Postcards from Portugal

Steep hills, smoke, food aversions, crowds and heat. Not typically the ideal things for someone experiencing first trimester nausea and fatigue, but that is what I had to battle through during this trip to Portugal. My husband and I booked it before we found out we were pregnant and joked that it’ll be our last big hurrah for awhile. Although physically demanding, we found solace in the views of beautiful architecture and nature from small seaside towns upon cliffs to deep forest gardens. We traveled all over the country including Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Azenhas do mar, and Comporta.

Travel photography has always sparked my fine art creativity in the past. It always presented the challenge of the balance of being present in the moment and wanting to document that moment. Photos can turn it into a more tangible memory after all, but the act of taking it can take you out of experiencing it. Overtime, I have found a good balance of both. I utilize it for my professional career, especially during weddings, to know when to keenly observe and when to keep capturing candid compositions. It comes from experience, intuition, and mindfulness.

I’m thankful for this experience to Portugal as it prepared me for the busiest fall and holiday season yet! Looking back, I have no idea how I endured so much early pregnancy fatigue while working long hours. It makes me extra proud of what my body can do, especially creating life! I really owe it to my supportive husband, wonderful clients, and loving what I do. I can’t wait to keep exploring, creating, and eventually showing more of the world to my baby.