You must have seen at least a few memes about English summer being cancelled this year. It’s cold, wet, windy and probably the last thing that comes to your mind is a family photo shoot. So let me take you on a virtual trip to a colourful place in Poland which will surely brighten you up. Last summer I got to meet my regular clients in a super special, totally spectacular spot that is between their home town and mine: Zalipie – so called ‚Painted Village’
Here is a little description of Zalipie and its special charm:
A small ancient village in South-Eastern Poland, Zalipie, is definitely one of the country’s top tourist attractions. Not because it has five-stars hotels or massive glass buildings, but on the contrary, due to its small wooden cottages, which are painted in the most vibrant colors.This lovely tradition started with more than a century ago, when every single female resident in Zalipie begun to paint her home with floral motives, as she wanted to cover up some particular faults. And since the women didn’t have professionally made equipment, they manufactured the brushes themselves, using hair from the tails of their cows. As or the paint itself, women used fat from the dumplings they made. Very important is that each year, all the women had to repaint their charming drawings. And they did so, after the Feast of Corpus Christi, when they weren’t so busy with their farm work.
You can read more about Zalipie here
Why Zalipie?
My client Joanna is a florist (she actually did my wedding floral arrangements and bouquet) and as such she has a particular appreciation for beautiful floral motifs and arragments. She told me she had been to the village and fell in love with the vibrant scenery it offers and she dreams of taking her family there. I didn’t need to be asked twice.
It was a lovely hot August afternoon, I drove to Zalipie with my own kiddos and husband as I didn’t want them to miss on this unique opportunity either. I obviously wanted them to have at least a few portraits taken there too but also wanted them to get to know the country that my husband and I come from. Below, Emilia my daughter.
Karolina & Klara
Karolina is the older sister, Klara is the little one and this summer there will be another gorgeous little girl joining the family. And I will get to photograph them all again. So, so excited.
But in the meantime, here comes an explosion of colour, love and family joy. It certainly is the most colourful family photo shoot I have done to date. Enjoy watching.
I am already feeling elevated and happier just by reminiscing on this glorious day with my clients. I hope you have enjoyed this little virtual tour too.
Aga
