I shared a little bit about why it’s important for me to go on little photographic adventures here. The second purpose for doing this–taking a camera anywhere and exploring with it–is that it sharpens my skills. Blog design has become a huge part of my life these days (way more than I ever intended it to) and it’s become paramount that I keep my eyes and trigger finger in shape. Hah. Okay, well, you know what I mean. Anytime you use your artist’s tool (like a camera), it doesn’t matter if you’re getting paid or if you’re doing a job or not, you’re becoming better at seeing and capturing. You’re learning what attracts your eye and what captures your heart, two things that distinguish you from other artists and photographers. This is always good, right? You’re finding yourself, if you will. While you’re becoming better at and more intentional about taking a picture, you’re also finding yourself as an editor and processor. You’ll more quickly find your own style and what you want your final images to look and feel like. Traveling abroad really helped me in this way (aside from Zach McNair’s gentle encouraging) — all I had was time to wander around little towns in Italy and Norway and because I wasn’t hired to photograph the images I was shooting, it was all on me, as an artist. My intentionality grew stronger. My style became more and more defined and pronounced. I encourage you to get out of your house and go shoot for yourself! If you want to take a peek at some other explorations, check out the VagabondBond.
Nothing in the world is more common than unsuccessful people with talent, leave the house before you find something worth staying in for. – Banksy
Here’s the rest of the images I shot when Adam and I went on a little Flagstaff adventure a couple weeks ago. I hope they encourage you to find yourself wandering with camera in-hand without much direction and with a lot of motivation and inspiration.
