sunrise Grape Harvest in Puglia
This was a truly special day in Italy. We woke up at 5:00 AM to reach a stunning masseria near Ostuni by 6:15 AM, just in time to photograph the grape harvest at sunrise. When we arrived, we were met with large, solid gates. Once let inside, we continued for about another kilometer down a rustic dirt road. This is exactly why I always say that in Puglia, some of the truest gems are deeply hidden.
The masseria itself is absolutely breathtaking and dates back to the 15th century. The sprawling estate features its own vineyards, ancient olive groves, and a large, beautiful swimming pool. All of their produce is grown directly on-site, so everything they prepare is 100% organic—including their own wine. We were even warmly welcomed by three resident dogs—including a French bulldog who is reportedly the laziest of the bunch!
It is an incredibly inspiring location I plan to offer for future client sessions, and I can't wait to introduce you to it soon.
After the harvest, my husband and I traveled deeper into southern Italy, exploring the beautiful borderlands of Basilicata and Calabria. This region is so captivating that I simply couldn’t put my camera down.
I have been a photographer for many years, even earning my university degree in the craft. There was a time when I was constantly behind the lens—hosting an exhibition, creating documentary series, and capturing everything from bustling events to intimate portrait sessions. But somewhere along the way, I lost my spark. The inspiration quietly faded, and I gradually stepped back, taking on less and less work.
Yet, as a photographer, Italy provides an endless well of inspiration. Here, my passion hasn't just returned; it has multiplied threefold. Now, I wake up every single morning overflowing with excitement, eager to see what kind of beauty I can create today. Every moment I experience here feels like a true privilege.
One of our stops was Isola di Dino, which is absolutely incredible. To be honest, it offers the dramatic beauty of the Amalfi Coast but without the heavy crowds—a true hidden gem just a few hours south. We rented a pedal boat and spent the day navigating around the island, exploring sea caves, swimming, and snorkeling.
You can instantly feel the difference in the water here. The Tyrrhenian Sea has a completely unique seabed and color compared to the crystal-clear Adriatic and Ionian waters we have back home in Puglia.
We loved hanging around this island so much that we even returned the next day to catch some more of that beauty. On a personal note, I am still slowly exposing myself to deeper and deeper water. To be honest, this involves working through a lot of fear for me. I grew up in Latvia, where our sea is shallow and nobody really swims out far enough for it to be over 5 meters deep. So, exposing myself to a force of nature like a sea that holds an entirely different life beneath it is definitely scary at first. But my curiosity is stronger than my fear, and that's why, little by little, I keep challenging myself to swim in the deep areas where you can't even see the seabed. In some places, it's just pure darkness—but oh my, the fish you can see underwater are so beautiful!
Ever since experiencing my first Puglian summer, whenever I am in the water, I am snorkeling with my head almost never above the surface. It's just so exciting! Being immersed in this underwater world has actually made me dream of doing underwater photoshoots in the future. Yes, that's right! If you and I ever meet, this might just be what we end up doing!
Between the dramatic mountains and the unforgettable sunsets, words hardly do it justice—you just have to see it for yourself. I will be waiting to capture your story here in Italy, whether that’s in Puglia or any other beautiful region.
