Although I’m not a professional photographer, I get a lot of satisfaction from capturing images that complement whatever I may be writing. I also like using photographs I’ve taken as starting points from which to write, even though I don’t always know what I’ll end up with before I put pen to paper. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many countries and experience some things that have given me a deep appreciation of our planet and the time we spend on it. Despite differences in location (and my age), I have always felt drawn to the same visual themes, such as amazing ancient archaeological structures, spectacular places of dramatic natural beauty and the idea of life as an adventure—the same subject matter that inspires and influences much of what I write about.
I thought it might be a useful focusing exercise to go through my old photos to see if I could identify more themes that I always seem to have had an innate interest in. I did this by picking out my favourites and grouping them into thematic arrangements, regardless of the place or time I took them. I also wanted to see if I could find a thread to tie the collections together. The process took a long time but resulted in the creation of the nine albums below that I have connected with the concept of a journey.
Click on any image to see the corresponding photo gallery.
Paths to Adventure
Every journey and every adventure begins with a single step along some kind of path. We may not know where they will take us or what trials and rewards they will present us with, but we can be certain that starting out along one of them will open up a myriad of possibilities.
Local Colour
One thing that makes any journey interesting is observing how the communities we come across live. Learning about local culture through traditions, customs, dress, food, drink and typical lifestyle practices leads to more empathy, knowledge and broader cultural horizons.
Flora & Fauna
Despite our variety, we are just one of the species that inhabit this amazing planet. Other living organisms—be they sentient or not—can give us a renewed appreciation for the vast amount of biological diversity we share Earth with.
Landscapes
We can find dramatic landscapes and vistas in all directions, across all continents. Regardless of destination or goal, taking the time to consider the awe-inspiring scenery can reward us with moments of peaceful solitude, quiet contemplation and deep satisfaction.
Mountains
Even though mountain summits can be conquered, their majesty is unbeatable. Walking up them cultivates determination and focuses the mind on the simplicity of moving forward to greater heights. Once attained, we gain perspective and a satisfying feeling of accomplishment.
Beaches
Whether visited as a respite midway through a journey or as a reward at the end, nothing comes close to a perfect beach in projecting an aura of refreshing idyllic tranquillity. Ideal places to unwind, they help us rest, relax and recharge for whatever comes next.
Sunrises & Sunsets
No sunrise or sunset is exactly the same as another. Catching the brightening hues of a new dawn fills us with motivation for what lies ahead, and charting the mesmerising gradations of colour that lead to twilight is a satisfying way to end a productive day.
Ancient Ruins & Monuments
Spread across the globe are outstanding monumental remains of past civilisations. Having withstood the ravages of time, they hint at the knowledge and skills of our ancestors and serve as powerful and thought-provoking reminders of our collective human history.
Art & Statuary
Whether millennia, centuries or decades old, works of art—be they beautiful, inspiring, humbling or frightening—provide us with a window of opportunity through which to gain an understanding of the beliefs, ideals and aspirations of their creators and the societies they belonged to.
Escape & Adventure 