I normally don’t do these “tagging” posts, where someone starts up a thread, posts some series of things, then tags some people to do the same thing after them. For one thing, most of them just take up too much time and for another, I really don’t like blogging about what everyone else is blogging about.
This request was a little different. First, it came from two of my favorite bloggers, Randy and Beth (my interview with them) of Bears and Beans, and second it was instigated by one of the wonderful sponsors of the Ultimate Train Challenge and one that I continue to work with today, HostelBookers. The combination of those things on that side of the ledger got me off my butt to find seven photos that hopefully match what is requested in the questions.
I don’t think these are particularly any of my best photos, but I’m in a particularly melancholy mood today, so instead of just trying to show you my best work, I thought I’d try to show how photos can tell a story — even if their technical brilliance is lacking.
1. A photo that takes my breath away
Africa is the most amazing and interesting continent on the planet. In my eyes, there is simply not even a worthwhile discussion to be had on the topic.
The entire continent takes my breath away, and although I’ve not even remotely covered enough of it to say I have “done it,” I have seen enough to know it will always draw me. It is awe inspiring that there are still these massive animals there — animals that have very little reason to have survived evolution for this period of time, especially against the onslaught of humanity.
You regularly will just be riding in a bus or looking out your train window and see a herd of giraffe or elephants, though you might not even be in a national park. And the animals are just one part of the wonder — the people, the landscapes, and more. It is unlike any place on Earth.
2. A photo that makes me laugh or smile
Go ahead.
I dare you not to smile. I dare you.
3. A photo that makes me dream
Right now, I dream of peace and quiet, with a good bottle of wine, a book, and no internet.
I’m not really looking for any sympathy out there — I am quite content that I am living life as I want to and enjoying it immensely — but right now, as I write this, I am feeling slightly overwhelmed.
I have taken on too many projects. One of those projects is currently sucking down three to five hours every day, in an effort to get a really great system set up that will benefit hundreds of my fellow travel bloggers. It is slowly sucking the life out of me and I can’t wait until we hit the finish line.
When I cross that line in a few weeks, I want a week on this beach. Cabo Polonio, Uruguay. No electricity. No internet. But they do have beer and wine. Right now, I spend eight to twelve hours a day in front of this computer, doing the various things I need to do in order to keep traveling.
I want a break — just for a little while.
4. A photo that makes me think
What were they thinking?
Seriously, what the hell were they thinking? The most impressive and lasting memory I have of Manchupicchu, which I firmly believe should be on every traveler’s list of places to see in their lifetime, was…. what the hell was going through their minds when they said, “yep, let’s build a city of stone, up there.”
5. A photo that makes my mouth water
I am not a food photographer. I have friends that take lovely food photos and I appreciate their work, but those photos don’t make me want to take my camera out. I could have posted a photo here of the spices in the Damascus souk, which is about as close as I get to food photography, but given what is going on in Syria right now, I try not to think too much of the pain that is happening in that wonderful place.
So instead, I will tell you what makes my mouth water — a really nice wine. I love good food as much as the next person, but it is far easier to find a good meal at a reasonable price than it is to find a good bottle of wine at a reasonable price, save for many parts of Europe.
6. A photo that tells a story
An honest day’s work.
7. A photo that I am most proud of
I am under no illusion that I am a great photographer. My skills are fine, and hopefully improving, but I am not going to ever get a National Geographic cover or other such plumb photo “get.” And frankly, that’s fine by me. It never really has been a goal and I’m happy that some people like my photos and find them a pleasing addition to me writing.
So why this photo for this question?
Its not a great photo. Hell, I didn’t even take it. Some random other hiker at the top of Kilimanjaro offered to take this photo of me and my amazing guide, Eyan, at the top of Africa.
I am most proud of this photo, of any that I own, because of what it represents. Climbing Kilimanjaro was the single best, and single most difficult, thing I have ever done in my life. I am actually shedding a tear right now thinking about it. I have not yet even been able to write about the experience, and I doubt I ever will on this website.
I have a tattoo to remember the experience and on some of those days when I drink alone, with the sun shining on my face as I listen to some of the music that I listened to on that hike up, I smile at the memory of it all.
So, that is the photo I am most proud of.
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In my view, photos serve two distinct purposes. For those of you viewing my photos that weren’t with me when I took them, I hope they help give just a small glimpse into a place or a moment. In that respect they are wonderful tools.
But far more important, and selfishly, photos are my instant memory injectors. I can scroll up through any of these photos above, or the 50,000 or so I have taken in the last three years traveling, and vividly and viscerally remember every aspect of that moment.
Every single thing. I can remember who I was with. The weather. My mood. Where I stood. What I saw that wasn’t in the frame of the camera. The smell. Whether I was hungry or content. Everything.
So while I hope everyone enjoys my photos here and elsewhere, all I can say is that it is a lot more rewarding to get out there and take your own. Get on it. And report back to me. I can’t wait to see them.
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Great photos Michael! I love all of them but especially #1 and #2!!!
Ditto the previous comment – you definitely made me smile with #2, and #1 is just the kind of scene that I dream of seeing for myself someday.
Thanks. I had a good bit of fun going through some of my older shots for this.
