Lens-Artists Challenge #242 – New Experiences

Focused on the Task, China

“The humblest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them.”

Louisa May Alcott

This week Anne asks us to share some thoughts about New Experiences. I recently posted that I think of myself as a travel photographer who has not done much traveling since Covid, so I thought I’d reach into the past and address some of the things I’ve learned from my travels. Of course, all were new experiences at the time! It’s a bit of a twist on Anne’s theme, for which I’m hoping she’ll forgive my broad interpretation.

Alternative Transportation, Cambodia

“Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.”

Angela N. Blount

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

As a photographer, one of the worst things that can happen (equipment failure not-withstanding) is a missed opportunity. Both of my opening images were unexpected moments that fortunately I was able to capture. But I still feel dismay when I remember a “miss” that happened when a young, red-robed monk peeked out of an ornate monastery door in SE Asia. By the time I could capture the image he’d ducked back inside – I still see him in my mind’s eye. From then on I learned to keep my camera on, my lens cap off, and a spare battery in my pocket! Which leads me to my next suggestion.

Up Close and Personal, Botswana

Two rules to live by. Rule one: don’t taunt elephants. Rule two: don’t stand next to anybody who taunts elephants.

Howard Tayler

WATCH FOR MEMORABLE MOMENTS

In Africa I was truly captivated by the magnificent creatures we encountered. I have hundreds of favorite images from our weeks there. But there were also memorable moments that captured less obvious subjects. For example, the image above – which illustrates just how close adventurers are able to get to these amazing beasts in the wild. Over time I’ve learned to watch for images that capture the flavor of a place or an adventure. Clearly the photographer in the image above has not expected the unexpected. His long lens is too close to capture the best shot here. It reminds me of the time I used my 300mm zoom on a zodiac ride and a whale breached about 3 feet away. Needless to say, my images were worthless but I keep them as a reminder of both the moment and the lesson learned.

Hidden Faces, Vietnam and China

“It is good people who make good places.”

Anna Sewell

PEOPLE ADD PERSONALITY

Like many of us, I am shy about photographing strangers although I’ve gotten a bit better about it over the years. But there are many ways to include people in our images without asking permission or capturing faces. Exhibits A and B above show two of them. The conical hats on the left are typical in Vietnam’s rice fields, while the red umbrella on the right covers the face of the woman in traditional Chinese garb. I believe each tells a story about the countries in which they were captured despite the lack of faces. They are among my favorite images (along with my two opening captures). Images of local residents remind us of what is special about the places we visit, and that people are the same everywhere.

Up, Up and Away, USA

“Fear is a compass pointing out just the right direction for you to lean into next.”

Scott Perry

CONQUER YOUR FEARS

My husband is one of the most adventurous people I know, and his influence has helped me to overcome my aversion to risk-taking. Some of my best memories would never have happened without his nudging me past my natural resistance. We’ve hiked glaciers, zodiac’d among whales, floated in a hot-air balloon over Australia and did the Bridge Climb in Sydney, photographed Alaskan grizzles from mere feet away, ridden in an open jeep among the wild creatures of Africa, experienced sunrise over Patagonia’s Torres Del Paine, hiked the Great Wall and the rice fields of China, explored ancient sites like Angkor Wat and Petra…..well, you get the idea! I’d never had done any of it without his encouragement.

Furry and Flying Fun, Alaska

“To venture causes anxiety, but not to venture is to lose one’s self.”

Søren Kierkegaard

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES

Yes, we’ve experienced a few glitches along the way. Our “flight-seeing” trip over Denali was cancelled by fog but the multi-hour bus to a later flight allowed us to begin our small-plane fishing and bear adventures a day late. My luggage was lost for 3 days in Budapest. My husband lost a hearing-aid on the Great Wall but he went back and finally found it. We re-arranged our itinerary in China after an earthquake, and our visit to Israel and Jordan was rescheduled 3 times due to safety concerns. Considering the thousands of miles we’ve traveled and the hundreds of flights/guides/itineraries/vehicles along the way, we’ve been fortunate to have had so few issues. That said, when we HAVE had them we’ve dealt with them and made other arrangements. Expect it to happen and be ready for it when it does.

Three U.S. National Parks

“Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.”

Oscar Wilde

SAVE YOUR MEMORIES

When I was a film photographer I was also a scrapbooker. Once I transitioned to digital I started making books of each of our adventures. I cannot tell you how much pleasure we’ve had looking through those books over the years. I highly recommend the company I use (Blurb) but whatever vehicle you choose, I could not be more emphatic about documenting and organizing the important moments in your life. Trust me, you’ll thank me later 😊.

A warm welcome back to Anne from her marvelous journey, beautifully shown in her challenge this week. We hope you’ll join us with your own New Experiences. Be sure to link them to her post here and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. Thanks also to Sofia for last week’s ode to Spring. It was lovely to enjoy everyone’s images of the season’s delights. Donna will welcome next week’s April Fools Day with “It’s Tricky” so be sure to visit her beautiful Wind Kisses blog next Saturday at noon EST to see what it’s all about! Until then, as always please stay safe, be kind and enjoy the journey.

Interested in joining the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.

Tags: LENS-ARTISTS, Photo essay, travel

• March 26, 2023
• Photography
• 94 Comments