Blog by Kristina Kasparian Veni Etiam Photography

The Laundry Collection: Colors and (extra)ordinary details

3/5/2020

There's a poetry in hanging laundry.

The colors and movement draw the eye while the mind wonders how the laundry reflects the lifestyle of a place and its people.

I've been drawn to clothes lines and fresh linen for as long as I've been exploring cities with my lens in hand. It was so natural to me to observe and record these mundane details, that I didn't realize I had ended up with quite a collection until a gallery contacted me recently to create a themed exhibition!

Below are the prints in the Laundry Collection, full of color and details.

Each print has its own unique title and caption (in English and French) and is available in the size and finish of your choice.

Colores Cubanos

Havana is a color-lover’s dream
La Havane est un rêve pour les amoureux des couleurs

Sunday in Burano

Local life in a quiet 'Campiello'
La vie locale dans un quartier charmant

There is Beauty in Simplicity

Sometimes the simplest sights are worth pausing to record
Ce sont parfois les scènes les plus simples qui méritent d’être photographiées

La Cubana

The raw beauty of local life in Old Havana
La beauté de la vie locale dans la Vieille Havane

A Colorful Life

Uplifting colors in Habana Vieja
Couleurs inspirantes à Habana Vieja

Summer Skies

An idyllic summer day in Polignano al Mare, Italy
Un jour d'été idyllique à Polignano al Mare, Italie

Aging Gracefully

Gorgeous palaces aged by time and sun
Des palais magnifiques vieillis par le temps et le soleil

Wherever You Go, Look Up

Wonderful gems await you when you look up
Lève toujours les yeux pour dénicher despetits trésors inattendus

Which Would You Choose

I’d love to live in a turquoise palace
J'aimerais vivre dans un palais turquoise

Fresh Morning

There is magic in the stillness and light
of a fresh new day in Nice, France
Il y a de la magie dans le silence et la lumière
d'une toute nouvelle journée à Nice, France

Burano Bliss

A splash of color, a dash of life
Une touche de couleur, une dose d’énergie

Fresh Linen

An afternoon scene in sunny Corfu Town, Greece
Une scène de l'après-midi sous le soleil dans la ville de Corfou, Grèce

Mindful Meandering

An opus of everyday beauty
Un opus de la beauté quotidienne

Laundry Day

Picturesque everyday scenes of Burano
Les scènes quotidiennes pittoresques à Burano

Lavado de Ropa

Laundry hanging to dry in the stifling Cuban heat
La lessive suspendue dans l'étouffante chaleur cubaine

Rio della Misericordia

On the atmospheric fringes of the Cannaregio quarter in Venice, Italy
La périphérie atmosphérique du quartier de Cannaregio à Venise, Italie

Tell me: Does hanging laundry inspire you too?

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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The Venezia Collection: A timeless balance between decay and wonder

28/4/2020

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It's no secret to those who know me well, not even to those who know me a little:
Venice is my soul city.

A place that pulls on my heartstrings and just doesn't let go. A place where I prefer to roam alone, so I can focus on Her. A place that feeds me with melancholy and quietude in equal parts.

It's no secret that Venice is my deepest inspiration; even my shop's name is partly dedicated to Her.

And so are several (many) photographs in the collection.

Below are the prints in the Venezia Collection, full of nostalgia and wonder.

Each print has its own unique title and caption (in English and French) and is available in the size and finish of your choice.

Eerie Lagoon

The unique beauty of the city that emerges from the sea, outlasting time and high tides
La beauté unique de la ville qui émerge de la mer, qui survit le temps et les marées

The Winged Lion

Guarding the square, the lagoon, its wishes and secrets
Gardien dela place, le lagon, ses souhaits et ses secrets

Dopo la pioggia

A quiet Venice awakens after a gentle morning rain
Une Venise tranquille se réveilleaprès la douce pluie du matin

Campiello dei Trevisani

A morning in the neighborhood of Cannaregio, Venice
Un beau matin dans le quartier de Cannaregio, Venise

Belonging

Sometimes, I like to imagine that Venice belongs not to people,
but to the elements, to its creatures, statues and relics.
Parfois, j'aime imaginer que Venise n'appartient pas aux gens,
mais aux éléments, à ses créatures, statues et reliques.

Canarégio

In the heart of the oldest sestiere of Venice
Au coeur du plus ancien "sestiere" de Venise

Sunday in Burano

Local life in a quiet 'Campiello'
La vie locale dans un quartier charmant

My Color Palette

Colors that make your heart sing
Des couleurs qui font chanter le coeur

San Marco

The winged lion and the winged pigeon – both rule over St Mark’s square
Le lion et le pigeon -les deux règnentsur la place Saint-Marc

Rio della Misericordia

On the atmospheric fringes of the
Cannaregio quarter in Venice, Italy
La périphérie atmosphérique du quartier
de Cannaregio à Venise, Italie

Soaring Heart

My freest days and happiest days but also my most melancholy days.
This city liberates emotions
Mes jours les plus libres et heureux mais aussi les plus mélancoliques.
Cette ville libère des émotions

Never Tire of You

My lens (and my heart) will never tire of you
Mon objectif (et mon coeur) ne se lassera jamais de toi

Soul City

You are more than a place, and I can never have enough, from any angle
Tu est plus qu'une ville et je n'en ai jamais assez, de n'importe quel angle

Burano Bliss

A splash of color, a dash of life
Une touche de couleur, une dose d’énergie

Painted Blue

The idyllic pastel palette of Burano, Venice
La palette idyllique de couleurs pastel à Burano, Venise

Fondamenta dei Mendicanti

You walk and walk, until you reach the edge of the Lagoon
Marcher sans cesse, jusqu’à ce qu’on atteignele bord de la Lagune

La Bella Rustica

To be alone with you
Pour être seule avec toi

Golden Afternoons

My favorite time of the day, in my favorite place in the world
Mon moment préféré de la journée, à mon endroit préféré au monde

Watching You Find Your Way

"There are no wrong turnings. Only paths we had not known we were meant to walk."
Il n'y a pas de mauvais tournants, seuls des chemins que nous étions destinés à marcher."

