During Photo Vacation 2021, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a unique photography competition focused on creating a 10-image photo series – shot and arranged during the event. This Yailata photo journey in Bulgaria turned into one of the most memorable creative experiences I’ve had.
I teamed up with the talented photographer Alexander Malev – a retired Bulgarian photojournalist – and his granddaughter Marina Stanislavova. Together, we set off on a visual exploration of Yailata Nature Reserve, one of the most striking and historically rich areas along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.
Yailata stuns with its rugged cliffs, ancient cave dwellings, Roman necropolises, and its wild, untouched nature. We were challenged not only to capture this beauty but to arrange our images in a way that tells a cohesive visual story.
Working alongside Alexander was an education in itself. With decades of experience in photojournalism, he shared invaluable lessons on composition, timing, and the emotional impact of a photograph. I learned more in those few days than I could have hoped for.
Although our series didn’t win, the experience and knowledge gained were more than enough. Each photo we took reflects a chapter of the Yailata photo journey in Bulgaria – a place where nature and history speak through stone and sea.
I invite you to explore our 10-image series and feel a piece of the Yailata magic we tried to preserve.
