The Photography Road Trip

piffey · Jan 17, 2019

As the winter months drag on here and I haven't had a single moment in the light during the work week I've been fantasizing about purchasing a Ford Transit van, throwing my gear, a cooler and a sleeping pad in the back and setting out to find brighter lands. This Jason Lee mini-documentary from Ilford sure didn't help. It's been nearly two years since I took a dedicated photography road trip and can't go another summer without one.

So, forum previously known as APUG, I ask you:

What's the route of a photo road trip you took or plan to take?
What were the hot spots you found or plan to find along the way?
And any photographs you care to share?

As for me? My current obsession is to drive a rental vehicle from Seattle, WA to Alaska stopping in every fjord along the way, then take the ferry system all the way to Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians, then ride the ferry system all the way back to Bellingham, WA with a 24-hour stop at each ferry stop along the way to photograph. 6 weeks I feel would be ample time, thought more would be best. One can dream, right?

For shorter a trip that will actually happen I want to drive the length of the Columbia River -- avoiding highways -- and photograph every small town I come across. My trip 2 years ago intersected with the river at multiple points and those were the best stop overs as there were always big parties around the lakes.

jtk · Jan 17, 2019

One of my dreams has long been to follow the Lewis & Clark expedition using "Undaunted Courage" as a guide.

https://www.amazon.com/Undaunted-Courage-Meriwether-Jefferson-American/dp/0684826976/ref=sr_1_11?crid=122C75ZLRZWOI&keywords=meriwether+lewis+and+william+clark&qid=1547750328&sprefix=meriwether+lewis,aps,476&sr=8-11

I've done the first of what will be several week long road trips (camping) using "House of Rain" as an inspiration (I live in the region and am fascinated by our vanished civilizations :

https://www.amazon.com/Childs-Craig-House-Rain-Civilization/dp/B00J5TNIPQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=14H1KYVEW56R8&keywords=craig+childs+house+of+rain&qid=1547750623&sprefix=craig+childs,aps,289&sr=8-2

Eric Rose · Jan 17, 2019

The trip I want to do is to start at Great Falls MT and then do a big circle around the US. Take only back roads and spend time in the little towns. Enough time to get to know some people. I would be doing both stills and video. Would probably take a year at least.

Past road trips have been across Canada, several time, and down the Oregon coast, again several times.

Andrew O'Neill · Jan 17, 2019

I always head out all the way to Alberta and Saskatchewan (home province) every couple of years. I've been photographing mainly rural Ukrainian churches, and whatever else I find along the way. There are also a few natural spots I go to like The Big Muddy in southern Saskatchewan, and Great Sandhills. Drumheller area in Alberta. I find the prairie more stimulating than BC... unless I'm in the Thompson or Chilcotin areas...
I camp/motel it along the way.

slackercrurster · Jan 17, 2019

piffey said:
As the winter months drag on here and I haven't had a single moment in the light during the work week I've been fantasizing about purchasing a Ford Transit van, throwing my gear, a cooler and a sleeping pad in the back and setting out to find brighter lands. This Jason Lee mini-documentary from Ilford sure didn't help. It's been nearly two years since I took a dedicated photography road trip and can't go another summer without one.

So, forum previously known as APUG, I ask you:

What's the route of a photo road trip you took or plan to take?

What were the hot spots you found or plan to find along the way?

And any photographs you care to share?

As for me? My current obsession is to drive a rental vehicle from Seattle, WA to Alaska stopping in every fjord along the way, then take the ferry system all the way to Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians, then ride the ferry system all the way back to Bellingham, WA with a 24-hour stop at each ferry stop along the way to photograph. 6 weeks I feel would be ample time, thought more would be best. One can dream, right?

For shorter a trip that will actually happen I want to drive the length of the Columbia River -- avoiding highways -- and photograph every small town I come across. My trip 2 years ago intersected with the river at multiple points and those were the best stop overs as there were always big parties around the lakes.

