Madeira Photoshoot in Fanal Forest

Yes, let’s start the storytelling with this photoshoot. I had seen the work of a photographer from this place, and I was absolutely fascinated by the location. At that time, I didn’t own a Sony Alpha, had no tickets to Madeira, and a shoot like this felt like something from a completely different world. Just a few months later, my mom suggested a trip — and around that same time, I bought my first expensive professional camera. Somehow, everything aligned perfectly.

The location that had caught my attention back then was Fanal Forest — one of those places that look unreal even in pictures. It’s part of the ancient Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hidden in the mountains of Madeira. The trees there are hundreds of years old, twisted into these fairytale-like shapes, and constantly surrounded by fog that moves with the wind. It feels like walking into another world, quiet and mysterious, where time slows down.

This photoshoot, which I had dreamed about for over a year, was actually done in just 20 minutes. That’s kind of symbolic of how I travel now: I focus more on the experience of the trip itself. No searching for models, no detailed concepts — just being in the moment. We drove up those narrow, winding roads, passing through sunlight, rain, and then finally, that thick fog that Fanal is famous for. When we arrived, everything was silent except for the sound of cows grazing between the trees.

I changed quickly — literally in the car — threw on the dress, and we started shooting. The air was cold and heavy with moisture, and the ground was soft and wet from the mist. Being barefoot wasn’t exactly ideal, and my hair instantly curled from the humidity. But in that moment, I didn’t care. The fog wrapped around everything, and every frame looked like a painting. Only later did I realize I hadn’t even worn the right underwear for the dress 😄

What makes Fanal so special is that it’s never the same twice. Sometimes it’s clear, and you can see the rolling hills around you. Other times, you can barely see two meters ahead. The fog constantly moves — it drifts in, hides everything, and then suddenly opens up to reveal these ancient trees glowing in soft light. It’s moody, unpredictable, and absolutely magical.

I was freezing, damp, and slightly out of breath — but also completely happy. That shoot reminded me why I love photography: it’s not about perfection, it’s about capturing a feeling.