Italy 2009
I’ve been back in town now for a few days and have had a chance to reflect on the month I was able to spend in Italy. Before the trip I was simply hoping everything would go as planned so Alice and I could enjoy our much needed vacation. I was also really looking forward to the Scott Robert Workshop I would be attending in the last 4 days of our trip in Venice.
Months before the trip Alice and I were talking about Italy and were wondering if we could afford such a vacation. Alice had just finished school and we had our own wedding to save up for. We also knew that this would be a great opportunity for a vacation because Alice wasn’t working just yet and didn’t have to worry about vacation time. We had a lot of reasons not to go and just spend the summer relaxing in Vancouver. There were so many reasons not go, but we trusted our instincts and didn’t look back…
We started off our trip in Florence and then made our way to Lucca, Cinque Terre, Siena, Tuscany hill towns, Rome and finally Venice.
I’ll never forget hiking through the towns of Cinque Terre. It was so hot but at the same time so rewarding. You would be hiking through these narrow trails and you would look up and just see an endless view of blue ocean…simply breathtaking. My absolute favorite were the Tuscany hill towns. It was a nice change from the busy cities. We had our own little place in the vineyard and it was almost complete isolation. You wake up in the morning and you see the sun rising over endless fields, there is nothing else like it. Driving in Italy is really something else. I guess it would help if I understood what some of the signs on the road meant! I still can’t over the some of the tiny towns in Italy such as Pienza. You can walk the town from end to end in 5 minutes!
The Scott Robert workshop was one of the best I have ever experienced. It was nice to see some familiar faces as well as some new ones. The stories we shared and the connections we made is something that had an effect on me. It was also nice to have Alice there so she could experience the workshop first hand. Scott spent a lot of time talking about taking risks that could change your life for the better. That really resonated with me and just made pure sense. From Alice and taking a vacation to me jumping into wedding photography everything just added up. Scott taking photos of us was pretty awesome as well.
In the end Alice and I agreed this trip was meant to happen. Everything magically came together and the workshop really put it over the top. Before I even got on the plane home I felt as if I had grown and changed as a person. I knew as I left I would have some choices to make when I returned home. I also felt re-energized as a photographer and couldn’t wait to pick up my camera again.
I’ve posted a few images below and some images from the workshop. I’ll be posting a slide show soon.
Stay tuned!
written by
Gurm Sohal
Vancouver Wedding Photographer
Posted on: Friday, July 10, 2009 at 10:34 am
Doug Batchelor:
July 11th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
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Sounds like an awesome trip Gurm, you’re making me jealous here! I also loved Cinque Terre when I was there (wow, so long ago now, hehe). Did you get up to Genoa at all, that was also a pretty fascinating city. Looking sharp in the shades and glad the workshop was a hit.
Cheers,
Doug
Chantal Blouin:
July 13th, 2009 at 6:40 am
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Gurm, these images are absolutely beautiful. I am so glad that you and Alice came to the workshop! I truly had a blast with the two of you, and feel truly blessed to have gotten to know you more. I am really looking forward to the remaining SR workshops this year, and can’t wait to see if you join us. It was an absolute pleasure, p.s. goodluck with your decisions!
Colin Y.J. Chung:
July 14th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
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I’d love a print of the sixth one.
Ray Nikyuluw:
July 20th, 2009 at 7:06 am
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Gurm! Some amazing images. I can tell you are getting a lot of wonderful use with your “new” lens. I love the first shot and the one of the Cathedral. Stunning views. Alice looks great! Keep up the good work.
Lyssa:
July 24th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
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AMAZING capture Gurm. The images are great… Your story is also lovely to read this is a wonderful journey.. and I wish you the best ..u deserve nothing it all:)
Tour Italy with me | Vancouver Fine Art Wedding Photography & Videography:
June 9th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Visit Tour Italy with me | Vancouver Fine Art Wedding Photography & Videography
[...] may remember an earlier post blog post from almost year ago where I wrote about our trip to Italy. Well, I have finally finished putting [...]