Get a class B van OP.

https://ditchingsuburbia.com/blog/class-b-under-10K

Your problem is too long a trip OP. Just do short trips and get er done. Maybe not this big trip you lust after, but something is better than nothing.

I boondock when I travel on the road. (sleep in my vehicle) Can't afford hotels. The gas is high enuf. The last trip I took was about 6 days around mid-US. late 2016. Gas / toll road bill was $500+, I boondocked the whole trip. Then hit Manhattan a month later.

I shoot a lot in NYC, but camp out in Jersey City. Bus ride is cheap enuf, but the hotels kill you unless rich. Was just there in Dec 18. That was my last roadtrip.

I advise broke wanderers to take the bus. Nice adventure, cheap and you can shoot along the way.

I talk about boondocking and bus travel here.

Strong NSFW...

https://danielteolijr.wordpress.com...-wanna-shoot-in-nyc-no-problem-you-can-do-it/

If you can't afford a class B, OP, get a van and outfit yourself with a lugaloo, burner for cooking and 12V fridge.

There should be some RV shows coming up near you. Check em out. All sorts of rigs and ideas.

Good luck!

MattKing · Jan 17, 2019

piffey said:
As the winter months drag on here and I haven't had a single moment in the light during the work week I've been fantasizing about purchasing a Ford Transit van, throwing my gear, a cooler and a sleeping pad in the back and setting out to find brighter lands. This Jason Lee mini-documentary from Ilford sure didn't help. It's been nearly two years since I took a dedicated photography road trip and can't go another summer without one.

So, forum previously known as APUG, I ask you:

What's the route of a photo road trip you took or plan to take?

What were the hot spots you found or plan to find along the way?

And any photographs you care to share?

As for me? My current obsession is to drive a rental vehicle from Seattle, WA to Alaska stopping in every fjord along the way, then take the ferry system all the way to Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians, then ride the ferry system all the way back to Bellingham, WA with a 24-hour stop at each ferry stop along the way to photograph. 6 weeks I feel would be ample time, thought more would be best. One can dream, right?

For shorter a trip that will actually happen I want to drive the length of the Columbia River -- avoiding highways -- and photograph every small town I come across. My trip 2 years ago intersected with the river at multiple points and those were the best stop overs as there were always big parties around the lakes.

I'd be concerned about your current obsession - a boat would be a much better "vehicle" for it than something that depends on the few and far between roads that go out to those fjords.
But otherwise, I'd recommend visiting/travelling through the area. And iy you are going to be nearby to here, don't hesitate to reach out!

Alan Edward Klein · Jan 17, 2019

Here's the road trip to the American Southwest my wife an I took over 16 days last April, something I've wanted to do all my life. Terrific pictures and slide show that I play on my UHDTV at home. 2100 miles.

piffey · Jan 18, 2019

slackercrurster said:
Get a class B van OP.

Great idea! I'd originally looked into these, but the 30mpg of the Ford Transit Connects was luring me in. They'd certainly be a lot more comfortable for the longer hauls. Thanks for the great blog post too -- that was a good read. Have to admit I'd never heard it called boondocking before -- definitely going to be using that phrase now.

MattKing said:
I'd be concerned about your current obsession - a boat would be a much better "vehicle" for it than something that depends on the few and far between roads that go out to those fjords.
But otherwise, I'd recommend visiting/travelling through the area. And iy you are going to be nearby to here, don't hesitate to reach out!

A boat would certainly be ideal I'd agree. I really want to get up into British Columbia more. Usually I just make it to Vancouver for a Sounders away day and Whistler once a year. The lady and I have a trip written out for Tofino one of these days to go surf and explore the island. I'll make sure to reach out next time I swing through Vancouver!

Alan Edward Klein said:
Here's the road trip to the American Southwest my wife an I took over 16 days last April, something I've wanted to do all my life. Terrific pictures and slide show that I play on my UHDTV at home. 2100 miles.
View attachment 215365

That's an awesome trip Alan! That's what I'm talking about! I also want to do a New Mexico trip at some point. So many small towns with such unique architecture to them and you can't beat the glaring sun of that Chihuahuan desert.

