Five Years of Film.. How My Passion Led to Atelier Areia
Five years ago, I held a disposable camera in my hands for the first time. Just a simple object, but for me, it marked the beginning of something much bigger, a mission, even. I wanted to capture timeless moments. Not meaningless snapshots, but images that truly take you back. To how it felt. To the people around you. To that exact moment.
From one of the first film rolls I developed, made with a disposable camera, Eindhoven 2021
That first click of the shutter came at a time when I was studying fashion design and styling. During that period, I found myself drawn to the past, not through memories of my own, but through boxes of old family photos and dusty albums I discovered in my childhood home. I became fascinated by them. I’d spend hours flipping through the prints, carefully studying faces, clothes, body language. There was something deeply poetic about it all.
Some photographs out of my family archive
I loved hearing the stories that came with the photos. Sitting with relatives, talking about who was who, where it was taken, what the day had felt like. Watching old slideshows together became a ritual. I was struck by how still everything seemed. How life looked slower, softer, more in the moment. It left such an impression on me that I based my graduation project on that exact feeling, trying to translate those timeless visual memories into fashion and storytelling.
I started experimenting, and quickly became obsessed. My camera came with me everywhere. I took a course on developing black-and-white film, and discovered the magic of the darkroom. Watching an image appear, slowly, under soft red light, it never gets old.
From my course in black-and-white development, Barcelona 2023
Together with my camera, I’ve had the chance to discover so many beautiful places. From quiet coastal towns to sunlit rooms and late-night gatherings with friends or family. And the best part? I know this is just the beginning.
Atelier Areia – From Image to Intention
Last year, I realized my photo collection was growing fast—but almost no one ever got to see it. That felt like a waste. For me, photography is about connection too. So I decided to take a leap and launch Atelier Areia—my own webshop and creative platform, where I now sell framed prints of my photos and also, offer analog photography sessions on request.
The name Areia comes from Praia do Guincho, a magical beach on the Portuguese coast. It’s where my relationship began, and it’s become a symbolic place for me. Soft, wild, free. Atelier is a tribute to my childhood. My grandfather had a little shed in his garden that everyone called his “atelier.” It was packed with odd treasures—ropes, screws, sea shells, tennis balls, old big crab claws. He lived next to the beach, and as retired seaman, he was a true beachcomber and collected everything the sea brought in. To me, that place was full of wonder. I want Atelier Areia to carry that same feeling.
Travel, Accommodations & Storytelling
At the same time, I began photographing small, independent accommodations, combining my love for travel with my passion for capturing authentic moments. No overly polished, commercial shots. Just honest, warm visuals that show the soul of a space. I’m excited to explore this further and help others preserve their special places and memories in a timeless way.
What started five years ago with a disposable camera and a desire to hold onto memories, has now become my passion, my work, and my creative outlet. And this is only the beginning.
Curious to see more? Visit Atelier Areia or follow me on Instagram to explore new photos, stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
What image takes you back in time? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