The elephant one is my favorite, though the TV on a beach shot is super fun, too. =)
Great shots Michael! I love them all and your write up – you almost had me shedding a tear when you described your climb.
Maybe I need to write more about my emotions. Then again, maybe not.
Love the pictures of the kiddos on the beach – you captured the joy of being 6 on a beach. I remember that!
There is something about happiness in Africa.
Great photos, amazing experiences. You almost got me choked up about Mt Kilimanjaro.
Nice collection of shots, Michael. You were right about the photo of the kids – I couldn’t help but smile at that one!
I should make it my background pic on my computer, so I always have a smile on my face.
These are fantastic! I really love the photograph of the children smiling on the beach, it’s perfect.
Additionally, the photo of you and your guide on Kilimanjaro is incredibly inspiring!
These are incredible photos…. I really need to learn how to take better pics!!! Wow!
I have seen your pics — you do pretty damn well yourself!
Lovely shots Micheal!
Great shots! I especially love the kids and that one of the TV on the beach!
I can actually feel the sombre tone of your post…that being said, you’ve picked some great shots….looking forward to seeing what it is u are working on… grab a glass of wine and try to cheer up…all the best!
Some wine has worked in the last few weeks
You have traveled for so long and to so many places. I have no idea how you picked out only 7 photos. Love the one of the kids on the beach.
I hope you do find it in you to write about Kilimanjaro one day.
If I ever get around to writing the book, it will be in it. But then again, I’d then need an agent and publisher for it to see the light of day…
Number 1 and 3 are fantastic!!! Indeed worth a NatGeo cover or something
Awwww, that’s nice of you, but I doubt any of my shots are close to NatGeo worthy.
Content and good stories trump technical brilliance every time. These are some inspiring photos and words.
Great pictures. I know what you mean about a photo bringing back memories like you said with your trip up Kilimanjaro. I have a lot of photos in my collection, too, that aren’t the best photos per say. But they have a special meaning to me. I also liked the one of the TV on the beach.
I have only recently realized that photos for me are mostly just good memory reminders. I might need to do a post about that at some point.
The first photo is amazing. Congrats for climbing Kilimanjaro!
Thank you — biggest single event in my life so far.
Wow! Great photos! I especially love #2! I already tried to tag Ayngelina a while back. Maybe you’ll be able to get her to do it though.
Thanks. No sure she will, but love her anyway.
After reading your post, I’m so glad that you included a link to your tattoo to satisfy my curiosity. I often wondered what it would take for me to ink my body- what would be so important and memorable to be worth the pain and permanence. I think you made a good choice with Kilimanjaro!
I never thought I’d be a tattoo person, but got 4 on my trip and am going to get 2 more (1 per continent I have been to).
2 & 3 I particularly enjoyed this morning. Funny, I don’t have too many photos of food per se either, but LOTS of grapes and vines.
I admire anyone that admires the grapes.
I’ve always liked the photo with the three dancing children; I particularly like the girls’ light colored dresses and their headgarb. I also like the picture you took of the spice market, though I can’t remember where that was taken.
Appreciate it, Michael. The spice market shots I have used the most are from Damascus, but I’ve got some other ones I need to get up soon.
I hadn’t seen that first shot of the elephant posted here before – it’s stunning!
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I really need to spend some time organizing my old photos. LOL.
Seriously love that TV on the beach shot, so epic!
I miss that place.
Haha, I love the one from Uruguay with the TV on the beach – it really does make you dream. Although I am sorry to hear you’re getting your life sucked away – I’m sure whatever you’re working on will be worth it though
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I shouldn’t bitch so much. My life is pretty damn great. Didn’t mean to make it sound otherwise, just feeling a little overworked lately.
Ah, cool Michael. Didn’t know that about your experience climbing Kilimanjaro.
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Great shots Michael, I really love that elephant. I love your choice for photo you are most proud of. I doesn’t have to one you have taken, it is a photo that you are proud of and climbing Kili is a great achievement. Congrats.
Many thanks. I wish I could go back and reshoot all my photos from my RTW trip, now that I have my skill level about half of where I want it to be. Back then, I’m not sure it was 10% of where I’d want it to be.
The elephant picture is without a doubt incredible!
Not sure if the grapes make my mouth water or feel a sour flavor
I have way too many pictures to even begin this task of figuring out which is which! So I can’t imagine how you narrowed it down from 50k!
Marina K. Villatoro recently posted..Travel Guide for El Salvador
I am so disorganized with my photos. It is a huge failing of mine. I just thought of a few that seemed to fit what they were asking and went with it. LOL.
really! how can you possibly be discouraged, I see your work always and think it’s super!!!
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Amazing photos, I’ve actually made number 3 my screensaver in the hope that one day I’ll get to visit sans electricity and Wi-Fi, just for a week, for a bit of a break. Love the first one too, great shots.
That elephant image is amazing. Glad I finally took the time to check out these 7 Super Shot posts…!
What a picture- I love your shots. Very intimate
Many thanks!
WoW! All your pictures are so cool. I invite you to share your pictures with our photo game as well. http://blog.booked.net/2012/08/14/join-our-blogger-promotion-capture-the-seasons/