Italy—where history, culture, and landscapes blend seamlessly into a photographer’s paradise. It was more than a trip; it was an immersion, an unfolding story of discovery and inspiration. For five weeks, I wandered through the vibrant coastal villages of Cinque Terre, the rolling countryside of Tuscany, the timeless canals of Venice, the bustling streets of Milan, and the serene beauty of Lake Como. And it was there, in the quiet lull of Menaggio, sitting by the lake with my camera in hand, that the idea for On the Road Photography was born—a way to capture the world, one frame at a time, and bring those moments home.

For three of those weeks, I traveled alongside professional photographer Jim Nielsen and his wife, absorbing every lesson they had to offer through their immersive workshop. Every sunrise in Tuscany, every evening session in Venice and Burano, every hidden alleyway and sweeping countryside view sharpened my vision. My Canon R6, equipped with an arsenal of RF lenses—including my go-to 24-240mm RF—became my trusted companion, capturing more than 10,000 photographs that told the story of this incredible adventure.

Cinque Terre felt like something out of a dream. Five villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—each with its own rhythm, its own light, its own story waiting to be told. The pastel-colored buildings clung to the cliffs as though they had grown from the rock itself. The smell of salt and fresh seafood filled the air as fishermen returned to shore, their boats bobbing gently on the Ligurian Sea. I spent my days chasing golden light through narrow alleyways, capturing the contrast of vibrant facades against the deep blues of the sea. And the food—oh, the food! Freshly made pasta, the best pizza in Portofino, and the signature pesto trofie that I could have eaten every day. Every bite, every frame, a memory etched into time.

The rolling hills of Tuscany carried me next, where Pienza, a Renaissance gem, stretched under a golden sunrise. Val d’Orcia’s misty mornings created landscapes that seemed more like paintings than reality. Vineyards lined the horizon, dotted with rustic farmhouses and lone cypress trees that stood like silent sentinels over the land. We wandered through sun-drenched fields, waiting for the perfect moment when the light kissed the earth just right. Here, I learned patience in photography—the importance of stillness, of waiting for the story to unfold in the landscape itself. And the food was as rich as the scenery—steak carpaccio, hand-rolled pici pasta, the deepest, most aromatic cappuccino. Evenings melted into the starry expanse, wine glass in hand, reflecting on the day’s work and the endless beauty of this place.

Then came Venice, the floating city, where history rose from the waters, its canals weaving through an intricate maze of time. The Grand Canal bustled with gondolas and vaporettos, while quieter corners whispered of a city that existed beyond the postcard views. I found solace in the early mornings, when the fog lifted like a curtain, revealing a golden light that draped itself over the city’s ancient facades. Burano, with its technicolor houses reflecting in still canals, was a playground of light and shadow. Night photography here was an art of its own, the glow of streetlights casting long silhouettes, fishermen preparing their nets under flickering bulbs. And Venice fed me as richly as it inspired me—the best carbonara I’ve ever had, a hidden pizzeria next to our hotel that became a nightly ritual. The taste of Italy embedded itself into every part of this journey.

Milan was a shift in tempo, a contrast to the historic villages and quiet countryside. The Duomo di Milano stood in its gothic splendor, a masterpiece of architecture that demanded to be captured from every angle. The city pulsed with movement, the high-fashion streets blending seamlessly with echoes of the past. I wandered through grand galleries, stopping at cafés to sip espresso and watch the world go by. A different kind of photography took shape here—urban, fast-paced, full of life.

And finally, Lake Como, where the journey came full circle. Menaggio and Tremezzo, nestled along the shimmering waters, became my sanctuary. I slowed down here. I let the waves dictate my rhythm, let the mountains frame my final images of this trip. As I sat by the lake, sifting through thousands of images, it struck me—this wasn’t just a collection of photographs. This was a story, a way to share a journey with the world. And that was the moment On the Road Photography truly came to life.

I had found my purpose—“From the Road to Your Home”—a way to bring these moments, these places, these feelings, to others. To share the beauty of the world, one frame at a time. Italy was where it all began, but it was just the first chapter. The road stretches ahead, my camera in hand, and I’m ready to capture what’s next.