Cupole

The breathtaking view of the Lagoon and the five domes of San Marco
Une vue imprenable sur la lagune et les cinq dômes de San Marco

Laguna Mia

A moody reflection of gondolas under a bridge
Reflet mélancolique de gondoles sous un pont

Palazzo Ducale

The Gothic palace where East meets West, where Land meets Lagoon and open Sea
Le palais gothique où l'Est rencontre l'Ouest, où la Terre rencontre la Lagune et la Mer

Il Moro

Traces of the Republic's mercantile past
Traces du passé mercantile de la République

Riflessioni

Her colors always seem more vibrant after the rain
Ses couleurs semblent toujours plus vives après la pluie

Calle della Chiesa

There is so much beauty in Venice, one must remember to look up and in every direction
Il y a tellement de beauté à Venise, il faut se rappeler de regarder dans toutes les directions

Corte della Comare

A blissful afternoon in colorful Burano, Italy
Un après-midi merveilleux dans la ville colorée de Burano, Italie

Clearing Skies

The beauty in the simple sight of a clearing sky reflected in rain puddles
La simple beauté d’un ciel dégagé, reflété dans les flaques de pluie

Burano Boot

Sometimes, it's the simplest and most unexpected sights that capture your attention
Parfois, ce sont les choses les plus simples et les plus inattendues qui attirent votre attention

Egidio

Burano’s deeply rich colors and one happy little bird
Les couleurs riches de Burano et unpetit oiseau heureux

Verso la Fondamenta

Ochre yellow and deep lilac
Ocre et lilas profond

Burano Colors

For a lover of colors, there is no more perfect place
Pour un amateur de couleurs, il n'y a aucun meilleur endroit

Laundry Day

Picturesque everyday scenes of Burano
Les scènes quotidiennes pittoresques à Burano

Pretty Thoughts

A Sunday stroll through Burano’s streets, without worry of rain
Notre promenade du dimanche dans les rues de Burano, sans souci de pluie

Return Again

My favorite view of Venice, different upon each return
Ma vue préférée de Venise, différente à chaque retour

So there you have it, Venice through my lens.
Got a favorite? Let me know in a comment!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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The Greece Collection: Mediterranean home decor

28/4/2020

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Ever felt so inspired and peaceful on a trip that you just wanted to bring that beautiful feeling home with you?

That's what the Greece Collection represents for me (and, based on your feedback, for many of YOU!)

Staring at images of blue seas, whitewashed architecture and flowers in effortless bloom has the power to transport us.

Below are the prints in the dreamy Greece Collection, ready to warm up your walls and to make your home office a happier place.

Each print has its own unique title and caption (in English and French) and is available in the size and finish of your choice.

All My Wishes

After a steep climb to the monastery, I cast all my wishes into the deep eternal sea
Après une montée raide vers le monastère, je lance mes souhaits dans la mer profonde et éternelle

Agios Stefanos

A taste of heaven on the northwestern edge of Corfu
Un air de paradis sur le côte nord-ouest de Corfou

Cape Drastis

The dramatic cape, inaccessible and undisturbed
Le cap spectaculaire, inaccessible et tranquille

Afionas

A colorful village on the clifftops of Corfu
Un village coloré sur les falaises de Corfou

Beauty on the Horizon

It is a blessing when there is so much beauty to appreciate
before the distant, serene horizon
Quelle bénédiction de pouvoir apprécier tant de beauté
devant un horizon paisible

No One Knows

What lies beyond? No one knows
Qu'est-ce qui se trouve de l’autre côté? Personne ne le sait

Morning Air

All was quiet as the old town slept
Tout était calme pendant que la vieille ville dormait

Blue and White

The traditional Greek colors and its stunning sea
Les couleurs traditionnelles grecques et sa mer magnifique

Understated Beauty

The luring charm of old palaces
Le charme attirant de vieux palais

The Perfect Sea

The sea, the sea, the perfect sea!
La mer, la mer, la mer parfaite!

Seafront

Faded from sunshine and salty air
Délavée par le soleil et l’air salé

Garden Village on the Clifftops

Idyllic Afionas perched above the sea
Joli Afionas perché au-dessus de la mer

Kerkyra

Old Corfu Town, with all its rustic charm
La vielle ville de Corfou, avec tout son charme rustique

Palazzina

Could I buy a summer house here and watch the sunset over the sea?
Puis-je passer mes étés ici à regarder le coucher du soleil sur la mer?

So there you have it. On grey days, we can all daydream of breathtaking Greek landscapes!

Got a favorite in the Greece Collection? Leave a comment and let me know!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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Terronia: Discovering the wines of Italy's lesser-known regions

26/4/2020

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What if I told you that the Italian wines you know and love barely even scratch the surface of Italian wine culture?

For nearly 20 years, Silvestro Silvestori has been teaching international visitors about food and wine at his culinary school in Puglia, a fascinating region on Italy's heel.

Silvestro has welcomed students from 59 countries to The Awaiting Table, and I was one of them. What makes his approach unique, both from an international and local perspective, is Silvestro's passionate commitment to inspiring a different kind of tourism.

Silvestro offers a new way of thinking about Italian food and wine, connecting schools of thought that are often disconnected.

"I love teaching the relationships between disciplines, because in wine you can understand everything here in southern Europe." Silvestro explains how wine allows us to understand history, geography, cuisine, cultural identity, even economics. "I wish someone would have taught like this when I was growing up."

Silvestro's different classes immerse visitors into authentic experiences, such as shopping for fresh ingredients and local wine at small grocers, making regional dishes from scratch, picking olives and learning about olive oil, making and bottling homemade tomato sauce. But underlying each of these experiences is Silvestro's main goal: to highlight what makes lesser-known places in southern Italy special, while reinforcing tourism in an authentic way that allows regional industries to thrive long-term.

Silvestro never stops learning and researching. In his downtime every year, he spends two months travelling the south by bicycle to research southern Italian wine and to learn directly from local producers. It was on those bicycle trips that Silvestro realized that so much of what he wants to teach cannot possibly be summarized on a chalkboard in a class. Instead, he felt inspired to create a television series to bring the intricacies of southern Italy to us, straight into our homes.

Silvestro's passion for video is not a secret. For years, I've been a fan of his short educational films on different facets of the region. Through Silvestro's creativity and compelling storytelling, I've learned about topics like rosè, baroque architecture, wine tasting, how to read an Italian wine label, how to choose a knife, how to make orecchiette, and how geology influences wine.

I can't wait to see where his Terronia episodes will take us, how they will enchant us and make us yearn to discover these unique regions in a meaningful, sustainable way.

Silvestro has launched an IndieGoGo campaign to fund part of his ambitious project. I invite you to watch his trailer and read all about his project on his campaign page. If you're passionate about authentic travel and Italian culture, you can back his project and select a "perk" based on the grape that inspires you!

I have no doubt that Silvestro's creativity and multidisciplinary teaching style will leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches his Terronia series.
Silvestro: I wish you the best in this passionate endeavor!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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Alone with the seagulls: A lonely stroll in Old Montreal

13/4/2020

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It always astonishes me how much good a short stroll does.

This spring is by far the strangest spring we've ever experienced - living in confinement until the threat of this virus subsides, we have no choice but to adapt to a new reality and cherish the simple joys hidden in each day.

