Educação pode mudar sua vida

The use of images to represent knowledge and synthesize information has a long tradition within the history of humanity. One reason for this is the ease with which we can remember pictures. Indeed, as early as Plato, writers have considered visual images easier to remember than words. This emphasis on the power of images has naturally led to the notion of a perfect language based on images instead of words. Images, after all, have the ability to speak universally to many cultures with varying languages¹.
When we get caught up in life’s trivial pursuits we easily miss the sights, sounds and smells all around us and tend to take for granted the beauty of the natural world. As our pace of life quickens, it becomes increasingly important to find ways to stay calm and attentive. For me, this practice of “being present” and “in the moment” is a daily task requiring constant attention – one that keeps  me focused and helps offer a sense of fulfillment in my life. This practice not only translates into daily life but into many other areas as well, such as travel photography.
As an art form, travel photography has a unique set of variables. In order to succeed at it, one must be extremely attentive. Not only is your main light source, the sun, constantly shifting, but also² your subject, often people, rarely remain in the same place for long periods of time.
When I grab my camera and set off to explore, my senses awaken. On many occasions, a morning has passed and I have found myself on the other side of a strange city, having spent hours following light. Even images not exposed on film remain indelibly etched in my mind. For me, “being in the moment” is what I enjoy most about travel photography.

When first arriving in a new city I usually spend the first day or two simply strolling in the early  morning³ with my camera exposed, allowing people to notice me and absorbing the scenery, but taking very few photos. This becomes a good opportunity to locate vantage points like hilltops and bridges and areas such as local markets that can be returned to when the lighting is just right.

Being aware of your surroundings while traveling will certainly have beneficial effects on your photography⁴, but plays an important role in safety as well. I have often been tempted to wander down dark alleys or lonely beaches at night but have decided against it after carefully surveying present characters. If you are always aware of what is happening around you, it becomes much more difficult to be taken advantage of⁵.  

Succeeding at travel photography takes much more than just the latest technical gadgetry⁶. I reckon it is the least important factor. Your photographic adventure will be much more successful if you have the will to explore while remaining relaxed, focused and eager to establish relationships. Most importantly, keep your eyes open!