About Lou
Who I am and how I got here
Meet Lou
Hi, I’m Lou — a photographer, world traveler, and amateur writer with a love for exploring the world: its people, cultures, and beauty. I’ve been traveling most of my life, and in May 2025, I left home to explore the world indefinitely. Now, I want to share what I’ve learned — my stories, advice and photos with you!
Photo by: Kacey Mortenson @_kacemort_
Where I come from
I was born in Ohio to an American dad and a Belgian mom. At the age of five, we moved to Costa Rica where I spent the next 10 years. Eventually I moved back to the United States with my dad, settling in Wisconsin. With such a multicultural background and childhood filled with movement, travel has always felt natural to me.
When everything changed
It wasn’t until spring of 2023, while studying abroad in Madrid, that I truly fell in love with travel. That was my first real adventure on my own. That was the moment I decided I no longer wanted to pursue a life that I chose out of expectation rather than passion. I no longer wanted to spend my life
pursuing medicine, always working indoors, and letting my life pass me by. So I made a different choice.
I made peace with the idea of being a bartender for longer than I expected, started traveling solo more often, and somewhere along the way, I picked up a camera.
When everything changed
It wasn’t until spring of 2023, while studying abroad in Madrid, that I truly fell in love with travel. That was my first real adventure on my own. That was the moment I decided I no longer wanted to pursue a life that I chose out of expectation rather than passion. I no longer wanted to spend my life pursuing medicine, always working indoors, and letting my life pass me by. So I made a different choice.
I made peace with the idea of being a bartender for longer than I expected, started traveling solo more often, and somewhere along the way, I picked up a camera.
How I got into photography
I started photography in December 2023, inspired after modeling for photography students and decided to try a hand at being behind the lens. Since then, I’ve been capturing the world, one frame at a time.
What I shoot and why
Urban photography
Street photography is probably my favorite type of photography — I love capturing the raw, unfiltered moments in people’s lives. The moments when they think no one is noticing them, moments that seem so plain yet we’ve forgotten there is beauty in simply being human
Landscape & nature
Because our planet is breathtaking and we have only one. If my photos can inspire someone to pause, appreciate, and protect it, then that’s enough for me.
Like these photos? Check out my full gallery here!!
What this blog is about
This blog is for people who love travel, photography, or for those who are just trying to find their own way.
Here you’ll find:
- Honest travel stories — the good and the messy
- Destination guides and solo travel advice
- Photo essays and photography tips
- Photographs from my travels
I want this to be a space that is real. Social media, often portrays the polished version of travel — the beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountains, and incredible experiences. Its often skips over the mishaps, the lonely days, the missed busses and the sketchy hostels. I’m not here to filter those out, because to me, it’s all part of the adventure.
A few extra things about me
I love experimenting with bold makeup looks — even on the road. Travel doesn’t mean giving up what makes you feel like you.
I’m a gymnast, so don’t be surprised if you see the occasional handstand in a photo.
I love playing pool and will often choose hostels based on whether or not they have a table.
I’m an avid reader and never go anywhere without my kindle — because sometimes I want to escape to other worlds too.
I love experimenting with bold makeup looks — even on the road. Travel doesn’t mean giving up what makes you feel like you.
I’m a gymnast, so don’t be surprised if you see the occasional handstand in a photo.
I love playing pool and will often choose hostels based on whether or not they have a table.
I’m an avid reader and never go anywhere without my kindle — because sometimes I want to escape to other worlds too.
Thanks for being here. I hope this space inspires you to see the world differently — and maybe even to go out and experience it yourself.