Andi Perullo de Ledesma is the author of the highly-awarded blog mybeautifuladventures.com. She is forever travelling the planet and documenting her experiences. She’s got a terrific eye for architectural landmarks and has some good perspective for all of us to learn from. PicsArt is thrilled that she agreed to this exclusive interview.
“It’s fascinating for me that world is, in a sense, one big picture.”
Q: What is the first thing you like to take a photo of when you land in a new destination?
Since I love hotels and review them often for my blog and other publications, the first thing that I take a photo of when I am in a new destination is my hotel room. I make sure that before I unpack I get all of the photos that I might need or want.
Q: What’s the perfect time of day to take a photo? What time of day do you like to shoot?
I love shooting right before dusk, as the light is just beginning to fade. It is a magical time to take photos!
Q: Any tips for capturing photos at night?
A tripod is the best way to insure that a night photo does not turn out blurry. I do not like traveling with a tripod though, thus I have learned how to time taking my photos with the rhythm of my breathing. I inhale, take a picture, and then exhale.
Q: You capture local life so well, how do you navigate cultural protocols, like when taking photos of people?
I always ask permission before I take someone else’s photo. I am also sensitive to the situation and would never ask to take someone’s photo if the timing seemed inappropriate in any way. I think as you explore the world more you develop a traveler’s intuition that is a really valuable tool to draw upon.
Q: In 2010 you were awarded for having one of the best travel blogs on India by GO! Overseas. What is your favorite travel photo from that trip AND WHY?
Tough question! I am really proud of my photos from India. If I had to choose one, it would probably be of a man riding an elephant in the Amber Fort. I love the moment that I happened to capture with my camera.
Q: What made you start a travel blog and document all of your exciting and beautiful trips?
I started my blog simply as a way to share my stories and photos with my friends and family. I had no intention of it actually turning into a career. However, I am elated that it did, because it has changed my life in extraordinary ways!
Q: How did you come about the idea of documenting #TravelTreasures? Do you have a favorite treasure? If so, what’s the story behind it?
I do not like to buy a lot of things while I am traveling; to me the photos are the best souvenirs, but the things that I do buy are really special and one-of-a-kind pieces. I had just returned from a trip and was trying to find the perfect place in my house for an item that I had purchased when the idea to share my travel treasures with my followers occurred to me.
My favorite travel treasure is a handmade quilt that I bought in a market in Mexico City. When I first saw it, it took my breath away. I had to have it! However, the seller wanted more than I could afford. It was painful to walk away from it, but I had no choice, it was out of my budget. My friend and I left the market and went off on an adventure. At the end of the day, she looked at me and said, “You are still thinking about that quilt, right?” I admitted that I was. She dragged me back to the market, which was in the process of shutting down, and begged the seller to lower the price. He agreed and I felt like I had won the lottery!
Q: You have a great bucket list! What item that you have completed on your bucket list has proved to produce the best photo opportunities?
Without a doubt the most photogenic item on my Bucket List was sneaking into Cuba. I wish with all of my heart that I had brought with me a better camera at the time, although now I have a reason to return.
Q: What other sources do you go to for inspiration for travel photography?
Blogs! I read about 50-100 blogs a day. I am constantly inspired by them and they push me to continuously improve myself.