To stretch my legs and clear my mind, I took a short stroll in Old Montreal. It was a little surreal - the streets and squares that are usually packed with locals and tourists, no matter the season, were like movie sets eerily devoid of their players.

My lens kept me company as I alternated between feeling inspired and feeling lonely. Luckily, there were seagulls to break the silence that hung from the clouds.

And although I had had a string of days where optimism floundered, I could not help but find a bit of peace and hope in the clearing skies and budding trees, no matter how anxious Time (and the loss of it) always makes me feel.

I hope that you're able to go for a short stroll to fill your lungs with air (and seagulls), and that you're able to hold onto the glimmer of hope and optimism hidden in each day.

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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Hidden messages: Hopeful captions behind my prints

10/4/2020

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Une version en français est disponible

When something inspires me to reach for my lens, I always hope that this observation or emotion will, in turn, inspire you. Sometimes, I sneak messages in the titles or captions of my photographs (which I include on a customized insert with every small or medium-sized print you order). Those descriptions serve as an extra reminder for me of what I thought at the time I snapped the photo, but, often, I enjoy putting them there in case they might inspire you.

At one of my shows last year, a visitor asked me whether these captions appear in my online shop, because they would help him find something representative to offer as a gift. At the time, only the titles were online, but I'm happy to announce that, since then, I've worked hard to add each of the unique descriptions to the listings in my shop!

During this emotional time in our lives, at the brink of this strange and surreal spring, I wanted to share some of the photographs that have a hopeful title or caption.

Some of them are from 2015, but they still resonate with our current state of mind.

If you're looking for a gift to cheer up a loved-one, or want to treat yourself to something uplifting, I hope you'll find inspiration in these words and images.

The titles and captions are all bilingual (English and French). To learn more about each one, simply click on the image, or write to me to ask a question.

Bloom Where Unlikely

A reminder that it doesn’t take much for a flower to bloom,
even in the roughest circumstances
Un rappel qu’une fleur peut s’épanouir facilement,
même dans des circonstances irrégulières

The Impossible Spring

A reminder that unfavorable weather eventually changes, and even the slowest springs eventually come
Un rappel que le temps défavorable finit par changer et que même les printemps les plus lents finissent par arriver

Trust the Path

Every step is a prerequisite for what comes next, even if it doesn’t seem so at the time
Chaque pas est necessaire pour ce qui va suivre, même si cela ne parait pas tout de suite

Stand Tall

You're special
Tu es une personne spéciale

What Goes Down Must Go Up Again

What matters is what is light, not what is dark
Ce qui compte, c’est la lumière, pas les ténèbres

Chance

When one window closes, another one opens
Quand une fenêtre se ferme, une autre s’ouvre

Patience

Open your heart and your eyes, and windows will open too
Ouvre ton coeur et tes yeux, et les fenêtres s'ouvriront aussi

Strength & Hope

The sky and the waves, in fervent conversation
Le ciel et la mer dans une conversation fervente

Dream Big

Let your dreams take flight
Laissez vos rêves prendre leur envol

Unlocked

Something truly delightful awaits you.
Une merveilleuse surprise vous attend.

Incomplete Without You

An ode to a gentle and selfless soul without whom life just wouldn’t be the same.
Dédié à une âme douce et généreuse sans qui la vie ne serait pas pareille.

Je t'aime

When thoughts of you arise at random street corners.
Des pensées de toi qui m’envahissent au coin d’une rue.

After the Rain

Sometimes life becomes even more beautiful when it has been graced with raindrops
Parfois la vie devient encore plus belle après avoir connu la pluie

You Have Time

Don't rush, stay awhile and be sure to return
Prends ton temps, reste et reviens

Abundance

The more we focus on life’s riches, the more riches arise
Plus nous nous concentrons sur les richesses de la vie, plus les richesses se multiplient

The Way

Follow your dreams, wherever they may lead
Suivez vos rêves, où qu'ils vous mènent

Fede (Faith)

Have faith: She is watching over you
Gardez votre foi: Elle veille sur vous

Up!

It will be a season of peace and balance
Ce sera une saison de paix et d’équilibre

Minimalist, brutalist, optimist

Like a shadow, like a light
Comme une ombre, comme une lumière

Navy Blue (Me & You)

Every thought of you begins and ends with the ocean
Chaque pensée de toi commence et se termine avec l'océan

Look Up

Optimism lies in the surprise of a single open window
L'optimisme réside dans la surprised'une seule fenêtre ouverte

On Angels' Wings

Sometimes, it takes patience and faith to fly
Parfois, il faut de la patience et de la foi pour voler

One Step At a Time

It's not about how fast you climb - it's just about climbing.
Ce n’est pas la vitesse de la montée qui compte. Il faut juste continuer de monter.

Simplicity

When the most evocative moments are the simplest ones
Quand les moments les plus évocateurs sont les plus simples

I hope this selection inspired you. Prints that ship flat (8x8, 12x12, 8x10, 8x12 inches) are packaged with their title and caption. If you order a larger print and wish for the insert to be included, just leave a note at checkout. Lastly, you always have the option of adding a personalized note if your order is a gift.

Stay safe and stay inspired!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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Tips for working from home

3/4/2020

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I have always enjoyed working from home.

Throughout my studies and PhD research, I thrived when studying or working independently from home, following my own rhythm or routine. I created this possibility whenever I could, and ultimately chose a line of work where this could be part of my lifestyle. It takes tremendous self-discipline and one needs to develop strong time-management skills, and it may have some drawbacks as well, but overall I find that working from home is a wonderful opportunity.

In this COVID era where millions worldwide have been forced to adapt to a new reality of teleworking, I am sensitive to the fact that the lifestyle I have long cherished is actually quite challenging for others.

I thought I would share some of my strategies and guiding principles for working efficiently from home, with the hope that they might help you turn this challenge into opportunity.

1. Know your rhythm

Do you concentrate best in the morning or afternoon?
What are the signs that you need a break?
Which tasks do you dread the most?
What distracts you?

Consider all of these details when you plan and structure your day, to give yourself the BEST chance of staying focused, especially during tasks that are not your strong suit.

2. Start the day right

How you start the day can have an enormous impact on your mood and mindset.

Let light and fresh air into your working space. Tidy a little. Start the day with something that makes you feel good - coffee, tea, music, gratitude, stretching, journaling gardening, yoga - anything that will fill your body and mind with energy to tackle your day with ease.

Look forward to working; it's a game-changer!

3. Set rules

If you are not alone at home but are worried about being distracted or interrupted, set rules so others know when not to disturb. Wear noise-cancelling headphones, choose a separate space to work from that's away from "the action", put a sign on the door, silence your phone and notifications, communicate to those who try to reach you that you will be working without interruptions until a certain time.

