Let me just start by saying that this blog post is as much for me as it is for you. Things are crazy out there this year (it’s 2020 in case you’re reading this in the future)...I don’t have to tell you that. And just when it seemed like things might have been feeling a little more normal - like I was seeing people travel a bit and seeing some photos from Italy and France online...here we are. Again.

Much of Europe is locked down, and who knows what’s coming in the U.S. But we do know that cases are rising again. And for some reason it seems even harder this time around. Maybe because we know what’s coming?

I’m feeling like many of you probably are...frustrated that I can’t travel. Wondering when this will ever end. And so I decided that there’s only one thing to do about it. What we can.

And what we CAN do right now is something fun, something creative, something that will make us happy. And for me that means getting out my camera. Which is why this post is for me too.

Sure we might not be able to travel very far. But we can still leave our homes. And we still have cameras just waiting to get out there and play with us. So let’s take them out on a little play date!!

I’ve said this a time or two (or 97)...now is the perfect time to practice your travel photo skills. So that you’re ready when you can schedule that really amazing and possibly expensive trip. So that you can make the most of that trip by being confident with your camera settings, have some creative competition tricks down pat, and know exactly what to do when the light does...whatever.

But I hear ya. Sometimes it’s just hard to get motivated to learn stuff and try new things right now. So here's what I’m thinking…

Take your camera and just get out of your house. Pretend you’re on a trip. But this trip is wherever you currently live. Or a town nearby. You’re going to treat your neighborhood, nearby town or city...like you’re just seeing it for the first time.

Look around where you live and think “if I recommended coming here to a friend, what would I tell them to see? Where would I tell them to go?” And make photos of that.

You’re showing them what Sacramento, or Kenosha, or Atlanta looks like. What it feels like.

The Tower Bridge in Sacramento, CA (where I live…for now).

So go out of your front door and look at the world around you like it’s the first time you’ve seen it. The grass, flowers, trees, maybe snow depending on where you live. And start making photos.

Get out there and make some photos of people. That could mean your family, neighbors, or people walking down the street in your town.

Look at the buildings around you with fresh eyes. Your house, the buildings in your town or city, apartment buildings. Notice the structure, the doorways, the windows, and the little details that you probably walk right by every day without noticing.

Buildings tell their own story. People live or work there, business is done or used to be done there. Tell that story with your photos.

Food is another fabulous subject for photos. Fresh produce at the local farmers market, food that you have at home, dishes you make...all perfect subjects. Or if you’re venturing out to restaurants, photograph that food.

And while we’re on the subject of food...maybe try cooking a new international dish. And photograph the whole process from beginning to end. I have a French cookbook and was thinking that I should try a new recipe every week or so. And make some photos. We might not be able to travel, but we can certainly try new things. Am I right??

When you’re photographing food, try different apertures, lighting, positioning...focus on the whole dish or presentation and then get close with some of those details. Heck imagine the fun you could have if you made a pie!

If your museums are open, that’s a great place to make some photos. If it’s not open? Photograph the building, the entrance, the grounds. Create photos of the places you shop, or the places you used to visit when crowds were a thing. Another fabulous option for photo subjects is an antique store. Many of those small businesses are still open...so put on your mask and get up in there! These places have some good freaking stuff for photo subjects. That could be a whole morning of photos right there.

A local antique store. Some good subjects in there!

While you’re “traveling” you’ll want to look for scenes, buildings, people, but also details of the textures, colors, doorknobs, peeling pain, window ledges...the little things that people tend to walk on by and not notice.

Document the adventure of your current life. Whatever and wherever that might be.

Now if you’re asking why exactly I think this is a good idea? Well let me tell you.

One reason is that it’s fantastic practice for when you can travel again. You’ll be more comfortable with your camera, with your creative genius, and with lighting. It ALL starts to make more sense after you do it a 100 times or so.

Another reason is that it’s a great creative outlet. And your creative energy is all pent up in there and needs to come out. It will make you feel better, feel happier, and I’m guessing it’s even good for your health. Ask a doctor. I’m sure I’m on to something here.

And here’s one more reason. You might not even have that many photos of where you live right now. Because we tend to take it for granted. We see this stuff every day, so it doesn’t seem special any more. It doesn’t seem photo worthy. But someday when you look back, you’ll be in a new place, or where you are now will have changed in some way. These photos will be valuable to you. To your family. Trust me on this one.

Different light can make an ordinary bike path look quite lovely…if you’re paying attention.

Okay, so your assignment is to get out there with your camera and make some photos. The theme is ‘Travel Where You Are’. So make photos like you’re traveling; capturing things you would want to remember if this were the first and only time you were visiting this place.

And then share them. I mean what’s the point of making photos for an assignment if you’re not sharing them?? And of course I have the PERFECT place for you to do that: The PhotoFluent Travelers Community. We’re going to be talking about this topic all week and sharing our photos. So come on over and share yours. We’d LOVE to see them!

Don’t forget your backyard…this is mine. With my willing(ish) subject, Maggie.