Why don’t you just fly!!??

That… is a question i get A LOT…. And i mean a lot…. When people find out on my photography trips and sessions that I drive for all of them, they are shocked. Yes, I know.. I get there quicker, possibly have more time in the area and so on.. BUT.. here is why… and it isn’t a short , simple answer…. Let me explain..

Yes, I have flown.. and to be honest I’m not a huge fan of it.. as a photographer with a lot of equipment , very, very expensive equipment. It can be an absolute nerve wracking, complete hassle. Yes, I know about carry on and such , and have done it.. many times.

Yes, I know there are so many amazing locations to shoot that I just can not drive too.. Yup.. there are places that I have dreamed of shooting and someday still might.. With that said… is there a place where I am just dying to go too.. the place that I just have to get that shot.. nope..

To me, there are a lot of photographers , especially in this age of social media that has glamorized traveling to exotic locations as sort of a status symbol. The “ look where I went to shoot… that makes me a legit photographer now” way of thinking. You can see certain locations becoming the fad for photographers.. two that come to mind.. Iceland and Faroe Islands.. it is the “in thing” to do as a photographer.. not to say it is a bad thing.. it is not, and hell I would even love to see them… but they are not even close to the top of my list.

To me… on my travels or “shoots” , the image is the very last piece of the puzzle for me.. The experience and the travel, the adventure is first. And driving is the ultimate part of that to me.. can it be boring, can it be tiring … oh god yes.. ( looking at you Nebraska) , as well.. some of my best images has come from seeing something on the drive and just pulling over to shoot..

People .. I have met some of the most interesting people on my road trips. Had some of the most interesting conversation’s on road tips. I have met people and spent the day or two days with and had an amazing time.. but knew when we parted, I would never, ever see them again. As well, I have made some very dear life long friends along the way.

Experiences…. Road trip experience’s are something you will never , ever have flying or being in a airport.. Roadside attractions, gas stations, roadside food stands, small diners, laundromats.. all can be so very cool and interesting. I have had so many amazing experiences .. a couple that come to mind. Driving through Colorado.. stop for gas on the Southern Ute Reservation.. out stretching my legs.. I see, just like a movie, an old grey haired Native American man sitting on a bench whittling on a piece of wood. I sit next to him, strike up a conversation.. that turned into the next four hours listening to stories of the tribe, the way things used to be, what the area used to be like.. all so amazing.

Another, driving through the Navajo Nation reservation. I see a sign that says “ Dinosaur Foot Print”. Also seeing some porta-potties.. had to stop. When I asked what the deal here was.. I was told it is a tour of a fossil bed.. an hour tour , bones, foot prints, Dino poop.. yes poop, it was amazing.. When I asked the Native American man what I owed , he says what ever you would like to donate.. $50.00 i handed him. We chatted a bit , he asked what i was out doing in the area . Told him I was a photographer and was out shooting landscape and wildlife images. Told him I was in the area hoping to get some elk shots. He says that a group of them were actually camping up on the mountain that night to elk hunt the next day. Would I like to camp with them and maybe get some shots.. HELL YES! So I spent the night up on a mountain , with a group of Navajo people, eating Navajo tacos next to the fire, laughing and talking.. made friends that i still talk to and visit today.

Those are the things I crave.. the experience .. If I get an amazing image Im happy.. but behind each one of my images are memories, stories, experiences.. something you will never have on a plane, in an airport, worrying about luggage , rental cars, wait lines, TSA, deadlines, flight times… nope.. none of that is for me..

Is there anything wrong with the international travel, nope.. I hope anyone that craves that get to do it as much as they can. For me.. there is so much to photograph, so many like minded and interesting people to meet in this amazing big old country we call home.. so… see ya on the road!