This is by far the biggest challenge for me, especially when friends or family are on a different rhythm (and are sometimes disappointed that I am difficult to reach during the day), but it's the only way I can stay in the zone, especially for demanding tasks like writing, translation or brainstorming. I even leave my phone in another room (I used to call it "putting my phone in quarantine" but then this pandemic broke out and that word stopped being funny to me).

4. Stay organized

Create a desk area (even if it's your kitchen table!) where you have everything you'll need at your fingertips.

Avoid having a "dumping pile". Make sure everything has somewhere to go, physically or on your computer.

Use folders, different colors, to-do lists, post-its, storage bins, dividers, an agenda and apps (like Asana) to stay organized.

Start and end each workday with a few minutes of tidying.

The clearer your space, the clearer your mind!

Featured: "Landmark" from the Canadian collection

5. Track your time

Plan your day in advance (in the morning or the evening before).

Make sure you know what your 1-3 main priorities are for the day - what is urgent and/or will bring you closer to your goals?

Break your tasks down into a list in manageable chunks that you can assign a time interval to. If the task is so huge that you can't estimate how long it will take you, it needs to be further broken down into smaller pieces.

If you don't want to set a time for every task, another strategy is to break your day into 3 parts (e.g. morning, early afternoon, late afternoon) and stay on track with the tasks within those blocks of time. Remember to leave room in your schedule for breaks!

Once you estimate how long something should take you, track your time to stay on task! This will further motivate you to eliminate distractions and silence your notifications. Lots of apps exist to help you track your time if a simple clock doesn't do the trick for you!

6. Schedule breaks

No matter how you structure your to-do list, be sure to plan for breaks AND TAKE THEM!

Whether it's a short walk, exercise, lunch, bath, a phone call, a YouTube video, gardening, meditation or laundry - write it down and make it happen.

I literally put "self-care" on my to-do lists because it makes it important - just as important as all the other items that measure my productivity - and it eliminates any ounce of guilt I have a tendency to feel if I am not working towards my goals. I tell myself that feeling well (physically, mentally and emotionally) is also a priority.

Taking a step back from our work helps us refuel the body and mind, which helps us work faster and with more clarity once we get back to it.

Writing down what you want to do on your breaks keeps you accountable. Work life balance is important, and so is your mental health!

7. Prepare healthy snacks in advance

Sometimes (often...) we reach into the fridge or pantry for inspiration, as if the answer to our problem can be found in a pint of ice cream or a jar of cookies...

To avoid binge eating unhealthy foods, it helps to have healthy snacks already prepared so you can grab them easily: yogurts, pre-cut fruits and veggies, healthier types of chips, cheese, nuts, dates, bars, etc.

When you do your grocery run, try to think of what you might enjoy snacking on while working or a lunch that doesn't take long to prepare. Making healthier items easy to grab will lessen the urge to reach for quick, junky foods.

8. Nurture your space

Your workspace, no matter its size or location, should motivate you. It should feel like a little haven that accompanies you and picks you up when your creativity starts to slump. It doesn't have to be a designated closed space - work with what you've got, even if it's the dining room.

Choose accessories, furniture and decor that inspires and uplifts you. You should feel comfortable and happy in your space, so that you enjoy being there for hours on end.

Don't be afraid to make changes to your space. Your needs evolve, so your space should too!

Featured: "Canopy of Color" from the international collection

9. Move around

If you're working from home, you're not commuting, and you're likely working from one spot all day long.

Be sure to move around while you work (some tasks can be done without your full setup) or during your breaks.

Stand up and stretch. Work while standing sometimes. Pay attention to your posture and how many steps you've done during the day.

If you're the type to lose track of time, set an alarm to get up and get your heart going a little bit, even if it means dancing like no one's watching.

10. Create a boundary

If a task or email comes up and it's not on your radar for today, set it aside until tomorrow.

If 10 new ideas popped into your mind but are not priority, jot them onto a post-it and leave them for another day.

If your "work pile" is causing you anxiety because it's in the middle of your kitchen, put it somewhere else at the end of your day.

If you've noticed that reading emails or checking social media before bedtime causes you stress or insomnia, have a strict no-device policy after supper.

Whenever possible, delineate boundaries between different aspects of your work, or between "work" and "home". Be conscious of how you feel and how you thrive, and set boundaries that protect your mood and mindset.

11. Know when to stop - and stop!

Don't work overtime every single day. Pace yourself even if you think you don't need to. Create work-life balance whether you have a family or live alone.

Know when it's time to stop, and STOP.

Whether it's after 1 more task or at a scheduled time - whatever it is, respect that limit.

Make yourself a note or list so you'll know exactly where to pick up tomorrow.

Featured: "Tour de l'horloge" from the Canadian collection

12. Celebrate

Acknowledge something positive about your day, every day.

Something you learned, a way you stepped out of your comfort zone, a problem you solved, someone you helped, positive feedback you got, a challenge that is behind you, a new opportunity, good news.

Celebrate anything that makes you feel pride, relief or joy.

I hope you found these tips valuable and you feel motivated to try some of them out.

Got a tip to share? Leave a comment below, I would love to know!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

Nurturing yourself and your home during Covid-19

19/3/2020

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Hello loves,

In these uncertain and anxious times, I wholeheartedly wish you all comfort at home. I hope your haven feels safe and cozy, and that you feel grateful for it more than ever these days.

As a restless soul who always had her next travels in mind, I only began to truly appreciate "home" when I moved into my place that is affectionately referred to as "The Pink Palazzo", and even more so when I became self-employed and during those times in recent years where I had to stay home to recover from surgeries and immunocompromising treatments.

Staying home for health brought me a lot more joy and clarity than I ever anticipated. I discovered a new side of me, a side that was more observant of my surroundings and of my inner voice. I took more pictures, even of mundane daily details. I journalled, I gardened, I cooked, I created, I worked, I listened to music, I listened to myself, I grew, and I thrived.

I also decorated and nurtured my space during that time. There's something so special about creating a space that reflects you, because when you least expect it to, it actually takes care of you.

All this to say that time at home doesn't have to feel negative or claustrophobic. It can feel liberating in many other ways. I truly hope you can find joy in this new rhythm, that you can practice gratitude, and that you can feel nurtured by your space.

If you're staring at your walls these days and wish they were more inspiring, I've put together this series of uplifting and cheerful artwork for you, all 15% off for the next while, to lift your spirits!

May these colors, places and details remind you that life's ordinary moments have the power to be extraordinary, if we are open and attentive. May they remind you that spring will come, and that sunshine and togetherness are just around the corner.