Thanks for all the replies. Really love seeing other peoples trips and reading their experiences. The Open Road book from Aperture is another great resource of inspiration as well. Photography and new sights go hand in hand.

Ces1um · Jan 18, 2019

piffey said:
As the winter months drag on here and I haven't had a single moment in the light during the work week I've been fantasizing about purchasing a Ford Transit van, throwing my gear, a cooler and a sleeping pad in the back and setting out to find brighter lands. This Jason Lee mini-documentary from Ilford sure didn't help. It's been nearly two years since I took a dedicated photography road trip and can't go another summer without one.
.

You should take a look at Thomas Heaton on Youtube. He's a photographer that bought a camper van, which I believe is a ford transit van, that he had modified for his purpose. There's about 5-6 videos on it. Might be exactly what you're looking for. I'd sure love to have it, that's for certain!

jtk · Jan 18, 2019

Don't forget Airbandb. Half or far less than motels...which may make your existing hi-milage small car far more appealing than investment in a van, especially if you're capable of a little light camping.

We have used Airbandb a dozen times now, being disappointed only twice...getting far-better-than-motel lodging.

Identify a few possible towns, check what's available (including photos and reviews) at the website.

Sirius Glass · Jan 19, 2019

I took a loop of the the National and state parks in Utah and Arizona starting at Zion, Cedar Breaks, Bryce, Escalante, Goblin Valley, Arches, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges, Monument Valley, North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and Vermilion Cliffs.

Vaughn · Jan 19, 2019

Just got back from a month in southern Chile (and Argentina) with my sons and a 100 year-old 5x7. About 5000 kms of driving the crazy roads and 30 negatives exposed of about 20 unique scenes.

Might be a little farther than you were planning to go!

jtk · Jan 21, 2019

Vaughn said:
Just got back from a month in southern Chile (and Argentina) with my sons and a 100 year-old 5x7. About 5000 kms of driving the crazy roads and 30 negatives exposed of about 20 unique scenes.

Might be a little farther than you were planning to go![/QUOT

Wow! All those photos! Big results!

julio1fer · Jan 21, 2019

You might try the "American Road Trip" by Ilf and Petrov for inspiration.

jtk · Jan 21, 2019

Vaughn said:
Just got back from a month in southern Chile (and Argentina) with my sons and a 100 year-old 5x7. About 5000 kms of driving the crazy roads and 30 negatives exposed of about 20 unique scenes.

Might be a little farther than you were planning to go!

Vaughn....please tell us more about your wonderful month in southern Chile etc..

Did you camp? Stay in homes or lodges? Hike significant distances? Did you develop those negs immediately on return? Have you printed them all? How much time did that occupy to get to contacts ?

Do you have roots there...family ?

I think we all know that your photos will be stunning.

Vaughn · Jan 21, 2019

One of my boys was doing a semester abroad in Southern Chile (Villaricca), so my other son and I joined him at the end of his semester (Dec 15th). Good to have someone who speaks Spanish fluently and a good knowlege of the country. Byrce was studying Forestry (also my degree background), so it was fun to get more info on the trees of Chile, too. The mountains reminded me of New Zealand a lot as a very similar species of beech (Nothofagus spp.) grows in Chile, also. That and the glaciation the rules the landscape (along with glacier-covered active volcanoes that take out towns occasionally).

Rented a small suv and camped the first week (I brought two tents) on Chiloe Island. We then flew to Punta Arenas in the far south to pick-up a very small van with a four-person tent on top (just fit the 3 of us). We headed north, driving 4400 kms for the next three weeks, a lot of it on isolated gravel roads, thru Argentina and Chile to visit the varioss National Parks (Torres de Paine, Patagonia, etc). I am glad I had 12 years of practise driving bad unpaved roads in the Forest Service. And thankfully the van had a skid plate from front to back -- we scrapped it on rocks for miles.

