Jennifer Kathryn Photography Blog

Discovering Italy: PhotoVenture with Kenny Kim

“Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken.” Frank Herbert

“The wise man travels to discover himself.” James Russell Lowell

Travel is a part of who I am. It’s in my blood.  I was fortunate enough to take my first international trip when I was 15– to India. My parents were puzzled that I’d want to travel to India of all places, but I was curious, passionate and stubborn, and they relented. I went to India with open eyes and a heart to learn. And I have never been the same.  It sparked an insatiable hunger to see the world and to experience new cultures. I’ve since returned to India, traveled to Hong Kong, mainland China, Tibet, and the Dominican Republic.

But it had been entirely too long since I had been overseas.  I was starting to get restless. So naturally, when I first started talking with Kenny Kim months ago about his PhotoVenture workshop in Italy, my curiosity was piqued.  There is something about getting out of my natural routine and experiencing a different way of life that gets me in touch with my heart and the things that are really important.  It is all too easy to get in “automatic” mode and not be fully present.  Travel is one of those new experiences, as Herbert reminds, that awakens the childlike wonder in me that I often allow to become dormant.

After hearing Kenny’s vision for the workshop- to discover the true Italy, to capture our experience through the lens of our cameras, and in the process discover more of ourselves- I was convinced this was where I needed to be in September. So much so, that even though I had a wedding scheduled before the end of the workshop, I decided to go regardless and just leave early.  Kenny partnered with Max Brunelli & Cristiana Chiacchierini, a husband and wife team who design custom tours of Italy geared specifically towards creatives. I knew we were in for a treat when I learned they are also good friends of the extraordinary Kevin and Clare Kubota, and play a key role in their incredible Secret Italy workshop. But in reality, I had no idea what was coming…

We went out a few days before the workshop to see Rome, Florence, and Siena. I was elated to have extra time on the front end since I was leaving early. I was so excited on the flight that I didn’t sleep much. I journaled, I voraciously digested as much Italian as my brain could hold, and I began planning just how perfect everything was going to be. [Insert snide remarks for my idealism.] Of course, when I dream about how wonderful traveling is, I always remember the glamorous moments- not the ones when we arrive 10 hours later exhausted, hungry, dirty and sweaty. All I can think about at this point is taking a shower and changing before exploring Rome for the day. We wander aimlessly on the street where our bed and breakfast is supposed to be located asking all the locals in our impressive Italian if they knew where the Casa di Rossi is. 30 minutes later we find it (right next to a shop who’s owner told us he had no clue where it was) and all I can think about is the steam from the hot shower.  We manage to get our ridiculously large suitcases up three flights of stairs. (The lift was broken- go figure.) I’m beaming. We’ve made it.

And the room is not ready. Won’t be for another hour or two. What?! I start having a mini meltdown. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to roughing it. I’ve used squatty potties in India and gone a month without a real shower. I didn’t wear makeup in Tibet or care what kind of shoes I was wearing. I’ve done my share of hiking and camping in the pouring rain where you just get used to the idea that your clothes and hair will be plastered to your skin the entire trip. But this was Europe.  Italy, no less. How could I look less than fabulous wandering the streets of Rome? Kenny looks at me like, “Seriously?”  (I jest; he was a LOT more understanding than that.) But he says, “We’re traveling. This is what happens. We need to be flexible.” In that moment I had a decision to make. I could be upset and squander the opportunity to enjoy the incredible privilege of being in Italy. Or I could accept the present, adjust my expectations and embrace the very inconsistencies that make travel such an adventure. I am thankful I chose to do the latter.

This was the first of many lessons I learned while in beautiful Italy, and I had plenty of opportunities to practice surrender. I hadn’t realized how inflexible I had become. The moment I met Max, he smiled, wrapped us each in a big hug, and told us to “Relax! Enjoy!” He truly lives that. And he continually challenged our way of thinking. I pulled out my iPhone less and found myself soaking in the fellowship of a good meal and great company more frequently. I worried less about things going the way I wanted, and remembered the delight I’ve always had in the unexpected. Experiencing the Italian way of life had such a profound impact on me.  I learned not to take things so seriously. I saw the beauty of living simply. I observed how hard Italians work and yet how much more passionately they celebrate and enjoy life’s small pleasures. While I discovered some of my inhibitions, I also discovered in myself the great capacity to overcome them and live more freely.

It will take a few more posts to tell of all the adventures we had and the laughter we shared, and to explain just how profoundly this trip impacted me artistically, personally and as a photographer. I have hundreds of images to share to which I simply cannot do justice in this small space. But take a glimpse at just some of the wonderful things I was blessed enough to partake in while discovering Italy and discovering myself this September at PhotoVenture with Kenny Kim.

I absolutely adore the Colosseum in Rome. We had so much to see, but I look forward to the day I get to return and explore it some more.

This view of Firenze (Florence) from the Cattedrale Santa Maria Firenze del Fiore was well worth the 463 challenging steps to the top!

Ponte Vecchio in Firenze (Florence) was absolutely breathtaking.

Montepulciano in Tuscany.

I am so blessed to had the opportunity to travel to Italy this summer. I cannot wait to share more images! In the meantime, if you’re hungry for more, check out Kenny Kim’s latest post on an incredible experience we had while in Assisi.  And please consider coming with us in February for the next PhotoVenture! If you allow yourself to experience the Italian way of life, you will never be the same. Ciao!

Tags: Colosseum, Florence, Italian Way of Life, Italy, IWOL, Jennifer Kathryn Gaudreau, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Kenny Kim, Kevin Kubota, Max Brunelli, Photography, PhotoVenture with Kenny Kim, Ponte Vecchio, Rome, Secret Italy, Siena, Travel, Tuscany, Umbria, Wedding, Workshop