ALIVE ECO-JOURNEYS

There are some shoots that feel like more than just work—they feel like an adventure, a deep dive into something meaningful. That’s exactly how it felt creating content for Alive Eco-Journeys, a brand founded by the incredible Penni, whose background is as inspiring as the journeys she curates.

Penni isn’t just a skilled psychologist; she’s spent years working in the mental health field, leading therapy groups, creating safe spaces for teens, and supporting those struggling with addiction. But her experience extends far beyond the walls of a practice. She has worked with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) during the Ebola outbreak in Liberia, responded to xenophobic attacks in South Africa, and provided psychological support in war-torn Afghanistan. After five years with the United Nations in New York, she returned to South Africa to build something deeply personal—Alive Eco-Journeys.

Alive Eco-Journeys offers transformative, nature-based experiences designed to reconnect people with themselves, their communities, and the natural world. When Penni shared her vision with me, I knew this wasn’t just another brand shoot. This was an opportunity to visually translate the healing power of nature and the immersive experiences she offers.

And what better way to do that than by experiencing an eco-journey of our own?

I flew into Durban, and from the moment I arrived, the excitement was palpable. We spent the first afternoon mapping out the landscapes, the emotions, and the stories we wanted to capture—places that move you, nourish you, and inspire you.

Our journey took us through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking locations:

Tidal pools and ocean explorations – capturing the rhythm of the waves, the vastness of the sea, and the quiet introspection that water brings.
The Drakensberg Mountains – hiking to epic viewpoints, embracing the expansiveness of nature, and feeling the stillness of high-altitude spaces.
Forests and hidden trails – showcasing the grounding presence of trees, the calm of walking through dappled light, and the mindful connection with the earth.
Remote farm stays in the Eastern Free State – nestled right on the Lesotho border, where time slows down, and nature holds space for reflection.

Along the way, we met like-minded adventurers, shared deep conversations, and envisioned the future of Alive Eco-Journeys. The experience was immersive—not just documenting a brand, but living it.

Back home, working through the images and videos, I felt the impact of the trip all over again. This wasn’t just about beautiful landscapes—it was about capturing the feeling of transformation, the moments of stillness, the energy of movement, and the deep connection that nature fosters.