friends who’ve recently joined—let me take you back a bit. As some of you might recall, I haven’t always been a portrait photographer. My path into the world of photography started with moments of exploration, wandering through different styles and subjects before finding my passion.
As I very briefly mentioned in a previous article, those early days were filled with experimenting, an exciting journey of discovery to figure out what kind of photography truly spoke to me. Before stepping into the world of portraiture and building enough confidence to work with models, I found joy and inspiration in something far less intimidating: Nature. The natural world, after all, is a patient subject, always there, always magnificent, offering endless opportunities to learn.
Luckily, I live in a region rich with incredible landscapes that provided the perfect subject for my early work. One of the places that became a favorite of mine back then—and still is today—is the Lake of Pusiano. This small, serene lake is just a 15-minute drive from my home, making it an easy escape whenever I felt the need to practice and experiment.
The accessibility of the place was perfect. There’s a convenient parking lot nearby, and the path along the shoreline offers beautiful, uninterrupted views. Whether it’s a quiet morning or the golden hour of sunset, this lake has a magic to it. In the drier months, when the water level is lower, parts of the rocky beach emerge, creating the ideal spot to settle down and capture the changing colours of the sky. I’d sit there for hours, my camera in hand, watching the sun dip behind the hills and marvelling at how nature never fails to offer something new each time.
Back then, it became my go-to spot every time I wanted to test a new lens or filter, or even when I got my hands on a new camera. It was the kind of place that stayed constant, yet always felt different with every visit. I could play with the light, explore new angles, and each image would tell a unique story. The peaceful environment allowed me to focus, relax, and simply be in the moment—something that can be rare in today’s fast-paced world. At sunset, there are very few people lingering on the path and you can just sit there and enjoy the view and the silence.
And now, even after years of experience and evolving as a photographer, I still find myself drawn to this little lake. It remains a favorite spot when I’m planning shoots with models. There’s something deeply satisfying about taking familiar surroundings and creating something new. Whether it’s the light, the mood, or just the interaction between the model and the landscape, no two shoots ever feel the same. It’s fascinating how, even after all these years, this place continues to offer fresh inspiration and endless possibilities.
I tell you, I admit I’m a little biased, but if you ever find yourself near the Lake of Pusiano, I encourage you to take a moment and experience it for yourself. Sit on the rocks, feel the breeze, and watch the sun slowly sink beyond the horizon. You might just find the peace and inspiration you’ve been looking for.
Take care and talk soon!