Relaxing doesn’t have to be hard work
Sometimes, vacation is all about doing as little as possible, rather than visiting every possible point of interest in the area. This Sunday, started with a wonderful time to relax during the morning, as we slept in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the back porch of our AirBnB place in Colordesoli. As we didn’t have any firm plans, the decision was to find a gas station that was open and then get some lunch.
The little Fiat 500 was pretty low on fuel, so gas first! As I wasn’t used to how gas stations are operated in Italy, I mistook no human presence for the station being closed. As I stopped by a station that, according to Google, was open 24 hours a day, I was still somewhat befuddled by the machine set up. Luckily, a friendly motorcyclist was helpful and showed me the basics and the tank was soon filled! After that we stopped by a trattoria for some delicious lunch and were treated to some free dessert.
Roaming around, we stopped by the Abbey at San Galgano, which was a rather interesting locale to visit and photograph.
A trek up the hill next to the abbey got us to the Eremo of Montisiepi, which is a beautiful round structure that was built over the site of the hut where San Galgano spent the last year of his life. In the center of the round, is San Galgano’s sword, which has been stuck in the rock for over 800 years.
After visiting the hermitage, we stopped by a lovely little wine bar down the path for a bit of sustenance after our trek uphill.
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Author: jansenphoto
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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Dutch goes the Photo! 
Looks wonderful.
It was fantastic!
Sounds like how I like to see Italy
I find that the first time I have to use a mechanism, it helps to have an experienced user to help. Filling up a tank can be as frustrating as a shower sometimes.
Very true!