LOVETRAILS '25.

LDN >> SWANSEA

This trip was definitely one for the books. Harriet (H) and Olimata (Oli) were booked to speak at Love Trails festival, so we made a trip of it, the four of us: H, Oli, George, and me!

Not long back from our last adventure to Paris for Fête de la Musique, a celebration of all things music and culture, I had a good feeling about this one.

It was giving super wholesome vibes: fresh air, sunshine, sea, and that unbeatable energy that only comes from being with your mates. We were buzzing, especially with the forecast looking so good.

SELFIE!

Harriet, George, and I hit the road late Thursday afternoon (After we wrestled our stuff into the car!) . GPS routed… we were officially locked in for a weekend of vibes.

Tunes blasting, good energy flowing, catch-ups in full swing, and long stretches of blissful silence. Just being present. Inhale. Exhale. There were even a few cheeky Teams meetings squeezed in (because, life).

We soaked it all in, the sound of the wind rushing past, the sun dipping below the horizon, the road stretching endlessly ahead.

Ultimate road trip energy.

The classics played one after the other. Time felt like it was standing still and flying by at the same time.

Service station coffee stops.

Camera in hand.

Damn, it was good

Arrival & Festival Feels

We arrived buzzing, eager to freshen up and see what was poppin’ at the festival. Harriet and I, the divas we are, got ourselves an Airbnb. Oli and George embraced the wilderness. Feeling fresh and excited, we headed over to the festival, just a chill 10-minute walk away.

The energy was already great. We ran into familiar faces, explored every corner of the site (including the talent only area, always a cheeky touch), and soaked it all in. At one point, we had to dash back to help a girly pitch her tent (Oli, the babe in question). Teamwork!

Later, caught the Running Room crew, chopping it up over a well-prepared BBQ. It was cute.

Tents pitched, goodbyes said. We called it a night with full hearts.

Bring on tomorrow!

Panels, Passion & Powerful Conversations

Day 1 and Day 2 brought something special. The girls had their talks and panels; Harriet on menstrual cycles, and Oli on body image. Both were deeply engaging, passionate, full of wisdom and transparency. There’s something magic about watching your friends speak their truth, fully in their power.

The audience tuned in deeply, responding with thoughtful questions and open conversation.

I felt proud, inspired, and grounded. It’s a beautiful thing to sit in awe of the greatness you’re surrounded by. The talent, the drive, the energy. It feels like home. There’s comfort in being around like-minded people, all working hard to share messages that matter to them. Messages that might change someone’s perspective, plant a seed, or simply open a mind to new ways of thinking about wellbeing.

That’s completely in alignment with everything I stand for when it comes to honouring the body, the self, and the collective.

Hikes & Healing Waters

Oli also led a hike with Wild Luna Collective, which had an amazing turnout. On a seperate mission, we adventures to Rhossili Bay, noted as one of the best beaches in the UK. Ofcourse, I brought my DSLR. I’m a water baby through and through, there was no way i was missing an opportunity to capture.

There’s something about water that calls to me. So powerful, yet humble. It lets you play, dive, float, and feel free… but carries a force that demands respect.

Being able to swim, laugh, and capture memories with my friends in that space, while also feeling the quiet strength of nature, was something really moving. There’s an honour in feeling safe within something so wild and powerful.

PT.2 THE FEST: the bits in between

Photographers Notes:

Sooo... DAD CAM HUH, i love it! I didn't think i'd love it how and why i do, let me explain..

Feeling Part of the Moment

First time using this cam, and I instantly felt like part of the shot rather than separate from it. It has this casual, unofficial energy that makes everything feel more present.

Everyone stays natural around it. I like to think I have that effect too, but this camera brings it out even more.

Why It’s Different from a DSLR

The DSLR can feel intimidating, especially for people who aren’t used to it. Even for those who are, it still carries a sense of pressure. When someone points one at you, it almost demands performance. You become a little more animated, a little less you.

But the Dad Cam? It's different. People stay true to how they feel. There’s a softness to it. A rawness. Something real.

Emotion and Play

What I love most is how it allows space for imperfection. It captures the fun, the emotion, the in-between moments. You can probably tell from the footage, I had a lot of fun with the zoom.

Editing the Energy

When it came to editing, I went full cheesy mode. I leaned into the nostalgic cuts and experimented freely. Nothing polished. Nothing overdone. Just vibes.

This camera feels more casual for me. Less like work, more like play. And that’s exactly the energy I’m here for.

For now signing off.

Love,

Leonie x