This semester at Florence University of the Arts, I am taking a course called Special Project: Experiential Learning in Digital Photography. An experience that has transformed my technical skills and the way I see the world.

The course requires me to build a cohesive photography portfolio and photograph for the articles published in FUA’s Blending Magazine. Through this dual focus, I have been challenged to think critically about storytelling, observation and the role of the photographer in public spaces.

I have been practicing photography for three years, but studying abroad has pushed my work in unexpected directions. Being immersed in new environments has encouraged me to slow down and observe more intentionally. Whether I am walking through Florence’s historic streets or traveling to other European cities, I carry both my digital and film cameras everywhere.

Photography has become less of a planned activity and more of a reflex; a way of engaging with my surroundings in real time.

Packing for weekend trips often involves difficult decisions about what to bring, but my camera bag is never a question. My mahogany Baggu has become an essential companion, holding both cameras and allowing me to be ready to snap a photo at any moment. This readiness is crucial, especially as I have begun exploring street photography, where moments are fleeting and often unpredictable.

My portfolio project focuses on tourism and the visual culture surrounding it. In cities like Florence, Pisa and London, I am drawn to the absurdity of tourist clichés like holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, endless lines for photo booths in London or massive hordes of tour groups in matching landyards. These scenes, while familiar, reveal something deeper about shared behaviors and the ways people engage with place.

At the same time, I aim to document the less glamorous aspects of travel—the moments that are often overlooked. I photograph tourists waiting around for hours with tons of luggage, navigating crowded transportation hubs, or spending the night in a shut-down airport. These images contrast sharply with the polished, idealized versions of travel that we tend to see being photographed. Together, they create a more honest and layered portrayal of what it means to be a tourist.

This project has encouraged me to adopt a dual perspective. While I am an observer capturing these moments, I am also a participant. I visit the same landmarks, take similar photos, and experience the same frustrations and excitements as the people I photograph. Recognizing this has made my work more self-aware and reflective. It has also pushed me to consider how photography can both document and critique cultural behaviors without losing empathy.

Throughout the semester, I have worked closely with my professor to refine my portfolio concept. What began as a general interest in travel photography has evolved into a more focused exploration of tourism as a shared, often performative experience. This process of revision and feedback has been essential, teaching me that strong visual storytelling requires both intention and adaptability.

One of the most significant challenges I have faced is stepping into street photography. Taking candid photos of people in public spaces initially felt intimidating and outside my comfort zone. However, this discomfort has been a catalyst for growth. I have learned to be more confident, more observant, and more respectful of my subjects. Street photography has sharpened my ability to anticipate moments and capture authenticity without intrusion.

In addition to my portfolio, my work for Blending Magazine has further expanded my perspective. Photographing for these articles requires me to think not only as an artist but also as a visual journalist. I must consider how images complement written narratives and contribute to a broader story. This experience has deepened my understanding of Florence’s culture and encouraged me to explore parts of the city I might not have otherwise visited.

Ultimately, this course has shown me that photography is not just about capturing beautiful images—it is about seeing critically, questioning assumptions, and telling stories that resonate. By documenting tourism through both its clichés and its realities, I have developed a more nuanced perspective on travel and human behavior. More importantly, I have learned to embrace uncertainty and step beyond my comfort zone.

As I continue to build my portfolio, I carry forward a clearer sense of purpose: to use photography as a tool for observation, reflection, and connection.