This article shares Kyle’s personal and professional journey, which emphasizes the transformative power of solo travel and the profound impact of photography on perception and appreciation. Kyle also shares four valuable lessons learned through experiences and the evolving philosophy of prioritizing moments over material possessions. The article concludes with reflections on his winning photograph, aspirations for the future, and a commitment to a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle.
Growing up, I was always into art in some form, mostly drawing and sketching. I was consistently drawn to photography and became increasingly interested. I distinctly remember the first time I saw Ansel Adams’ work; it was a defining moment that deepened my appreciation for photography as a means to capture a moment and its emotion. Looking at his photos made me feel something, and I didn’t think I had fully realized the power of a good picture until that moment.
Regarding travel, I was lucky enough to have been taken on some incredible trips as a child. Many of my fondest memories were made with my dad, exploring new places and fishing in different locations. I was always drawn to the stories in books and movies of exploration and road trips driving across the country. The person who escapes the monotony of the everyday grind to find him or herself in the wild.
In 2019, I planned a two-month-long road trip with my best friend. We saved and prepared for a year, and I bought my first DSLR to document the experience. However, on the Monday night before our Saturday departure, while playing basketball, Mike fell and broke his kneecap. I was bummed for my friend and overall depressed about the cancellation of our epic adventure. Nevertheless, I still planned on meeting my friends, Anthony and Bill, in San Diego for a two-week Arizona and Utah loop in an RV, which was part of the original plan.
One evening, while expressing my disappointment to Bill over the phone, he urged me to embark on some portion of the travel alone, considering I had been planning it for so long. I was hesitant, as this was the first time I had traveled alone for such an extended period. Eventually, I settled on flying out to Seattle and driving down the coast from Washington to California, making my way to Yosemite for a few days. That experience was a turning point for me and one of my best decisions. It is my first-ever solo photography trip, which has now become, at the very least, a yearly tradition.
Along the way, I have learned some valuable lessons. I share with you four of them that greatly impacted me personally and professionally.
1) Finding beauty in the ordinary and seeing the world with a different perspective:
Both traveling and photography teach you to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. It’s a reminder to appreciate the small, everyday moments and find beauty in the simple things, fostering gratitude and a positive outlook. How I look at the world and appreciate beauty in the small details has completely changed since I took up photography.
2) Living in the present:
Photography has encouraged me to capture and appreciate the beauty of the present moment. The practice of being mindful and fully present can extend beyond photography, helping you savor and make the most of everyday experiences.
3) Letting go of perfection:
The imposter syndrome is not feeling good enough or less than others. In both traveling and photography, perfection is often unattainable. There will be unexpected moments, flaws, and imperfections. I’m learning to embrace and appreciate these imperfections.
4) Prioritizing experience over things:
My trips have taught me that experiences matter more than things. It’s realizing that standing on a breathtaking mountain, bonding with people from different walks of life, and stumbling upon hidden gems hold more significance than material possessions. Photos become the time capsules of these moments, encapsulating the essence of life’s adventures. Opting for experiences over possessions embraces a simpler approach, directing my attention toward personal growth, genuine connections, and the enduring memories that shape my journey. It’s a reminder that a fulfilling life isn’t about accumulating things but cherishing the richness of the experiences that compose my unique story.
The inspiration for this shot struck me long before I set foot in Iceland. I envisioned capturing Skogafoss in the blue hour, anticipating that it would enhance sharpness and minimize the noise in the final image. I loved the leading line crafted by the darker rocks on the right guiding my gaze toward Skogafoss; I found my composition relatively quickly. Despite the Northern lights eluding me that night, I pivoted to a composite approach, determined to weave the enchantment of the aurora and the impressive waterfall in a single frame.
I set out to make the colors and the blend look as natural as possible. I wanted to enhance the depth by using dodging and burning on the rocks and the waterfall. I used some contrast adjustments to slightly improve the power of the darker rocks leading to myself below the waterfall.
The blend at the top of the waterfall with the night sky is the most important part of this image. I ensured the colors were right, considering the photos were taken at different times. If the blend and colors are off, it looks fake and unbelievable.
This image is a poignant reminder whenever I watch my night sky photos. It’s a humbling realization of our minuscule existence in the grand tapestry of the universe – a mere blip on the radar or a speck of sand lost in the boundless expanse of a desert. Contemplating this cosmic insignificance is a gentle nudge to seize our fleeting moments on Earth. It prompts me, ever so vividly, to strive relentlessly and craft the very best out of the limited time we’re granted in this vast, mysterious journey.
In tandem with honing technical skills, I’ve incorporated travel goals into my photographic pursuits. Exploring diverse landscapes and cultures has expanded my creative palette and infused a unique flavor into my work. Each trip becomes an opportunity to capture moments and stories, contributing to the evolution of my photographic narrative.
While photography may still be a hobby, my commitment to setting and accomplishing these smaller objectives has provided a roadmap for my growth. These endeavors have enriched my understanding of the craft and instilled a sense of purpose in my photographic pursuits.
In the next decade, I envision a life where I have seamlessly woven my passion for photography into various aspects. One of my primary goals is to teach photography, sharing the knowledge and insights I’ve accumulated over the years. Whether it’s conducting workshops, online tutorials, or even mentoring aspiring photographers, the idea of imparting my love for the craft seems fulfilling.
Simultaneously, I aspire to indulge in my love for exploration by traveling the world as much as possible. Experiencing diverse cultures, landscapes, and people fuels my creativity, resets my soul, and provides a rich tapestry of stories to capture through my lens. The goal is to see the world and immerse myself in its varied beauty, letting those experiences shape and enhance my photographic perspective.
I aim to hone my video skills and editing to complement my teaching and travels. Storytelling has always been an interest of mine as well.
In the quest for a simpler life, these aspirations are underpinned by the desire to find a harmonious balance between career, passion, and personal well-being. Embracing a minimalist approach in lifestyle and photography is a key strategy I’d like to implement. This approach involves decluttering the unnecessary, focusing on what truly matters, and creating space and mindset for creativity to flourish.
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