Italy is a country that captures travellers’ hearts, but I was on a mission to capture Italy. For that, a professional was required. After much googling and asking my travel writer and photographer mates, I emailed a friend of a friend, Italian photographer and educator Ugo Cei to inquire about a private photography tour.

Photography is a passion. With my Canon R6 and 26-105mm standard kit lens, and a new Peak Design travel tripod, I had the gear, but little idea. My goal: elevate my travel photography so my pictures can be published alongside my words.