Getting My Feet Wet… (A photographic challenge)
The 52 Week Challenge!
Traveling is something that’s tugged at me ever since my first overseas trip to Europe. Since then, I’ve tried to go somewhere new every year… and see things in a way I wouldn’t have, if not for my love of photography.
I recently saw Full Frame’s weekly challenge list and it got me excited — so thank you Rodrigo S-C for turning me onto it! It was the perfect excuse to look back through my photos and re-experience the memories that are still as colorful as the images themselves.
#44 — Mirror Image
In my opinion, the only way to truly experience Iceland is to rent a car and just drive, which is exactly what my friend and I did.
Did we have to sign all sorts of waivers assuming responsibility for things like our doors ripping off due to the intense winds, or water damage if we left any windows open? YES! But it was absolutely worth it.
We came upon this incredible scene in the middle of nowhere, far from the all touristy destinations. As soon as it came into view we were both instantly in photo heaven.
The water was still, the clouds were slow-moving, and the only audible sound was that of our shutters. These are the best places… the ones where nature takes care of the editing, something that rang true for the entire Island.
Not only was it one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, filled with such an extensive terrain variety, but the people there were all so kind and hospitable, solidifying its spot in my Top 3 favorite places.
#45 — In My Life
For as long as I can remember I’ve felt a deep connection to elephants, so it comes as no surprise that I planned a six-week trip to South Africa. I volunteered with the AERU foundation via Knysna Elephant Park and spent my time collecting poop (elephant poop, not human poop 🙄), monitoring behaviors, setting up enrichments, tidying their boma (enclosure), and taking photos for their monthly newsletter.
Sally is the beautiful creature featured above. She was born with one tusk due to evolution, (they think) and is the matriarch of the group- even though she has never had a calf herself. We had an instant bond that I still feel today.
The photo was taken on Easter. We had made the Ellies heaping trays of fruit to celebrate. It is one of my favorite photos of the entire trip, and one that I look at often.
#46 — Purple Haze
I had been living in Grand Cayman for only 2 weeks before we got hit with a rather large tropical storm.
The ceilings in our temporary apartment building began to crumble due to water damage… all the roads were flooded, (I remember walking to work in water up to my ankles) and the majority of the Island was out of power.
The tourists were panicking, the locals brushed it off (after Ivan this was nothing), and I — well I looked for the beauty… and found it.
Many parts of the Island are edged with ironshore, which is basically an eroded limestone. It can be very sharp, slippery and unstable — not somewhere you’d want to walk with flimsy flip-flops, in the middle of a storm, by yourself… but that’s exactly what I did.
The cuts I got on my leg, the Ipod I lost in a tide pool, (it was 2010, don’t judge my electronic choice 😝) and the water damage to my camera, (it eventually dried out thank goodness) was all worth capturing this menacing, yet stunning scenery.
#47 — This Must Be the Place
This picture was taken at an old mental asylum in NY that closed in the late 70’s. I love shooting abandoned structures… they always fill me with questions about the history, the people, and the going-ons that once filled these decrepit spaces.
This must be the place — where someone once cooked… staff meals? Patients meals? Who made them? Were turkeys cooked on Thanksgiving? Casseroles? Was it damaged by the residents or later on by looters and squatters? Or perhaps it was smashed by an urban explorer looking for a photo opp…
I never get any answers, but the why’s continue to inspire me.
#48A — In The Heat of The Night
A boat sets off into the cove, The crowd waits patiently. The flair bartender gets set up, We all can’t wait to see.
He grabs a bottle and takes a gulp, Playing with our desire. And when he blows we finally see, A great big heart on fire.
Swirls of color, A trail of light; Stings on fire, Dance in the night.
Long exposures, and cheering fans; Blaring music, On the sand.
So that’s it! I hope this wasn’t too long, and that I met the publications criteria — this (I think) is the first time I’ve submitted to one!
I’d love to know what you think… grab your gear and head over to the comments!
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