Bloom Where Unlikely

There Is Beauty in Simplicity

Canopy of Color

The Impossible Spring

You Have Time

Dopo la Pioggia

Stand Tall, You're Special

Up!

Laundry Day + Sunday in Burano

Treasure Hunt

Beauty on the Horizon

Afionas

Ethereal Beauty

Tulipani + Elegance + Orchids

Simplicity

Li Prisuddi

Low Season

Burano Bliss

I Have This Thing with Blue

Agios Stefanos

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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Photography and mindfulness: How my lens improved my life

11/2/2020

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I was the four-year-old who wanted to know what was for supper while she was sitting down to eat lunch.

I was the teen who secretly created competitions with herself in her head to speed up her productivity and set new personal records.

I grew into an adult who became a restless traveler, always looking to fill my heart and notebooks with feelings and experiences.

And throughout my unconventional life, I maintained an uneasy relationship with Time. Possibly like many of you, I constantly felt like I didn't have enough of it. I had trouble imagining myself in the future, as though I wouldn't get there, and this subconsciously propelled me to fill each day past the brim. I never wanted to finish books; I'd read them up to the last couple of chapters and stop, almost defiantly, not wanting the story to end. I always negotiated extra time before bedtime, before school, before supper, or while at a friend's house. I refused to keep countdowns, even if my friends would be counting down to something fun in our lives, like prom or graduation. Whenever I traveled, I hated the question, "When are you back?" and, to this day, I always need to have cancellation insurance because I'm notorious for changing my return date on tickets to prolong my stay. My watch has been on Italian time since my teens, since my first trip to my happy place. Every New Year's Eve, when the ball begins to drop over Times Square, my feeling of anxiety outweighs my excitement.

When I think about all these insecurities around Time, it amuses me to think that I am so passionate about writing and photography, two ways of cheating it. Both have been my allies in pausing time and revisiting it at my heart’s whim.

But what I realized only rather recently, is that photography has allowed me to practice daily mindfulness, to slow my rhythm, to consider a different perspective.

Photography came to me at a time when I was finding my wings, stretching my legs and testing my creative voice.

When I started dabbling in photography back in 2007, way before highly visual platforms like Instagram changed our way of seeing the world, I did a couple of 365-day challenges to commit to practicing my skills every day. If you've ever done one of these challenges, you'll know how difficult it can seem (initially) to find something worth photographing, especially on the dullest of days. I mean, if you're on vacation in the Greek islands, you'll have no shortage of inspiration, but if you're home doing laundry, capturing mismatched colorful socks sitting on a drying rack doesn't quite have the same appeal, does it?!

But photography was the perfect antidote for my hurried step and my busy mind. It was the perfect relief from my scientific career and the most natural complement to my writing.

As time went on and life got more and more complicated, I unknowingly leaned on photography even more. I depended on it to help me see, to help me feel, to help me move, to help me hope.

Whether I was exploring a new neighborhood, recovering from surgeries, or falling in love with another faraway place, I could always count on photography to allow me to look around, look back and look within. Photography was always there to inspire me take it all in, and to feel gratitude - a powerful emotion that only invites more blessings into your life.

Mindfulness was, for a long time, a concept that I didn't quite get. Everything I loved about myself - my creative mind that never shut off, my machine-like productivity, my restlessness, my ability to do and be multiple things - seemed to go against living mindfully.

But I think there is room for mindfulness, even in a full schedule and a passionate existence. The trick is to be in tune with your surroundings and your own self, and to know when there is a disconnect between them. Photography is an outlet that helps me create the space and time for observation and feeling. It's not about rapidly collecting images on a memory card. It's about looking with the eyes first, feeling something, and holding onto that micromoment of inspiration and gratitude.

When shoppers comment on how ordinary some of my photographs are, I smile. I love to glorify mundane daily details, because it's those ordinary moments that have the power to become extraordinary. And because of my own journey with photography, this personal training of observing differently, being open to inspiration, of celebrating details, whether at home or away.

It's a dangerous world we live in nowadays, where everything is urgent and we are measured on our productivity, our audience, and on other metrics that didn't matter as much a few years ago. We are being taught to work faster, reply faster, ship faster, expect faster results, buy faster, heal faster. But what does that do to our body and mind? To constantly be in that state of adrenaline, of fight or flight, of do or die.

My instinct, as that restless little girl who wants to know and do and be everything, is to fear that if I don't hurry, I will miss out.

But photography has been diligently teaching me that urgency is an illusion.

To read road signs, one can’t be whizzing past. To notice, we must slow our step. To take sharp pictures, we must stand still. To heal, we must rest. To savor our wine, we must breathe deeply. To have new creative ideas, we must take a step back.

And so, to me, this is what living mindfully means. And my photography, which was started only because my parents gifted me a camera when I moved to Europe, helps me tune into what matters and to freeze it in time.

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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My 3 words for 2020

13/1/2020

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Every year, I choose 3 words every year to guide my intentions, goals and decisions every day. Whatever doesn’t fit these words doesn’t fit my year.

This is how I know that I am on the right track, working towards my ultimate goals for myself, my work and my relationships.

For 2020, my 3 words are:
quietude,
fulfillment
and
freedom.

This exercise of coming up with 3 words is an annual ritual I have cherished for almost a decade now. I recommend everyone to do this, to pick even just one word. What is essential is reflecting for a moment on what you would like your ideal year to be, and committing it to paper. Because when it is written down somewhere, I really think it's one step closer to being actualized.

Quietude

I wish to create space in my day for calm, knowing that calm fuels clarity of thought, creativity, contentment and health.

I wish to embrace simplicity, to distinguish between what is essential and that which doesn’t serve me.

I hope to remember, especially when I forget, that everything comes from within – all the healing, all the answers, all the joy.

I wish to continue my daily appreciation of my surroundings, my home, my favorite places near and far.

I strive to be present, unhurried, to challenge the notion of “urgency”, rush less and enjoy more. I hope to finally make peace with grief, resentment and pain, to not let them poison my thoughts and shatter my hope. I want to feel peace with my decisions, and to make them without fear, without feeling the torment of picking the wrong door.

I want to feel that feeling of pure happiness and lightness that can be found in small pockets of peace, and for those moments to come closer and closer together in time.

I wish for there to be a stillness in me that can’t be rattled, a steadiness that only grows stronger with practice.

Fulfillment

I wish to continue feeling pride and excitement at the thought of where I am, who I am and what I do. I want to wake up rested, curious, eager and motivated to create. I want to go to bed feeling complete. In between, I wish for my days to flow with ease. I want to be creative, productive and full of momentum.

I wish to feel like a garden in full bloom, a light that infiltrates everywhere, a tide that is powerful but gentle.

