Photographer Cosimo Campagna is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this documentary photography. From the project ‘Buen Camino’. To see Cosimo ’s body of work, click on any photograph.

El Camino de Santiago, or ‘The Way of St. James’, is one of Europe’s most renowned pilgrimage sites. The journey starts from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and passes through Spain’s northern regions, before finally ending in Santiago de Compostela; the alleged burial site of St. James himself. The entirety of the route consists of about 500 miles and attracts pilgrims seeking spiritual, adventure or cultural advancement from around the world.

In February, I embarked on a midwinter pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and understand why it attracts so many pilgrims each year. I wanted to understand for myself why so many people who have walked this route before describing it as a life-changing experience. As I walked, I observed the impact it had on both myself and the pilgrims I met day-to-day. The journey challenges those who decide to walk it. It leaves visible marks on the body but also brings something intangible yet profound to the spirit. A Pilgrim’s journey is often characterized by solitude and simplicity, which leads to moments of clarity and inner peace that affords reflection. This opportunity allows pilgrims to disconnect from the distractions of daily life and connect more deeply with themselves. As the famous Spanish saying goes, “cada uno encuentra su propio camino,” meaning “everyone finds their own path.” As I walked a path through snow and dirt, I realized that every pilgrim who walks this path, regardless of their motives, will eventually find what they are looking for during the journey. This pilgrimage requires dedication, sacrifice, and time. Every pilgrim follows the same trail, but their journey is uniquely their own.

This series of photographs was captured over a 30-day period and aims to evoke the harshness of the pilgrimage while exploring the deep connection with self that comes from such a level of sacrifice and dedication. Through this work, I hope to challenge others to see more deeply the way a landscape can shape human experience, and vice versa.

In Spanish, “Buen Camino” means “god path” or “god way”. It is a famous greeting and expression of goodwill, frequently used among people who are journeying on the Camino de Santiago. This phrase conveys a sense of camaraderie, encouragement, and good fortune, which is shared not only among the pilgrims themselves but also with the locals who come into contact with them.

Cosimo Campagna was born and raised in southern Italy. At 21, he moved to England to pursue his passion for photography. In 2020, he enrolled at the University of Plymouth, graduating in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in photography and achieving first-class honors.

Cosimo’s love for photography is rooted in his passion for travel, using his camera to capture the beauty of the world as he sees it. His work centers on people and their interactions, creating portraits that tell unique, authentic stories. Deeply inspired by the sea and landscapes, he brings an emotional perspective to these subjects.

Driven by storytelling, Cosimo’s projects focus on people and places, with meticulous attention to detail and narrative. He works with both digital and analogue mediums, favoring film when it suits the project. Known for his love of black-and-white photography, he also has a deep appreciation for the depth of analogue medium format color. His work often makes use of natural light, creating impactful and dramatic tones that leave a lasting impression.

All images and text © Cosimo Campagna