Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t really plan. In June, my best friend and I ended up in Calabria almost by accident: a last-minute decision that turned out to be a lovely surprise. I had my film cameras with me, as always, ready to capture whatever caught my eye. Travel has this way of opening my vision again, inspiring me to notice details I might otherwise miss at home. Calabria did exactly that.

There’s something about film photography that sharpens the senses. The slow process makes you look closer, pause longer, and appreciate fleeting moments that might otherwise disappear. In Calabria, everything felt fresh and full of light. The sea shimmered, the air smelled of salt and summer, and people of all ages seemed to be enjoying the season.

One photograph from the trip stands out the most, in my opinion. In the image, my best friend holds up a mirror at the beach. Behind her, rows of sunbeds are filled with families and couples basking in the Mediterranean sun. And in the mirror’s reflection, a lone kayaker glides across the glittering water. It’s a small frame, but for me, it captures the essence of Calabria: layers of life, leisure, and light, all happening at once.

Being there with my best friend made the experience even more meaningful. She enjoys being photographed, and I love taking photos: it was a perfect match. Together, we created images that felt authentic and natural to both of us. She helped me bring my visions to life, and I felt free to experiment and see the world from new perspectives.

Tropea was a highlight of our journey. The town sits on cliffs, offering breathtaking views. From one viewpoint, you can look straight down at the beach below, and it feels almost like you’re flying. The colorful umbrellas, tiny figures, and waves rolling in from above looked like a scene from a summer movie.

Calabria wasn’t on my travel list before this trip, but it left me really inspired. It’s a place I’d love to return to and a good reminder that sometimes the most unexpected destinations are the ones you remember most.