I wish for every day to be a clear step in the direction of my dreams. I wish to have something to celebrate every single day, and to hear myself laughing loudly, no matter where I am or who I am with.

Freedom

I want to be free. Untethered. Light on my step. Grounded and anchored to what is essential, but free to float in dreams and possibilities.

I want to feel connected to pure joy and purpose, and shake off what weighs me down.
I wish for the continued freedom to make my own living, to choose my projects and my people, but also my reactions and my words. I wish to break free of cycles and patterns that no longer serve me, or which actually never have.

I wish to be free of what others might say about me, what they might think of me but not say, what they say to me but don’t mean.

I wish to be free of the grasp of Time and the nagging worry that I won’t have enough of it.

I wish to learn how to achieve this freedom even though life is full of high tides, steep peaks and dark shadows.

Once again, I’ve shown you a part of my heart. Thank you for reading and for being here with me, in whatever way, wherever you are.

And since you are here, having read this far, I ask you:
What is your word for 2020? What does your ideal year look like to you?

I would love for you to let me know in the comments below, or just write it out for yourself. I promise you, it's a powerful exercise. I wish for all your wishes to come true this year, and always!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

A heartfelt lookback on 2019 in words and pictures

13/1/2020

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Click here to read my 3 wishes for 2020

There’s something uniquely special about the brink of a new year. Perhaps even more so, a new decade.

Although I have always been anxious about the passing of time, the melancholy of endings and the uncertainty of new beginnings, I am somehow filled with renewed energy, optimism and courage when the page is turned to January and when 12 months lie ahead, unwritten.

When we look back on a year, our brains seem to try to categorize it as “a good year” or “a tough one”. The truth is, it’s always both.

When I look back on 2019, it stands out as a year filled with tiny moments, incredible triumphs and interesting discoveries.

Photo credit: Manuela Gomez Photography

2019 was the year I vowed to be more present and mindful, and to really prioritize my wellness. I infused my morning routine with calm and intent. I put my heart into everything I did, otherwise I didn’t accept to do it.

I was attentive to how people, situations and decisions made me feel; if I didn’t feel well, I backed away or changed my terms.

I took my foot off the guilt pedal, having grown tired of its toxic effect on my mood and mindset. I embodied my philosophies rather than explaining or defending them.

I made sure to reserve my apologies for serious rather than trivial things, and not to let anyone make me lose sight of my strengths, my uniqueness and my power.

It was the year where I finally started to accept the unexpected twists in my path and to embrace them, for everything these twists have brought me and every (unnecessary) thing they have taken away.

It was a year of writing, creating, and finally thriving. I poured my energy into passions and projects that were aligned with my goals and my dreams.

I shared a new company with the world, and, within a month of its existence, I had clients lined up and full-time hours of work in the books. But what a blessing when work doesn’t feel like work – when you wake up in the morning genuinely eager to see what your brain will accomplish and how you’ll help someone with their needs.

It was the year I got better at visualizing the life I wanted to have and taking concrete steps to create that life. It was the year I got better at verbalizing what it is that I do for a living and no longer feeling conflicted that I don’t fit in a neat little box.

2019 was the year I explored Montreal like a visitor, booking tours and learning about sights that have been part of my life’s backdrop since I was little, but to which I’d always given very little thought.

I discovered tiny places with big feelings, and stretched my legs here in our own province, where we have so many wondrous gems to enjoy.

I motivated myself to wake up and witness several stunning sunrises, astonished at how negative emotions like fear and inadequacy melt away in the face of a rising sun, leaving room only for gratitude, humility and awe.

2019 was the year where I lived in tune with the seasons – in acceptance of those outside my window and inside my own life. I spent almost every spring and summer day outside, in the garden or by the water, and found peace in nature’s gifts. I tried, invented and reinvented tons of new recipes, which is how I know that I’m feeling peaceful and creative.

I worked extremely hard with the Collectif Créatif to be a leader in our artistic and entrepreneurial community here in Montreal, and to help create an inclusive, diverse and inspiring series of markets with my amazing colleagues.

Photo credit: Manuela Gomez Photography

Veni Etiam flourished online and offline, launched new collections and participated in over 20 pop-up markets and exhibitions again this year. Each activity allows me to meet wonderful people and learn valuable lessons about why I do what I do and what my creations have to offer.

Photo credit: Manuela Gomez Photography

It was the year Apartment Therapy came into my home to photograph and feature it, making me feel excited to share my colorful collection and daily lifestyle with friends and strangers around the world.

Photo credit: Marie-Lyne Quirion for Apartment Therapy

It was the year I finally traveled to the south of France after daydreaming about what the Côte d’Azur would look, sound and feel like. I brought you a beautiful new collection that many of you have said is your favorite so far, full of color and feeling.

Of course, 2019 also had many heartaches among its pages. I lost my grandmother, one of my pillars of strength and faith. Although I hear her wise voice in my ears daily and am visited by her in my dreams at night, I feel the void she left and would do anything to feel her hands around mine again.

It was still a year marked by tremendous physical pain due to endometriosis and complications from scar tissue built up from all my previous surgeries, sometimes making it hard to sleep, eat, move or breathe for days in a row. It was still a year where my words about my body were bitterly unkind, where I vowed to stop bullying it and to start genuinely trusting it, but never managed to stay true to that vow.

It was the year where I poured my soul into a heartfelt piece of writing that I submitted to a national competition but did not even get close to winning. 2019 also brought its share of extremely stressful, unpredictable situations with home repairs and bureaucratic hurdles, where my legal brain had to be sharp, which can be utterly exhausting.

But, well, there is never a year with only perfect pictures, smooth travels, sunshine and low tides. There are tons of messy days where nothing makes sense and everything feels daunting, where we question our purpose, our faith, everyone’s motives, and our biggest dreams.

And then comes a sunrise, on a new morning of a new year and decade, and we have this beautiful opportunity to create 2020.

As you may know, instead of choosing a new year's resolution, I always choose 3 words to guide my intentions, goals and decisions every day of the year.

For 2020, my 3 words are:
quietude,
fulfillment
and
freedom.

In this next post, I explain why I settled on these words and what they mean to me. See you there!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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Les 3 thématiques que j'explore dans ma photographie

24/9/2019

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English version

Je n'ai pas toujours été photographe, mais j'ai toujours été une personne très observatrice de son environnement.

En tant qu'écrivaine, je suis attentive aux détails et à la manière dont nos sens déclenchent des émotions profondes. En tant que chercheuse scientifique, je suis curieuse d’apprendre comment le monde externe affecte le monde interne. En tant qu’une personne née avec la «synesthésie», une condition où le cerveau crée de manière innée des sensations de couleur en réponse au langage, au mouvement ou à la musique, j'ai une forte affinité pour les couleurs vives.

