Mentor Series: Inspiring Insights from Spain & Portugal

What a fabulous experience the Mentors Series Trek to Spain and Portugal was. I really thought this was just a trip to check off my bucket list…. nope I can’t wait for my next one. After a meet and greet with our mentor David Tejada and group leader Vanessa Vazquez I knew this was going to be wonderful. Sunset was arriving fast and off to our beautiful hotel rooftop to get some amazing shots of beautiful light trails. I did not have much experience with this and David was fantastic with instructing the basics. We were up early the following morning to experience amazing Barcelona. Park Guell and Montjuic Hill had unbelievable views and photo opportunities.

A few days in Barcelona and we were off to a small charming town of Sitges on the coast of Garraf. Sunrise shots on the coast and a lovely walk through the town for breathtaking views and perfect opportunities to photograph the coast. David was always pointing out things to photograph that an untrained eye might have missed and he was always checking in with each of us make sure any questions we had were answered. Next a high-speed train to Madrid. Upon arrival we hit the city of Madrid. The street performers, architecture, and history was awesome. A sunset shot at the Debod Temple in the evening light was superb! And once again David was there for each of us with our different levels of knowledge. Our first digital review… was an amazing learning tool. We got to see each other’s photographs and hear David’s expertise. Next on our list…Toledo. This town is beautiful and covered in cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Next stop La Mancha and for spectacular photo op with windmills at sunrise. Early the next day and we are on our way to The White Village of Ronda and Cordoba. Ronda was a lovely surprise with a small festival beautiful decorations and lots of music in preparation for a bullfight. Off we go to Seville …how is it possible for each city to be more beautiful than the last? We had an opportunity to experience photographing Flamenco dancers which was unforgettable. Portugal here we come! The town center is so beautifully preserved and Capela dos Ossos bone house was breathtaking. Lisbon is our final destination and I am in love with this city. The time spent with this group of trekkers, my mentor David and my fearless leader Vanessa is something I will never forget.  I am so grateful for the experience and knowledge I received on this unbelievable adventure. I can’t wait for my next Mentor Series Trek.

Jamie Blattmann