Manuela Stefan Toronto Wedding Photographer | Manuela Stefan Toronto Baby Photographer » Travel

Sicily: people and places

Manuela Stefan — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 21:28:59 +0000

I am not sure how I can best begin to describe my trip to Sicily. First of all, I can’t quite believe it has been almost a year and I still did not manage to go through all my photos until recently. On the other hand, looking at them one by one was like watching a familiar movie. All the sensations, emotions, thoughts associated with this incredible journey returned offering me the gift of vivid memories.
This is one of the places in the world I know I could live in. Maybe my Latin roots made me connect with the culture to such a high extent. But Sicily is everything Italian taken slower, almost rewinded a few years back in time. People are gentle, love to smile and do not like to speak too fast. They live with an enviable passion for food and land. A connection that is truly remarkable. Such a wonderful reminder of the way each day needs to be looked at, enjoyed, cherished.
Narrowing down the photos to a few was not an easy task. I have been to many places and have seen a lot: moments in people’s lives, culture, scenery. I truly hope the selection below is able to recreate a bit of the Sicilian flavor I was so very lucky to sample.
And I trust it will happen again soon! Enjoy, M.

On the way to Collingwood

Manuela Stefan — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:41:35 +0000

On the occasion of posting Cayley and Ian’s beautiful engagement photos we took in Collingwood, I mentioned I would share some of the great images I was lucky enough to capture while driving there and back. On the way to Toronto I somehow managed to lose Highway 26 which proved to be a blessing in the end as I stumbled across some superb landscape under moody skies. But my best treat was finding some horse farms and getting close to these animals so dear to me. I simply love their grace and high intelligence.
Enjoy! M

A fantastic European journey, part 1: Roma

Manuela Stefan — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:06:08 +0000

My posts have been absent for a while. I have taken a trip to the old continent I am originally from and have discovered fantastic new places while making lasting connections. I have had the immense pleasure and chance to explore a bit of Sicily and then flew to visit my family in Romania. While coming back to Toronto via Rome I had a 5 hours wait so, in my thirst for more Italian vistas, I decided to take the train into town so I can breath a bit of Roman air. I got off the subway close to Fontana di Trevi which brought back memories from a few years ago when I last visited this charming city. Needless to say how loaded with history and art Rome is. I recall my first experience had such an impact on me as every corner I was turning, a new monument or sculpture would show up in the middle of a quaint piazza. How lovely to truly take so much history in…I did not have a lot of time at all, but I managed to walk around a bit, get some quick street shots and reward myself with a savory panini and a delicious latte. I wish I could stay a bit longer, but whenever this happens I remind myself there is always a next time. And I know for a fact that Italy is waiting for me to come back. I feel refreshed, happy and light after this adventure that reconnected me with my Latin roots.

Images from my Sicilian exploration to follow soon, just wanted to say HI to you all. Hope you are enjoying your summer! M

Hola from Punta Cana, a vibrant Dominican experience

Manuela Stefan — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:22:05 +0000

I love being by the ocean. There is something majestic in the way it moves and soothes my soul with its sound. Here in the Dominican, I am already noticing a different quality to the locals: there is a certain innocence that transpires from the way they are and the things they say. Plus, what is really heart warming to notice is their natural way of being and enjoying life. This makes me wonder: is it that the more we move away from simplicity the more our minds wander and make us crave for things we do not have? Maybe the Dominicans hold the secret: appreciating life for what it is and giving every moment the importance it deserves, with no judgment.

I am here with my friend Krista from Verve Photo Co to shoot a wedding at the beautiful Riu Palace Resort. Yesterday we hired a private driver who took us off the beaten path.

Despite the pouring rain, we still managed to capture some heart warming images of a few locals, who were so friendly, kind and welcoming. They invited us inside their homes and I felt truly privileged!

Here are some pictures taken during a stroll on the resort’s beach. Loved the light right before the rain. The colours popped and the setting felt almost surreal.

This scuba diver came ‘out of nowhere’ while I was taking some shots of the boat, adding a surreal element to the already ineffable setting.

I came back with so many photos that I find it difficult to narrow them down. I am trying to keep the post as small as I can, yet at the same time still allowing my images to provide an accurate feel over my experience. Below I am attaching a few photos taken around the beautiful Riu Palace resort, including a few of my lovely friend Krista.

The waiters at the restaurant were the loveliest and most professional people, not to mention beautiful. They soon learned that our favorite drink was what they called ‘Calimucho’, a mix of red wine and Pepsi….yummm!

I will finish this post with a few breathtaking sunset photographs taken the night before we left. I barely touched these images up, just to give you an idea of how vibrant the sky was.