C'est ma carrière scientifique qui m'a menée à la photographie. J'ai vécu à l'étranger pendant mes études et mes projets de recherche. J’ai participé à plusieurs conférences internationales chaque année. En voyageant et en pratiquant de plus en plus la photographie, j'ai découvert une forme de narration complémentaire à mon style d’écriture.

Récemment, la photographie est devenue pour moi un exercise de pleine conscience au quotidien, une manière d’être plus présente, de changer de perspective et de faire en sorte que les moments simples et éphémères comptent.

Quand j'y pense, ce sont les même 3 thèmes que je retrouve dans presque toutes mes oeuvres photographiques. Ces 3 thèmes se retrouvent, de manière évidente ou subtile, dans tout ce qui attire mon regard, tout ce qui ralentit mon pas et tout ce qui me fait sortir mon objectif pour capter le moment.

Je pense que mon amour pour la photographie est né de ma haine des fins et des adieux. La photographie est un moyen pour moi de tricher le temps, de garder le soleil au-dessus de l’horizon, de suspendre les montgolfières dans le ciel, de garder les gouttes de pluie sur la vitre, et de garder mon coeur bien rempli de ces émotions que j'avais ressenties à ce moment-là.

Tout comme ma mère m'encourageait quand j'étais petite de "créer un souvenir" avec mes yeux quand j'étais triste de quitter un bel endroit, j'ai appris à "créer un souvenir" de ce que je vois et de ce que je ressents à travers mes mots et mes photographies.

Les 3 thèmes principaux qui traversent mes photographies sont: la nostalgie, les détails et la mer.

1. La nostalgie

Êtes-vous tous déjà tombés amoureux d'un lieu?

Les lieux sont magiques. Comment savons-nous avec certitude que nous devons un jour nous rendre à une destination avant même de planifier ce voyage? Comment certains endroits nous appellent-ils encore et encore, comme si nous y avions laissé une ancre? Et comment décrire ce sentiment spécial quand on y retourne et qu’on aperçoit que tout a changé – et que nous avons changé aussi – mais qu’on peut facilement retrouver ces mêmes émotions qu’on ressentait la dernière fois?

La nostalgie doit être l’une des émotions les plus complexes et les plus puissantes qu’un cœur puisse connaître. Un appel fort, la mélancolie et la gratitude pour un lieu et un moment qui ont été importants pour nous.

“Veni Etiam” est une phrase en latin qui signifie “reviens encore”. Mes oeuvres photographiques célèbrent la magie des lieux et du retour.

De tous les coins du monde où j'ai jeté l'ancre, Venise est la plus inspirante. Au moment où je pense avoir suffisamment photographié Venise, elle me surprend avec mille angles et ambiances que je vois pour la toute première fois malgré d’innombrables retours.

2. Les détails et l'art de l'observation

Avez-vous déjà prêté attention à ce qui attire votre regard? Est-il attiré par les détails ou par l’ensemble?

Les détails font souvent toute la différence dans une scène, une émotion ou un souvenir.

Observer les détails nous donne l’occasion de ralentir, d’être attentif, de ressentir, de nous rappeler.

La photographie pour moi, c'est de remarquer, de célébrer et de se souvenir non seulement du grandiose mais (surtout) du banal.

Certains diront peut-être que mes photographies sont plutôt "ordinaires", mais je considérerais cela comme un compliment, car la vie est composée d'innombrables moments ordinaires qui peuvent devenir extraordinaires si on leur permet.

3. La Mer et ses marées

Quels trois mots utiliseriez-vous pour décrire la mer?

Pour moi, la Mer est infinie, puissante et variable.

La Mer m'apprend que je suis petite mais pleine d'espoir. Que cette vie a des marées, toujours cycliques et jamais permanentes, parfois douces et parfois féroces, capables de nous assommer ou de nous bercer doucement dans ses bras.

La Mer gonfle et se retire, inonde nos sens mais efface nos pas. Elle nous apprend à accepter que de violentes tempêtes arrivent soudainement, mais à nous réjouir quand ces tempêtes passent. Elle est ouverte mais secrète, romantique mais mélancolique, prometteuse mais impossible.

Nous pouvons la quitter mais ne jamais l'oublier.

Nous surfons et naviguons, amarrons, ancrons, flottons et coulons, émerveillés et captifs de ses marées, ses vents et ses humeurs.

Que vous veniez de découvrir mon blog et ma boutique, ou que vous me suiviez depuis un moment, merci d'être ici avec moi. Merci de lire mes mots, de partager vos impressions et de vous retrouver un peu dans mes photographies.

De mon coeur au vôtre,
Kristina

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Travel photography with feeling: 3 elements that inspire my work

24/9/2019

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Version française

I have not always been a photographer, but I have always been a keen observer of the world around me.

As a writer, I am attentive to details and how our senses trigger deep emotions. As a scientist, I am curious about how the external world impacts the internal one. As someone with “synesthesia” where the brain innately creates color sensations in response to stimuli like language, movement or music, I have an affinity for vibrant colors.

It was my scientific career that led me to photography. I lived abroad for my studies and research. I traveled to several international conferences every year. By practicing photography, I discovered a new form of storytelling that felt like my writing.

In recent years, photography has served as an act of daily mindfulness for me – a way of attending to the present, shifting my perspective and making simple moments count.

When I stop to think about it, there are 3 main themes that underlie my photography. These 3 themes can be found, in obvious or subtle ways, in everything that draws my eye, slows my step and makes me reach for my lens to record the moment.

I think my love for photography blossomed partly a result of my hating endings - photography is a way for me to cheat Time, to keep the sun above the horizon, to keep hot air balloons in the sky, to keep raindrops on the windowpane, and to keep my heart feeling like it did then.

Just like my Mom used to encourage me when I was little to "make a memory" with my eyes when I was sad about leaving a beautiful place behind, I have learned to "make a memory" of what I see - and what I feel - through words and photographs.

The 3 main themes running through my photography are: nostalgia, details and the Sea.

1. Nostalgia

Has a place ever cast a spell on you?

Places are magical. How do we know deep inside us that we must visit a place long before we even make plans to get there? How do some places pull us back, again and again and again, as though we have left an anchor there? And how to describe that feeling of returning and noticing that a place has changed and we have changed, yet we can somehow feel exactly as we once felt there?

Nostalgia must be one of the most complex and powerful emotions a heart can feel. An aching pull, melancholy and gratitude for a place and a time that mattered.

It's a feeling that has been present and familiar to me for as long as I can remember - a sort of sixth sense for me.

“Veni Etiam” is a Latin phrase meaning “come again”. In my photographic work, I celebrate the magical pull of places and the beauty of returning to them.

