Hey there! When I sat down to select a photo for this week’s blog, I was immediately plagued with indecision as to which photo I wanted to discuss. I’ve done quite a few travel photos, so I thought it was time to shift gears and discuss either a landscape or something more abstract. But alas, as if I was on autopilot, I found myself selecting this image, primarily because of the wonderful memories associated with the night that it was taken. I shot “Vancouver Skyline” in Vancouver, British Columbia in June 2013 with an aperture of f/8, shutter speed of 1/250, and ISO 200.
Normally when I travel, I carefully plan each day in order to make the most of my time. Sure, I still leave time so that I can wander around freely, but I am in every sense of the word a planner. I traveled to Vancouver with a very close friend and took a completely different tact: instead of planning each day out ahead of time, I decided to just go with the flow so that I could enjoy the city and the company of my friend without worrying about following a strict schedule. At first, I must admit, it was a little odd to wake up in the morning and not know exactly what I was going to be doing for the day. However, I quickly embraced this new way of traveling. I was able to see a lot Vancouver, have fun with my friend, and of course take a ton of photos.
On this particular night, my friend’s friend invited us to go to the H.R. MacMillan Space Center located in Vanier Park, which is just on the opposite side of the marina from downtown Vancouver. We walked for what felt like 10 miles from our hostel on Granville Street, across the Granville Bridge, and along the water to Vanier Park. It was an absolutely perfect evening. The clouds hung low over the city but were dispersed enough to still let light in. It was warm without being too hot. The skyline was illuminated by the setting sun, creating a beautiful reflection in the harbor. We leisurely made our way to the observatory, talking and laughing the whole way there.
For me, there is a direct correlation between how I am feeling as a traveler and how I am feeling as a photographer. If I am not enjoying myself, for whatever reason, my photography isn’t as strong. But, if I am having fun, my photography is generally better. This photograph is a prime example. The night in which it was shot was a wonderful night. My feelings of joy and contentment really allowed me to “see” what was in front of me. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I cannot stress the importance of balance in travel photography. If you can balance your needs as a traveler and your needs as a photographer, I promise you will come home with both amazing photographs and memories.
If you ever find yourself in Vancouver, this is a great vantage point to shoot from. From downtown, just cross either the Granville Bridge or the Burrard Street Bridge and walk along the marina towards Vanier Park. I recommend going in the afternoon or evening so that the sun will be behind you to light up the city. You won’t be sorry!
Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to check back next Monday for more photography!
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