Why you should go on solo photo trips
Perhaps some of you, seeing my social media or reading my blog, had the impression that things weren't going well in my marriage. Cause if I travel alone, there must be something going on.
Nothing could be further from the truth. My solo trips are actually a sign for me that I am in a healthy relationship. Moreover, I believe they contribute to my life overall - not just my family life, but my general well being and professional life.
I am pretty sure that thanks to solo trips, it is primarily my photography that is improving massively.
WHY SOLO
My solo trips are nothing new. The phase of spending time with a group of friends is somewhat behind me, and now I most enjoy spending my free time with my wife or alone. I used to travel alone when I was single. Since I got married, regular solo trips every few months are something I still enjoy and would like to continue as long as it suits me (and us).
Since I got into photography, my getaways are 100% dedicated to photography.
On a daily basis, I spend a lot of time surrounded by people, both at work and at home. Sometimes too much, considering how intense my work can be in terms of social interactions (especially since my need for time alone is quite high).
In everyday life, I don’t have that much time or space to miss my wife and pets. And sometimes, I simply need some silence and a reset to come back to my duties at full speed.
WHY as a PHOTOGRAPHER you SHOULD TRAVEL SOLO SOMETIMES
My trips these days are 100% dedicated to photography. Outside of rest time, I spend entire days moving around and photographing. Naturally, such intensive practice impacts my skills for various reasons.
When you're at home, you tend to limit outings to the golden hour and shooting in specific conditions. You go out more often when the weather and light are good. If you're far from home, you take photos regardless of the time of day or conditions.
This will teach you to appreciate cloudy days, rain, and other less obvious situations.
My trips are never focused on one particular type of photography. Thanks to this, I refine various techniques and fields, trying to capture the essence of a place in my photos.
While at home, you usually focus on photographing within your niche, on photo trips, you encounter different circumstances and environments. This encourages practicing various types of photography: from traditional travel photography, landscapes, to street photography, or reportage.
When I’m alone, I have full control over the time and place. I don’t have to worry about someone waiting for me, and I don’t have to hurry.
When you travel with someone, you always have to take the other person into account, no matter who they are. This isn't always an ideal situation because it forces compromises, can cause impatience, and lead to tensions. When you're alone, it’s just you and your camera. This helps you focus and achieve the desired results.
HOW TO MAKE SOLO TRIPS WORK FOR YOU
1. Balance. Don’t forget that life isn’t just about photography. And yes, we often travel together with my partner too, and we both really enjoy those trips (and spending time together in general).
2. Be true to yourself. If you don’t enjoy spending time alone or feel uncomfortable traveling solo, don’t force it just because some stranger on the internet told you it would be better for you.
3. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to come home with Instagram bangers. Do things at your own pace. Look for what interests you, not what might catch the attention of your social media followers.
4. Don’t just chase after photos. Find moments to enjoy the peace. Step into a local café or a museum. Drink coffee in silence. Give yourself a moment to simply be here and now.
I’d like to thank my wife for unconditionally giving me this opportunity, and for taking care of our home and pets during my absence. Means a world to me.