The big, wide world of photography

photo of passport and nikon camera, with filson bag

You don’t have to go to the four corners of the globe to find good photographs. However, there is something uniquely exhilarating about photographing virgin territory. When you explore new places with your camera every photograph is a discovery. Every click of the shutter is like unearthing a new fossil or an unknown society. You are more than a photographer you are an anthropologist, an archaeologist.

Few places are left on earth that human beings haven’t explored. But that takes nothing away from the thrill one gets from one’s own discoveries. Documenting those discoveries with the camera lifts our spirits and stokes our inquisitiveness. It pushes us to seek and find more.

Durango, COolorado. At the train station, Jeremy Wade Shockley photographs Rachel Klein-Kircher.

At the train station, Jeremy Wade Shockley photographs Rachel Klein-Kircher.

Whether it’s 300 miles down the coast or on the other side of the planet, traveling to new lands stimulates your inner Indiana Jones. Adventure is around the next bend. Everything is new and different. The people, the food, the music, the art. The geology and the landscape. All there for you to discover for yourself. To fill your brain and broaden your mind; to stimulate your curiosity. It may not be a first for humanity but it’s a first for you!

That adrenaline rush, that increased heart rate, those hairs standing up on the back of your neck…that is real.

Telephone post, cable and electric wires. On the road, somewhere in Colorado.

On the road.

So what are you waiting for? Pack up the camera gear and get to discovering.

 

Civil War at the C&O Canal

This past weekend I met a group of Civil War re-enactors at the Canal. After talking to the men honoring the 7th Pennsylvania Reserves from 1861 I learned a good deal about what drives some to go into Living History representations. Very thoughtful fellows. Hope you enjoy:

Finlandia Vodka shoot at Great Falls.

Back in October I went down to the river for a little exploring and shooting. First stop, as usual, was at the overlook deck on the Maryland side looking for vultures and herons. What I actually found there, however, looked to be a pretty intense commercial video being shot. Camera guy in the water, kayakers on cliffs and crashing through some amazing whitewater…so what the heck, I thought, I’ll stick around and see how it all unfolds!

Little did I realize my friend Jason Beakes was the feature of this video. I learned from him it was a spot for Finlandia Vodka. Steve Fisher, kayaker and documentary film maker was shooting it and Cory Richards, adventure photog for NatGeo was there as well as a sort of narrator/host of the commercial. Check out the finished product…

Also, I made few behind the scenes photos. Very cool time.

Steve Fisher shooting video for finlandia vodka commercial at great falls, maryland

Steve Fisher. Setting up his shot.

Cory Richards, adventure photographer for National Geographic. Filming commercial for Finlandia Vodka, Great Falls Maryland.

Cory Richards.

Steve Fisher getting into position below the rapids of Great Falls. Finlandia commercia.

Getting right down there in it! Looking for a good line of sight.

Jason Beakes whitewater kayaker for Finlandia Vodka video shoot.

Jason Beakes, headed over the falls.

Steve Fisher and Jason Beakes in the river below Great Falls. Finlandia Vodka commercial.

Steve and Jason.

Steve Fisher and Jason Beakes in the river below Great Falls. Finlandia Vodka commercial.

Getting in there.

Steve Fisher and Jason Beakes in the river below Great Falls. Finlandia Vodka commercial.

Jason, ready for his close up.

Jason Beakes climbing the rocks on the Potomac River at great Falls. Finlandia Vodka video shoot.

Jason Beakes making his way over the rocks for another run.