" Always look back, your best shot might be behind you... "

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On a quiet road of Santo Antão, Cape Verde, we were traveling in a minibus between two little villages.

A feminine silhouette came up right in front of us, and with the sun almost on the horizon, she was all lit up with colors. Where was she going with that basket on her head, miles away from urbanization?

I knew I wanted that shot, but it’s a little complicated to stop the driver in the middle of the road and go “Hey Ma’am, I’d like to take a picture of you”, especially when you're sitting at the back of the bus.

The colors were so crisp I knew that turning back wouldn’t be the same. It would be all backlit. However, I turned back. Just to see my shot disappear behind me. And that’s when I realized that the image was just as stunning, if not more. With the shoreline in the background and the sea sprays, it looked rather mystic. I shot through the dirtiest rear window ever, and despite it all, got that ONE shot.

It felt like clicking on the google “I’m feeling lucky” search button and being very lucky.

From now on, I’ll always turn back. Because I used to focus on what was in front of me but sometimes the most beautiful was actually behind.