Out of all the places where I have dropped an anchor, Venice exerts the strongest pull of all. Just when I think that I have photographed Venice enough, she astounds me with a thousand new angles and moods that I see for the first time despite countless returns.

2. Details and the art of mindful observation

Have you ever paid attention to where your gaze goes? Is it drawn to details or to the whole?

Details are often what make all the difference in a scene, mood or memory. Observing details affords us an opportunity to slow down, to feel something, to remember.

Photography for me is about noticing, celebrating and remembering not only the grandiose but (especially) the mundane.

Some may say my photographs are quite “ordinary”, but I would consider that a compliment, because life is made up of countless ordinary moments that can become extraordinary if you let them.

3. The Sea and its tides

What 3 words would you use to describe the Sea?

To me, the Sea is endless, powerful and everchanging.

The Sea teaches me that I am small, but hopeful. That life has tides, always cyclical and never permanent, sometimes gentle and sometimes fierce, capable of knocking us down or cradling us in its arms. The Sea swells and recedes, floods our senses but erases our footsteps. She teaches us to accept that storms come, but to rejoice that they also do pass. She is wide open yet secretive, romantic yet melancholy, promising yet impossible. We can leave her but never forget her. We surf and float and dock and anchor and sail and sink, in her captive wonder, in the grasp of her tides, winds and motives.

Whether you've just discovered my blog and shop, or you've been following me for a while, thank you for being here with me. Thank you for reading my words, for responding to my photographs and, sometimes, for finding a part of yourself in my observations.

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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8 travel tips for a memorable vacation

29/7/2019

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So you've planned your next trip and chosen a destination that calls to you!

Here are 8 quick travel tips to make it a smooth and enjoyable trip that you'll remember long after you return home.

1. Be patient

Often, the best discoveries are those made when you least expect it (certainly not while you're rushing or stressed).

2. Buy tickets in advance for major attractions

It's such a great feeling to skip a massive line!

3. Take a metal water bottle with you

Staying hydrated is important, and a reusable bottle avoids plastic waste. Just don't fill it up until you're past security at their airport to avoid delays or them confiscating it!

4. Go food shopping

You'll learn more about local life if you shop and prepare your food rather than always eating out. You'll save some money too!

5. Have a copy of your passport and important cards on you

If you should ever lose your documents, having a copy can speed up replacing them, especially since we tend not to know our card numbers or other info by heart.

6. Vary your shoes

In case one pair gives your feet a hard time. Painful feet can be a real nuisance when traveling. Love your feet because they take you places!

7. Don't forget your battery pack

If your battery dies and you don't have access to a charger on the go, these inexpensive packs can save you and get you to the end of your day.

8. Be respectful of your surroundings

Remember that a place is not your personal playground. Respect the locals, nature, architecture, language, culture and any rules of the place you're visiting.

Got a tip to share too? Leave a comment below!

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Photowalk in Montreal: Chasing the colors of spring

29/5/2019

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I have always loved taking long exploratory walks around urban neighborhoods, no matter whether I have traveled to a faraway place or I am happily acting like a tourist in my own city. I don't necessarily always plan to collect photos, but they seem to be inevitable. The simple act of moving, observing and being in the moment fuels my creativity.

Knowing this, I have gotten into the habit of scheduling a seasonal "staycation" -- a mini vacation (sometimes just a day or two, sometimes a whole week) in my own city of Montreal, where I devote time to exploring different areas and appreciating how they change with the seasons.

In the mood to stretch my legs and to spend a little time outdoors with my camera, I signed up for one of the Photowalk Montreal group itineraries, organized by graphic artist and photographer Elodie Le Pape.

Every month or so, a new itinerary is proposed to explore a different facet of Montreal. Essentially, you meet up with a group of people on a Saturday and take a leisurely 2-hour walk together, snapping photos of whatever inspires you.

When I met up with about 24 strangers at metro Mont-Royal for that day's "Colors of the Plateau and Village" itinerary, I felt a bit outside my comfort zone. For me, photography is usually a solitary act. It is how I unwind, how I practice mindfulness, how I pay attention to my posture, and how I reflect on my way of seeing and feeling things in this world. When I travel, I usually carve out time to walk around with my camera on my own. If I'm in a group, I make mental notes of where to return to when I have more time to observe and experiment. Being such a solo photographer, I had no idea how it would feel for me to be part of a large group of photography-lovers. Would I keep the pace and find inspiration without feeling pressured? Would there be a lot of discussion and comparison? Would be end up with extremely similar photos?

What I quickly noticed when we set out on our photowalk was that the atmosphere was pleasantly informal and relaxed, such that you could make the experience whatever you wanted it to be. For this group, it doesn't matter if you're a beginner or an expert, if you have a cell phone or fancy gear, or if you simply feel like going for a stroll (thus totally ditching the "photo" part of a "photowalk"). You can take your time (as long as you don't lose the group), and be as talkative or as quietly focused as you wish. If city photography is not your thing, you are totally free to take portrait photos with a buddy, while scouting out interesting backdrops for future photoshoots.

I admit that it was still an odd sight to watch 25 people silently fill a narrow street and spread out into different directions like ants infiltrating a space! Some photographers were much more assertive than I was, climbing residents' staircases for better views, getting really up close and personal with their subjects.

I stayed true to my usual style -- looking for unique compositions and details that highlight colors, textures and that celebrate the ordinary. I appreciated that there was room for every type of photographer, and that the photos would reflect our individual styles, in the end.

The highlight of the photowalk was to discover a couple of charming streets that I had not yet explored. I was so glad to have done something outside of my creative comfort zone. It was a refreshing exercise to try something new but to still find my unique perspective and style within that new experience.

Since the photowalk, I have enjoyed a few leisurely walks on the Plateau, Little Italy and around the Parc Olympique, taking in the miracles of spring. It always astonishes me how a little bit of time outside, away from my screen and phone, can refresh my mind and spirit. (Though, between you and me, it can be a little overwhelming to come home to hundreds of new images to sort and process!)

I am often asked for advice for beginner photographers, and I almost always say this: take long walks and practice. Whether you join an organized photowalk for a structured itinerary, or you just weave in and out of streets on a whim, you are sure to find inspiration if you are open to it. Once something makes you slow your step, capture it in different ways -- different angles and compositions will tell a different story, and different camera settings will teach you about light. Finally, always look with your eyes first. Especially when the goal of the walk is to take pictures, it's easy to become a hurried collector and snap, snap, snap. Slow down, relax your shoulders, look at the scene and pay attention to how it makes you feel. What draws your eye naturally? Try to recreate that with your lens.

But, most of all: have fun. No matter how your photos turn out, at least you've taken a nice walk through town!

Tell me: Have you ever been on a photowalk? How was your experience?

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