Mexico Vacation - the creation dilemma

Mar 2

As a photographer going on vacation always brings up a bit of a dilemma when I am packing. I have a little chat with myself… ok Wendy are you going to take your “big” camera? or are you going to just put it down and just go with only your phone. It’s way easier just to carry your phone… you are supposed to be on vacation… but can a creator ever truly be on vacation? I don’t think so. Even when I don’t have my camera I “see” images everywhere. The play of light and shadows, colour and texture, or interactions between people, or animals, or flowers. I was headed to Puerto Vallarta with 3 fabulous Amigos, Lori, Major and Alexina to stay in an awesome Air BnB owned by my friend Marko (check it out!) . Also knowing I was going with friends I didn’t want to be holding up the group by me stopping all the time to take photos. So I made a little plan, packed my Nikon Z6 with only a 50mm lens, One empty card, and 2 extra batteries. I either wouldn’t use everything or I would shoot until I ran out of space or batteries.

Have a gander at a few photos.. more on the plan after some images

The first couple of days I walked with my camera, I decided I would try capturing vignettes, just a glimpse, little stories in each individual image. Show less but show more. It was really fun. I’m quite happy with the challenge I gave myself and the results. I also filmed a few vignettes as well but we will save that for another post. Walking with Lori, Major and Alexina was amazing, they were all taking photos, and seeing so much as well.. So fabulous to travel with other artists! On the third day in Mexico we planned on a water taxi to a different beach for the day, and I left my camera behind. I didn’t feel like carrying it around and being worried That If I went for a swim that the camera would get swiped, it can happen so fast. I’m glad I left it but I so so many images I “could” have made, but I did have my phone and had some fun with that. Over the week I only carried the “big” camera on 3 walks. The rest of the time with with just my phone, or just my eyes. All 3 scenarios are great because they are so different from each other. I find, especially these days, that variety is helping with my creativity. This trip was a wonderful boost to help me get out of the COVID creative rut I’ve been in… but… I feel like..

I’mmmm BACCCKKK!!!