Travel
Best Travel Photographs of 2011
Momentary Awe, one of my favorite photography blogs, recently published their favorite travel photographs from 2011 and they’re absolutely awe-inspiring. I’m kind of at a loss for words so I’ll just let the images speak for themselves.
Foggy sunrise in Dubai #1, Shot with NIKON D300S | 16mm | ƒ/4
Transport, taken from the Observation Deck of the Burj Khalifa, Shot with NIKON D300S | 70mm | ƒ/2.8
From Paris with love, Shot with NIKON D300S | 16mm | ƒ/5.6
Expect the unexpected, taken in Salalah in the south of Oman, Shot with NIKON D300S | 70mm | ƒ/2.8
Early morning reflections, taken in Dubai, Shot with NIKON D300S | 24mm | ƒ/8
Can You Spare 5 Minutes to See the Whole World?
So many days, I wake when it’s dark, drive to work in a hypnotic daze and then drive home far after the sun has gone down. I can easily go 4 full days, hardly seeing the world that exists outside of my apartment and office building. It’s a shameful pattern, and even in the winter, there’s no decent excuse for it.
Recently, I found this video made by photographer Kiem Lam. After quitting his job last year, he packed his bag, grabbed his camera and bought a one way ticket to London. 17 countries later, he compiled this time lapse of the many amazing places he visited. In total, this video is 5 minutes, so really no longer than the time it takes to get an afternoon snack. But, it’s a magnificent reminder of the vast beauty, culture and color than are waiting if we just take the time to explore. I think of this as an updated version of the “smell the roses” adage— a 5 minute kick in the face reminding to get up and walk about in the world at large. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, just get up out of my chair, acknowledge the sun and thank it, with all of my heart, for showing up each day.