2011 Travels In Photographs: What Makes You Want To Go?

The aim of travel photographers is to capture a destination in a way that instantly takes you there and makes you want to go. Beautiful scenery is an easy way to achieve this but travel photography is also about what makes a culture unique. Below I chose a single photograph from each place I traveled to in 2011 that defined my experience. Easier said than done.

In March I traveled to Mexico City, Oaxaca and Puebla. The above photograph was taken in a food market in Oaxaca. To me it defines the artistry seen throughout Mexico in many contexts. Here everyday food items in plastic bins are arranged in a way that makes them look like vivid art. Note the absence of commercial logos.

The Golden Gate bridge would have been easy to illustrate San Francisco. But I would never want to bore you. Pictured here is a photograph taken in April of a mural in the Mission District. It is a memorial to a San Francisco rap artist.

This was taken in Cozumel, Mexico in the off season in July. There is a reason why a beautiful empty beach with white sands and azure water never goes out of style.

Idyllic and insular these Victorian gingerbread cottages are on the grounds of the Camp Meeting Association in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard. Methodists who every summer would camp and worship here originally occupied the grounds in the 19th century. The cottages, privately owned by camping descendents and members of the Camp Meeting Association, eventually replaced the tents of the original worshippers.

A place of privilege the French Riviera is no place for bargains except for the public pedestrian scenic coastal path which stretches from Cap d’Ail to Monaco. It is lined with Belle Epoque villas perched in the mountains and along the Mediterranean. Early October, when I was there, was a perfect time to go. Beautiful weather and no crowds. The local wines are a bargain also. But you already knew that.

Puerto Rico brings to mind a proud heritage and the beauty to back it up. This photograph of the Paseo de La Princesa (Walkway of the Princess) and the Old City wall, a Unesco World heritage site in Old San Juan, was taken in November.


Wishing you a happy, healthy, prosperous 2012. Where will your travels take you in 2012?

Graveyards From Around The World

Some of the world’s graveyards offer scenic vistas and are tourist attractions.

San Juan Cemetery in Puerto Rico is located next to El Morro Fort and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Poets, politicians and composers have been laid to rest here.

The overnight candlelight vigils in cemeteries for the Day of the Dead held in Mexico every November are far from spooky and an experience not to be missed if you have the chance.

But it might be a good idea to heed this sign outside a graveyard located in a hamlet a few hours outside of New York City if you have plans to keep on moving.

Happy Halloween!

Forts From Around The World

Strategically perched on hillsides or along oceans and rivers the ancient forts of the world provide excellent vistas.

Jaigarh or Victory Fort in Jaipur, India presents many excellent views especially from the walkway of its Mughal Gardens.

Fort Skala de la Ville in Essaouira, Morocco sits besides the Atlantic Ocean of this coastal city.

The watchtowers of El Morro Fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico offered protection from would be enemies and the strong sun.

Now a museum, Castel Sant Angelo in Rome was once a fort and castle. To reach it you must cross the bridge of the same name, which is lined with statues of angels, and vendors selling knock off designer bags.

Portraits: Patriotic Man, San Juan Puerto Rico

I spotted him getting out of his car in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. His wife looked puzzled when I walked up and asked if I could photograph him. He agreed without question although clearly he had places to go. I couldn’t get him to smile and didn’t want to push my luck. After all he was nice enough to pose for the photograph.

Happy Independence Day to patriots from all nations around the world.

Previous Posts In This Series:
Young Boy Varanasi India
Maya Woman Lake Atitlan Guatemala
Caribbean Man

Portraits: Caribbean Man

The light was perfect. I was engrossed in photographing a cobblestone alley in Old San Juan Puerto Rico when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I was expecting to turn around and see someone trying to get by. Instead this man was standing there smiling.

“What are you doing?” he asked. I explained that I was in town for a few days photographing the city.

He asked if I would mind taking a photograph of him, an offer I couldn’t refuse.

For previous portraits go here.

Salsa Old San Juan Puerto Rico

The rhythms of Salsa music are the heartbeat of many Latin countries. Salsa isn’t generation specific, a tradition loosing ground to newer sounds.

The Paseo de la Princesa (Walkway of the Princess) in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico starts at the ocean and works its way inland. It is popular on the weekend and lined with food vendors and street entertainers.

Strolling along the esplanade on a Sunday afternoon earlier this year we came across an outdoor café with a salsa band in full bloom. Tourists five deep were crowded around the entrance watching people dance and a few slipped in to sit at tables to get a closer look. They were welcome and smiles were exchanged.

Certain music has the ability to make even a chronic wallflower overcome shyness. Salsa is like that. Not a dancer? It doesn’t matter. Someone will grab your hand and pull you on the dance floor. Everyone is included and it’s bad form to deny someone a dance.

Part of the beauty of Salsa is that it is not typically danced to solo. The man in the black and white ensemble in the photograph above had many partners and never left the dance floor. I bet he is there almost every weekend.