“Life is about turning up. The more you get yourself out there, whether you wake up at 5:00 a.m. to pouring rain or not, the more you’re likely to experience the wonderful happenings that are going on all around you. Sometimes the most interesting visual phenomena occur when you least expect it. Other times, you think you’re getting something amazing and the photographs turn out to be boring and predictable. So I think that’s why, a long time ago, I consciously tried to let go of artist’s angst, and instead just hope for the best and enjoy it. I love the journey as much as the destination. If I wasn’t a photographer, I’d still be a traveler.” – Michael Kenna
I took this along US 285 while traveling on my 11-day trip back in September (just before they shut down the parks). Later on that afternoon I camped at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The sun was intermittent then more clouds rolled in and a heavy rain fell through most of the night. My rainfly was soaked but my tent, sleeping bag and shoes were dry. Traveling.
Start another trip this morning then heading down to Phoenix and celebrate mom’s 81st birthday. Taco Bell here we come.
4 Comments
Tom Dills
Great quote, as usual!
I wrote about this on my blog a while back, but I had a conversation with a local artist once about photographing while we travel. He told me that he never carried a camera because for him, the experience was his aim, not taking photographs. He said that thinking and worrying about taking photos would get in the way of his enjoying the experience.
I wholeheartedly agree that the success of the journey is not determined by the quality of the photographs, but by the journey itself.
Happy birthday, Mom! 🙂
Monte Stevens
I also agree. I was talking with my father this morning and mentioned the illness some photographers have. It’s a impulse, the passion, the need find and compose a scene in the viewfinder and press the shutter. I have that disease. 🙂
Cedric Canard
Hoping for the best and enjoying the process, that’s what I do. Worry about making a shot does nothing but spoil a moment.
Happy birthday to your Mum Monte.
Monte Stevens
I need to follow that more often. Worry will sneak up on me more often than I want. I arrived in Phoenix yesterday where we have nice temperatures compared to home. They are predicting some snow back home so it is good to be here. Going over to my sisters tomorrow for some grilling and celebrate her birthday. It will be a good time. Thanks!