Workshop with Casian Podarelu at Villa Albani Redona
There are moments in life that cannot be measured in hours or days, but in feelings. In the quiet emotions that are born and grow until they become a part of you. That’s exactly what this photography workshop in Bergamo, Italy, was for me — an encounter with beauty, with inspiration, and with the reassuring confirmation that my path in photography is honest and true.
The workshop took place in a truly magical setting — Villa Albani Redona, a place that felt like it was lifted from an old Italian film, with tall windows, soft light, and a noble yet welcoming atmosphere. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew something special was about to unfold. Not just a technical session or a day of practicing compositions, but an experience that would touch me on a much deeper level.
Meeting the Right People
One of the most beautiful aspects of this workshop was, without a doubt, the people. Each participant brought a unique energy, different stories and perspectives, yet we were all united by the same love for photography. It was a true joy to listen, to observe, to exchange ideas, and to learn from one another in a relaxed atmosphere, free of pressure, but full of curiosity and openness.In the midst of those people, I felt a calming sense of belonging. I wasn’t there to prove anything — I was there to live, to grow, and to allow myself to be fully present in every moment.
The Photo Session — Simplicity, Emotion, and Connection
The highlight of the workshop, for me, was the photo session that also took place at Villa Albani Redona, with an absolutely wonderful couple. Those two people had such a natural presence and warmth that they made my work not only incredibly easy, but also deeply enjoyable. There was a subtle connection formed between us, beyond the camera — a quiet trust that allowed me to capture not just images, but real emotion.I learned a great deal — about light, about composition, about how to better feel the moment. But above all, I was reminded once again how important it is to be guided by instinct, by sensitivity, by the inner eye.
A Quiet Confirmation and Inner Peace
The most valuable gift I received from this experience wasn’t a technical one. It was a quiet, yet profound confirmation that I am on the right path. That what I feel when I photograph is not accidental. That the way I see the world — the details, the people, the moments — has meaning and is worth following.I left Bergamo not only with beautiful images, but with a sense of peace, the kind that only true things can bring. I realized that sometimes you need to step outside your daily rhythm, to be in a new place, among new people, in order to rediscover yourself.
Final Reflections
I am grateful to Casian Podarelu not only for what he taught us, but for the way he created the right space for each of us to express ourselves freely. The workshop at Villa Albani Redona was a complete experience — about people, about aesthetics, about emotion, but also about trusting your own vision.Photography is not just about the image. It’s about what you feel before pressing the shutter and what stays with you after the photograph is taken. And this experience reminded me of exactly that.
