Travelling with Friends

I recently took a trip – the first one in a long time. It wasn’t to an exotic far-away location, but rather about 3 hours north of my home. The area is very popular with city residents and tourists alike, because of its small towns, wide open tracts of land covered with trees, rock formations that are part of the Canadian Shield and fresh air.

I don’t travel much with friends, at least driving in the same vehicle and staying in the same hotel suite. I instead prefer to meet my companions at our desired destination and prefer to have a quiet place to myself at the end of the day. At least, that’s what I’ve concluded now after several trips done in more traditional fashion.

The bigger challenge, and the purpose of this post, is how to manage my photographic interests while travelling with others. It is hugely difficult when travelling with those who are not photographers – family especially. I won’t go into those details, for fear of alienating any family member who might choose to read this (ha!).

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On the Road Again

shutterstock_93355207It’s been a trying year to say the least.  Lockdowns, restrictions, cancellations, disappointments, even changes to things as simple as ordering food.  I went to a local take-out place recently, only to be told that no more than 2 could be inside the take-out order area and that once my order was placed, I had to wait in a pre-marked parking area, in my car.  Businesses and people are adapting.  I have to admire how well we are adapting.  But it still sucks.  And on top of it all, my blog host, WordPress.com, decided to completely replace the blog editor I was familar with.  Hence no posts for the last two cycles.  An old dog can learn new tricks, but it sure takes a lot longer.  I decided recently that I needed a break from it all, and with restrictions in place, took a trip north to two parks. Continue reading “On the Road Again”

Finding Beauty Where You Live

CompassMany of my generation are travellers.  We have done our bit for job, country and family, and now have the time and the funds to see the world.  Many of us travel to exotic locations, with cultures not remotely similar to ours, to experience all that human civilization has to offer.  I’ve seriously considered joining my friends, especially where the destination offers some unique photography.  But I’ve also come to realize that much of the beauty of life can be experienced right here, in the country where I live, Canada.

Canada is a huge country, with so many diverse environments, providing so many different ways of life.  It has absolutely amazing landscapes, which are routinely explored by residents and visitors alike.  I’ve decided that until I fully explore what’s in my own backyard, travel outside the country will probably be limited.  So here are a few tips on how to get the best out of your local explorations.

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Backing Up Your Photos on the Road

PackingTravelling on assignment or for personal interest is typically a big part of most photographer’s lives.  The challenge of managing gear – taking enough, but not too much – is always top of mind.  But what about managing your images while you are on the road?

With a bit more travel in my future, I wasn’t happy with a strategy that worked well for day or weekend trips, but wouldn’t work for longer absences.  So, I started looking at alternatives.  Here’s what I found. Continue reading “Backing Up Your Photos on the Road”