We camped where it was beautiful, and hopefully with some shelter from the strong winds. A few nights in the National Park campgrounds (expensive) and private campgrounds (showers!), but mostly we camped up some road along a creek, river, lake, or bay. Cooked our dinner usually at the end of the day as the sun set (after 10pm). Bryce was our cook -- vege stews and curries, occasionally burrittos and pasta dishes. Late mornings -- a few eggs, coffee and tea, a wander around where ever we camped, then pack up and on the road around 10am. Meat and cheese sandwiches for lunch if I did not spring for something to eat at a cafe in some small town somewhere (and wifi for the boys). No cell phone coverage, but some plazas in the small towns had wifi.

Some longish day hikes -- trying to keep up with two 21 yr olds! A lot of short hikes, but a lot of time on the road, too. Most time I let the boys trek ahead and I photographed until they returned. But I did have to push myself to make any distance. Finding time and conditions to use the 5x7 was not easy, but I did not sweat it as traveling with the boys was the main purpose with photography riding along as a close second. Got home on Saturday, will order chemicals (pyro developer) tomorrow and start developing when they arrive. The diet and exersice must have agreeded with me -- lost 15 pounds in the month.

Digital Images: The one of the camper has son Alex in the tent and son Bryce cutting veges for dinner. A strong constant wind blowing off the lake (~30 mph which increased that night) stole the heat from pot on the cook stove, and delayed our Christmas Eve dinner. Taken past 9pm along Lago Sofia in southern Chile, just off Hwy 9. Tried to use the rock as a wind break, helped with cooking, though. Too many nails from campfires to drive closer to the rock. Those who like numbers, we were at -51.5 degrees latitude...or the equvilent of a couple hundred miles south of Prince Rubert, Canada.

jtk · Jan 27, 2019

Vaughn said:
One of my boys was doing a semester abroad in Southern Chile (Villaricca), so my other son and I joined him at the end of his semester (Dec 15th). Good to have someone who speaks Spanish fluently and a good knowlege of the country. Byrce was studying Forestry (also my degree background), so it was fun to get more info on the trees of Chile, too. The mountains reminded me of New Zealand a lot as a very similar species of beech (Nothofagus spp.) grows in Chile, also. That and the glaciation the rules the landscape (along with glacier-covered active volcanoes that take out towns occasionally).

Rented a small suv and camped the first week (I brought two tents) on Chiloe Island. We then flew to Punta Arenas in the far south to pick-up a very small van with a four-person tent on top (just fit the 3 of us). We headed north, driving 4400 kms for the next three weeks, a lot of it on isolated gravel roads, thru Argentina and Chile to visit the varioss National Parks (Torres de Paine, Patagonia, etc). I am glad I had 12 years of practise driving bad unpaved roads in the Forest Service. And thankfully the van had a skid plate from front to back -- we scrapped it on rocks for miles.

We camped where it was beautiful, and hopefully with some shelter from the strong winds. A few nights in the National Park campgrounds (expensive) and private campgrounds (showers!), but mostly we camped up some road along a creek, river, lake, or bay. Cooked our dinner usually at the end of the day as the sun set (after 10pm). Bryce was our cook -- vege stews and curries, occasionally burrittos and pasta dishes. Late mornings -- a few eggs, coffee and tea, a wander around where ever we camped, then pack up and on the road around 10am. Meat and cheese sandwiches for lunch if I did not spring for something to eat at a cafe in some small town somewhere (and wifi for the boys). No cell phone coverage, but some plazas in the small towns had wifi.

Some longish day hikes -- trying to keep up with two 21 yr olds! A lot of short hikes, but a lot of time on the road, too. Most time I let the boys trek ahead and I photographed until they returned. But I did have to push myself to make any distance. Finding time and conditions to use the 5x7 was not easy, but I did not sweat it as traveling with the boys was the main purpose with photography riding along as a close second. Got home on Saturday, will order chemicals (pyro developer) tomorrow and start developing when they arrive. The diet and exersice must have agreeded with me -- lost 15 pounds in the month.

