Well, here we are. It’s been just over a month now that we’ve been on the road. We’ve done WAY less work than we hoped, but we’ve seen so much more than we expected. I imagine down the road we won’t feel so worried about getting so little work done, but right now it’s hard not to feel anxious about not being very “productive”.
So with that glorious intro, today I’m going to share a few of the things I’ve been thinking about over the past month. I think my writing is going to be a lot more like a journal during this trip, since I see myself more in a learning phase than a teaching phase per say. I hope you enjoy it!
Ok, here we go.
Shooting with one camera.
For the past month I’ve been mostly shooting with the Fujifilm X100F. I got it on loan from Fujifilm Canada the day before we left. I hadn’t planned on using it, but figured what the hay – fun, new camera to test out. Why not, right? Turns out I’ve been using almost nothing else.
That camera comes everywhere with me, and because it’s a fixed lens camera, I have way fewer decisions to make. Just pick up the camera, and go. The shots I was getting for the first few weeks weren’t anything great. But I’m starting to see a few that I really like. I still have a lot to learn about the camera, and want to figure out the best way to use it. The 35mm isn’t my natural preference, so it’s been a challenge to try to shoot every scene at that focal length. But I think it’s going to be a great way to try to get me out of my photography rut. (I recorded a video with some more thoughts on shooting with the camera and photos, which you can check out here.)
When you have good light, use it up.
I certainly believe that there’s a lot you can do to make the most out of the light you have. But there’s no arguing that there’s great light that just makes photos sing.
Some of the places we’ve stayed have had that great light, and we’ve tried to really take advantage of it. But I know we haven’t even done enough. Because while it’s easy to get accustomed to it, before long we’re back in a motel with almost no light, and we’re missing that glorious window light.
Staying On Top of Things
I’ve been trying to go through my photos regularly, starring the ones I like. I haven’t done it enough though, and I can already see that it’s going to be really hard to keep on top of everything, and do something with it all when I get back. I need to make sure I make it a habit! Consistently reviewing photos also gives me a chance to see what I’m doing that I like, and where I need to keep practicing.
Sharing Often
I’ve been trying to share photos and videos on Instagram almost every day (follow us here!). It’s tough (especially when the internet is super slow and it takes ages to upload short video clips). But it’s been a good motivator to keep shooting, and put something together every day. The comments and messages also help make the process fun.
Having Fun, Even When The Shot Isn’t Good
The other day we were driving down the coast in an absolutely wicked storm. The kids had been asleep so we were just making some distance. They finally woke up so we pulled over at a little park, and saw some crazy waves out in the distance. It was pouring, but I love stormy waves, so I suggested Rob and I take turns going out to shoot it. When I went out I got absolutely drenched, but I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
The experience of getting out there in the storm was exhilarating. I don’t even care what the photos were like. Part of the point is just to have a good time. I need to keep reminding myself of that when I feel down about not walking away with a great shot. Process. Journey. Etc.
Alrighty so that’s just a few of the things on my mind these days. Make sure to follow along on Instagram for a lot more stories, photos and video from the adventure!
And if you have any travel tips for California that’s coming up next, so send them along!!
Happy photographing!
Lauren :)
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