Cover Feature: A Journey Through Light and Connection - My Photography Adventure by Areli Bosson

We woke early, eager to hit the road again, driven by our whirlwind schedule. The sun, like a gentle painter, warmed the landscape as its light caressed the beautiful old French barn across from our accommodation. On the horizon, across the grassy paddocks, the ethereal sight of Mont Saint Michel beckoned for one more photo. Yet, I had resolved to resist the fairytale view today, having already captured hundreds of images the day before. The sweet sound of birds singing at sunrise was a welcome relief from the relentless rain that had soaked us to the bone while we explored the ancient town in a downpour.

As we settled down to our meager breakfast of weak coffee, day-old cut fruit, and stale croissants, the morning tranquility was punctuated by the faint bleating of sheep and the sound of hundreds of trotting hooves, accompanied by men calling commands in French. My stomach sank as the realization dawned—I needed my camera! Adrenaline fueled my steps as I dashed to our tiny room. Bursting outside, I was just in time to capture a stunning shot of Mont Saint Michel as the farmers herded hundreds of sheep into the paddock against that breathtaking backdrop. That day taught me a valuable lesson: while traveling, my camera must never leave my side.

I’ve always been inspired by light. The sensation of sunlight warming my skin is intoxicating, while days without it leave me in a state of deep melancholy. In the early days of learning photography, I would rise before dawn to observe how light transformed landscapes. I marveled at the way sunlight filtered through the leaves of trees, the dancing patterns shadows made on walls in the early hours, the way light dispersed as it hit the spray of a wave, and how it gently warmed the heavy mist drifting along the valley on a cool morning.

For years, I longed to pursue a creative career, but self-doubt stifled my drive to find a path that resonated with me. The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point. Like many, I sought motivation to engage in something that brought joy to myself and others, leading me to make family photography my livelihood. My husband’s unwavering support, along with the vibrant community on Instagram and the generous word-of-mouth from my amazing clients,

This year has been my hardest yet in business. Despite the challenges, I remain grateful for the incredible opportunities I’ve experienced, including my most recent project: shooting a commissioned story for Country Style magazine. This amazing opportunity allowed me to blend my love of storytelling, light, and connection in one place, and I hope to have more chances to collaborate with them in the future.

Ultimately, I aspire to create a coffee table book from my travels in Europe and offer individual prints from our adventures, sharing my passion for light and storytelling with anyone who is moved by them. Each photograph I take is not just an image; it’s a story waiting to be told.

Instagram - @arelibosson | website - www.arelibosson.com.au

👉  This story excerpt is from our Kickin Up Dust International Roundup Volume #5: September 2024.