The Moment of Revelation

There is no more beautiful and wonderful feeling than the moment I arrive at a hotel. Even more so if it happens to be in a destination or place I am visiting for the first time.

And if it happens to be evening when I arrive, the joy and emotions are even greater because the darkness leaves no room to get a first impression. Although the night atmosphere is special, I must wait patiently until the morning. Curiosity eats me up about what my eyes will see during the dawn. The night seems endless, and the anticipation grows even more as I lie down to rest. It’s true that during the night, I keep thinking and imagining what I’ll see where it is now dark.

Due to the great anticipation I have, I almost never need an alarm clock. My biological clock always wakes me up at the time I want. At dawn, I sit on the balcony waiting for the sky to take on that beautiful, unique deep blue-purple color. With the camera hanging around my neck, one or two lenses in my bag, I lock the room and step outside. In those first hours, I feel like something between a researcher, archaeologist, and naturalist. I’m completely alone. Along with my footsteps, the sound of birds chirping incessantly fills the air. I take the first shots. Just to warm up. I continue walking, discovering hidden corners.

With the first rays of sunlight, my camera has been set on fire from the continuous shots. I can’t get enough of the images. The sensor captures photons relentlessly, converting them into pixels and filling the memory cards. It’s during moments like these that I think I might have the best job in the world.

 As time passes and the sun rises, the revelation continues. Gradually, I discover the owner’s passion and love for his hotel, admire the architect’s concept, and the imprint of the designer’s work. I continue relentlessly taking photos as new images flow through my lens.

As soon as the sun bursts brightly into the sky, the moment comes when familiar sounds reach my ears. Sounds from the kitchen where the chef’s team is preparing breakfast at a rapid pace, while the waiters, under the guidance of the F&B manager, are setting up the buffets and arranging tables. Sounds from the hotel hallways, where the housekeeping staff has started their morning shift. Sounds from maintenance, the pool boy, the gardener, and the reception where a departure has just been completed. I rush towards them to capture more images. The staff is the first direct contact a guest has with the hotel. That’s why I often focus a lot on them. My exploration continues without slowing down.

The first guests make their appearance. Some are here for breakfast, others at the pool, some at the sea, some for jogging, others for yoga, and some at the gym.

It’s the time when I’m reminded that I need to go back to the room to wake up my assistant for the scheduled meeting with the marketing manager. It’s her first meeting today.

My new project has started running