Angélica Santos: A View of the World

'TRAVEL' COVER EDITION - MARCH 2025 ISSUE

Photography: Emanuele Jeane Appendino - @emanuele_jeane_photographer / Make: Roxana Corciu - @roxanacorciu

Traveling is more than just a hobby for Angélica Santos – it is a way of life, a means of connecting with different cultures, and absorbing the unique beauty of each destination. The cover of the 'TRAVEL' edition of Hooks Magazine unveils how her experiences around the world have shaped her perspective on life and her art behind the lens.

Every place Angélica visits leaves a special mark, but it is the fusion of landscapes and culture that fascinates her the most. For her, it is not just about admiring iconic landmarks but about feeling the energy of the streets, observing the architecture, and, of course, savoring the local flavors. However, it is the people who make the difference. Strangers' smiles, shared stories, and traditions experienced up close make each journey truly unforgettable.

Among her many adventures, a journey through Eastern Europe profoundly changed her way of seeing the world. Destinations like Estonia and Latvia opened her eyes to less-explored cultures, revealing the richness that exists beyond traditional travel itineraries. Through these experiences, she learned to travel without preconceptions and to always remain open to the unexpected, allowing herself to be surprised.

Photography emerges as one of the pillars of Angélica's connection with the world. For her, a special image goes far beyond the perfect landscape; it must capture the essence of the moment. The golden light of late afternoon in a charming alley, a sincere gaze caught by chance, or a scene that evokes indescribable feelings. Among many memorable shots, one taken on a bridge over the Seine in Paris uniquely reflects her essence. The city, which was her home for a while, carries a blend of nostalgia and freedom that resonates in this spontaneous and deeply meaningful image.

However, photographing while traveling also comes with its challenges. The biggest one? Balancing the desire to capture every moment without losing the real experience. While she loves spontaneity, Angélica also values planning when the light or the scenery calls for a more carefully composed shot. After all, finding this harmony between living the moment and capturing it is the true secret to authentic and unforgettable photography.

If she had to choose a single destination to photograph for the rest of her life, the answer would be clear: Italy. Living in the country has made her realize how each region has its own unique charm—from the serene villages of Tuscany to the vibrant chaos of Naples. The Mediterranean light, the historic architecture, and the passionate energy of the Italians turn every photograph into a living work of art.

READ THE INTERVIEW:

1: What fascinates you the most when exploring a new destination? Is it the culture, the landscapes, or the people that make the experience unforgettable?

Every destination has its own unique charm, but for me, it’s the combination of culture and landscapes that always captivates me. I love getting lost in the streets, feeling the energy of a place, observing the architecture, and of course, experiencing the local cuisine! But in the end, it’s the people who truly make a trip unforgettable—their stories, their smiles, and the way each culture expresses itself.

2: Have you ever had a moment when a trip changed the way you see the world? How was that experience?

Living in different countries has already transformed me in many ways, but I think traveling through Eastern Europe made me see the world with new eyes. Places like Estonia and Latvia, which I didn’t know much about before visiting, revealed a unique beauty and a rich culture that isn’t always featured on traditional travel itineraries. These experiences taught me to let go of preconceived notions about destinations and to always be open to the unexpected.

3: When you're traveling, what inspires you to grab your camera and capture a moment? What makes a photo special to you?

For me, a special photo is one that captures not just the landscape but also the feeling of the moment. It could be the perfect golden light at the end of the day in a charming alley in Lisbon or the spontaneous smile of someone I met along the way. I always strive to capture not just the place but the emotion it brings me.

4: Is there a place you’ve visited where you feel you captured your essence perfectly in a photo? Can you tell us about that image?

I think one of the photos that best represents who I am was taken in Paris, on a bridge over the Seine at sunset. Paris was my home for a while, and this photo brings me that unique feeling of freedom, beauty, and nostalgia that the city holds. It was a spontaneous shot, but every time I look at it, I remember exactly how I felt in that moment.

5: What is the biggest challenge of photographing while traveling? Do you prefer spontaneity, or do you like to plan each shot?

The biggest challenge is finding the balance between living the moment and wanting to capture it. Sometimes, the desire to take the perfect shot can make us forget to truly experience the place. I try to be spontaneous, but I also like to plan when I see that the light or the setting calls for a more intentional shot.

6: If you could choose only one destination to photograph for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?

It’s hard to pick just one, but I think it would be Italy! Living here has made me realize how every little corner has its own unique beauty—from the peaceful villages in Tuscany to the enchanting chaos of Naples. The light, the architecture, and even the way people live here make every photo come to life.