Join me as I take you with us on our travels, peeking through my camera lens as I attempt to develop my skills and learn more about myself as I go. Travel and photography are a match made in heaven – most of the time.

I’ll be honest, I’ve not been feeling my photography this week and it has been a bit of a challenge. I have learnt over the years however, that not every photographic moment is perfect, much like human beings. If we, the photographers are not in the right space, then we don’t see, don’t feel and can’t therefore take. Any artist has the same challenges. And I think that’s how the week has been for me.

On top of that we have moved from the crazy busy Algarve heading north as we accept that now we must make our way to the ferry at the beginning of March. That has definitely given a shade to my emotions and that affects my photography. I also went out a couple of times without my camera. In part because we were with friends and I wanted to feel their presence and not be determined by my camera. And another time, a rookie mistake, I ran out of space on my SD Card. And despite clearing it down, I had forgotten to delete the deleted file. I did contemplate adding in some phone photographs, although that is not what my weekly peek is all about. I want to stay authentic to the process. So what I offer you today is just a small sample of pictures that I have captured. I think you may feel the difference this week, and that’s ok. I give myself permission not to take photos all the time.

1. Zambujeira – west coast Portugal

Meeting up with friends, we made our rendezvous Zambujeira, a place they introduced us to last March. The campsite is endearing, growing on us each time we visit. It is the town and the coastline that draws us here. Especially as, after the busy Algarve there is just no one here. It’s so refreshing not to have to share every inch of space with people.

2. Alcácer do Sal – Alentejo

We’ve passed this riverside town so often either to or from our favourite haunt at Comporta and both commented that this is a place we would love to return to. So this year we did just that. What a lovely town, small city it is. Dating back thousands of years with Roman, Muslim and medieval roots, Alcácer is a characterful town. Alongside the Sado river, the area plays an important role in transporting salt and rice from its nearby paddie fields. The remains of the castle on top of the hill commands a staggering view across the valley and here we find Roman ruins too. It’s a fascinating town that we kinda fell in love with.

3. Nature calls

And as always there has been a bit of nature that has caught my eye. Especially the figs, butterfly and what I have learnt is a Double Goatfoot Sorrel. I do smile at some of the names that are conjured up for our botanicals.

As I compose this week’s blog, I definitely feel my energy. And I do acknowledge that having had an issue with Scoobie today, that that could also be colouring my energy. Although I also accept that it is what it is. I am not perfect and that’s ok. It’s taken many decades to say that out loud. I am perfectly imperfect as a human being and a photographer.

So I hope you have enjoyed my post. Let me know whether how you feel affects what you do whether that’s photography or anything else that you enjoy doing in your life. Until next week. Kx