my seven super shots challenge with @Hostelbookers.
I like to think I’m a photographer.
But Cheri Lucas (who blogs at Writing through the Fog) made me stop and think the other day, saying she doesn’t consider herself a photographer, but rather “a writer who always carries her camera.” Maybe that better describes me, I thought.
No matter the title, the truth is that when I travel, my camera is never far from my side. A few weeks ago, Zak Erving of Sparkpunk tagged me as part of Hostelbookers’ Seven Super Shots Challenge (I also just realized how link-ridden this intro has been so far…moving swiftly on!).
The challenge is simple: Choose a photo for each of the following seven categories, and then nominate 5 more bloggers to participate.
So here goes…
a photo that takes my breath away:
Think serious rain. Think heavy mist. Think exploring the US’s only tropical rainforest with your sister. When I recall our hike through El Yunque National Park in Puerto Rico, it was this hallowed sense of walking on almost primeval landscapes that remains with me the most.
a photo that makes me smile:
I still smile thinking of this troupe of young guys in Marrakech, even after our so-complicated-it-was-comical exchange (I asked to take their picture, they wanted baksheesh (tip), I refused, they did their tricks anyway, I handed them baksheesh anyway, they refused to accept it…oy vey!).
a photo that makes me dream:
While hiking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail through northwest Spain this April, we awoke on Easter morning to a layer of ethereal mist cloaking the entire valley below us. Although it later disappeared, the otherworldly haze made for a beautiful start to that day’s walk.
a photo that makes me think:
In the Kasbah district of Marrakech, I nearly walked by these men, tucked away from the street as they were against a crumbling wall. Expressions of faith in other cultures always make me think, not only about the beliefs they hold, but to reflect on my own as well.
a photo that makes my mouth water:
When my friend Jen came to Spain in April, our weekend adventures in Alcalá de Henares quickly became centered around where we could find tapas. I can almost still taste my two favorite Spanish drinks: clara con limon (like a Shandy) and tinto de verano (red wine mixed with Sprite-like casera soda).
a photo that tells a story:
My final morning in Morocco’s Valley of Roses began innocently enough: with a walk through the verdant riverbed. But a woman washing her lentils in the river then invited me into her home, where I spent the morning drinking tea and making faces with her ridiculously cute daughter, Miriam.
a photo that i’m most proud of (aka, my National Geographic shot):
In India last year, I was grateful for the opportunity to visit several projects funded by the UK-based NGO, Jeevika Trust. Here on the island village of Mahinsa, I loved meeting Basanti, a 43-year-old woman involved in crab cultivation projects. She said: “When the NGO came, we got financial support and now we are self-dependent because we are earning. We are free from the four walls of the house.”
Tag, you’re it! Next up for the My Seven Super Shots challenge:
Big thanks to Zak for tagging me. Now it’s my turn to do the same:
- Nellie of WildJunket
- Erin of La Tortuga Viajera
- Dylan of The Travelling Editor
- Nicole of Bitten by the Travel Bug
- Jen of She Went Away
Which of these shots is your favorite?
Great shots, Candace! My two favorites were of the forest in CR and the Kasbah district wall where men are praying.
Thanks for playing along
Thanks, Zak! And thanks again for the tag. This kind of post is always a fun invitation to pore through my horrendous backlog of photos…and a much-needed reminder to be better organized
Hope all’s well with you!
Oh you tagged me! I was going to do this anyway – it ties in with the task I had assigned myself for this morning which was to select one photography from all my trips that I would best like to frame.
On another note – was your blog down for a few days last week? Saturday last I couldn’t access it.
Yes, I did! And how serendipitous that you were already wanting to do something similar
Loved your shots – off to comment on your own blog shortly!
And I’m not sure…I didn’t hear from anyone else that it was, especially for a few days, but perhaps it was acting up when you tried to view it? Thanks for letting me know! I’ll keep an eye on it this week.
Hi Candace,
My first visit to your blog and this is such a wonderful post! What beautiful shots. Especially loved watching the pics after reading the short stories you shared!!
Wish you have a fabulous Sunday:)
Arti ~ India
Hello, Arti! First, thank you so much for taking the time to visit The Great Affair and for leaving a comment. I always love hearing from new readers
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post as well, it was definitely a lot of fun putting the photos and stories together. Also, I’m headed back to India shortly, in about a month! I look forward to following your own blog and seeing if our paths ever happen to cross there. Thanks again!
Oh! So you are headed to India!! Thats great, would love to meet you in person if possible. Take care and feel free to ask if any help required about your trip:)
Thanks so much, Arti! I appreciate it
Whereabouts in India are you based?
Loved both the hiking shots!
Thanks, Abhijit! I really enjoyed your own post about the night trek last week…will have to try that kind of hiking next time I’m in the UK
I think you could say you’re a natural photographer. I always like your colours and textures, the way you capture people and moments. But, what you say does remind me of our discussion regarding the distinction between travel writing and blogging. I don’t think I’d call myself either a photographer or writer without proper training.
I love the photos in this post, especially the last two. Both of those photos tell incredible stories.
Thanks for such a thoughtful comment, Emm! It’s always lovely to hear from you. I really like your point about wanting to have proper training before giving yourself a particular title – I’m going to keep that in mind, especially in regards to photography. The many debates in the travel world between titles are always interesting, but I also think it’s important not to worry about them too much and just to do what you love. The titles can come later sometimes
Wow, that picture of the little girl definitely does tell a story….but I’d personally love to read the words behind that story too!
Aw, thanks Naomi! Don’t worry – that particular story is definitely on my list of blogs to come, I’m slowly working my way towards it
Thanks so much for your comment, hope you’re well!
I love the last one of Basanti. She & the shot are truly beautiful! I would definitely call this a National Geographic shot
Thanks, Jenny! It’s great to hear from you – how’s everything been? So glad you like the shot of Basanti…it was such an honor to meet and talk with her for a little while. I’m going back to her village this year, and I hope to see her again
The first photo looks like something out of Tomb Raider! I also love your last two photos. They really capture the emotion of these locals.
Thanks for the comment, Natalie! I love that I managed to capture the spirit of Tomb Raider here
And yes, locals always make for my favorite photo subject…after all, it’s usually the people we remember more than the place!