People of the Trail: The First 500 Miles 

Almost everytime I pull out my camera, someone new asks “You’re carrying that heavy thing?!” and I always tell them that the photos are worth every ounce.

Photography is the one thing I’ve always really loved. Being rather reserved, I found it easier to share via photo than through words. There was no real doubt in my mind about bringing my camera with me on my hike. I knew that if I didn’t, I’d find myself framing shots in my head and kicking myself for leaving it behind.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been a terrible blogger. I’ve even slacked off on writing in general. In fact, I’m sending my journal home at Trail Days. It’s not that there’s nothing to write about, believe me, there’s almost too much to write and I felt like it could easily consume me. It was taking up time I’d rather spend socializing around the “dinner table” or shooting more portraits or editing pictures or hell, sleeping.

I can’t make any promises that I’ll be better at blogging from here on out, but I’m definitely still going to be shooting. A picture’s worth a thousand words, right?I brought my 50mm with the hopes of capturing the people of the trail. Someone told me “You won’t be able to get good landscape shots with that.” Honestly though, you can google a picture of a view, there are most likely hundreds out there from the same vantage point. Portraits on the other hand are so unique. To be able to give someone a photo of themselves that they can show their grandkids one day. I think that’s pretty special.

I’ve always been an observer. I enjoy just hanging back and watching how people are when they think no one is looking. That’s what I find interesting and that’s when you get to the soul of a person: when their guard is down. I once had a girl ask me for tips on shooting portraits and I just told her, never ask them to pose. And if they do notice you taking a picture and pose, get the shot before and the shot after. One of those will be the winner.

So here are some of my favorites from the first 500 or so miles. These are the people and the moments that I cared so much to remember that I took a picture.

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Cheers to the next 500!
Mumbles

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Comments 4

  • Doug Martin : May 17th

    You could finance your trip by selling the portraits….I enjoy your work …, and humor. Have a great time!!

    Reply
  • Tommy Corey : May 19th

    INCREDIBLE. ❤️

    Reply
  • Bob : May 27th

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos.

    Happy Trails

    Reply
  • Otto : Jun 7th

    Great photos. Keep it up!!

    Reply

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