Digital Images: The one of the camper has son Alex in the tent and son Bryce cutting veges for dinner. A strong constant wind blowing off the lake (~30 mph which increased that night) stole the heat from pot on the cook stove, and delayed our Christmas Eve dinner. Taken past 9pm along Lago Sofia in southern Chile, just off Hwy 9. Tried to use the rock as a wind break, helped with cooking, though. Too many nails from campfires to drive closer to the rock. Those who like numbers, we were at -51.5 degrees latitude...or the equvilent of a couple hundred miles south of Prince Rubert, Canada.

Vaughn, thanks for sharing this!

piffey · Jan 27, 2019

Vaughn said:
One of my boys was doing a semester abroad in Southern Chile (Villaricca), so my other son and I joined him at the end of his semester (Dec 15th). Good to have someone who speaks Spanish fluently and a good knowlege of the country. Byrce was studying Forestry (also my degree background), so it was fun to get more info on the trees of Chile, too. The mountains reminded me of New Zealand a lot as a very similar species of beech (Nothofagus spp.) grows in Chile, also. That and the glaciation the rules the landscape (along with glacier-covered active volcanoes that take out towns occasionally).

Rented a small suv and camped the first week (I brought two tents) on Chiloe Island. We then flew to Punta Arenas in the far south to pick-up a very small van with a four-person tent on top (just fit the 3 of us). We headed north, driving 4400 kms for the next three weeks, a lot of it on isolated gravel roads, thru Argentina and Chile to visit the varioss National Parks (Torres de Paine, Patagonia, etc). I am glad I had 12 years of practise driving bad unpaved roads in the Forest Service. And thankfully the van had a skid plate from front to back -- we scrapped it on rocks for miles.

We camped where it was beautiful, and hopefully with some shelter from the strong winds. A few nights in the National Park campgrounds (expensive) and private campgrounds (showers!), but mostly we camped up some road along a creek, river, lake, or bay. Cooked our dinner usually at the end of the day as the sun set (after 10pm). Bryce was our cook -- vege stews and curries, occasionally burrittos and pasta dishes. Late mornings -- a few eggs, coffee and tea, a wander around where ever we camped, then pack up and on the road around 10am. Meat and cheese sandwiches for lunch if I did not spring for something to eat at a cafe in some small town somewhere (and wifi for the boys). No cell phone coverage, but some plazas in the small towns had wifi.

Some longish day hikes -- trying to keep up with two 21 yr olds! A lot of short hikes, but a lot of time on the road, too. Most time I let the boys trek ahead and I photographed until they returned. But I did have to push myself to make any distance. Finding time and conditions to use the 5x7 was not easy, but I did not sweat it as traveling with the boys was the main purpose with photography riding along as a close second. Got home on Saturday, will order chemicals (pyro developer) tomorrow and start developing when they arrive. The diet and exersice must have agreeded with me -- lost 15 pounds in the month.

Digital Images: The one of the camper has son Alex in the tent and son Bryce cutting veges for dinner. A strong constant wind blowing off the lake (~30 mph which increased that night) stole the heat from pot on the cook stove, and delayed our Christmas Eve dinner. Taken past 9pm along Lago Sofia in southern Chile, just off Hwy 9. Tried to use the rock as a wind break, helped with cooking, though. Too many nails from campfires to drive closer to the rock. Those who like numbers, we were at -51.5 degrees latitude...or the equvilent of a couple hundred miles south of Prince Rubert, Canada.

Wow! Thanks for sharing this. I've always wanted to visit Valpariso, Chile for the obvious photographic reasons, but may need to add in some more rural adventures if I ever make that trip. Looking forward to seeing the prints form your negatives. I hope you will post them on this forum!

CropDusterMan · Jan 27, 2019

I did a two month trip two years ago after I had a helicopter crash. I was pretty messed up from the whole thing and needed
time to recover and get right again. I went from California eastbound, did some of 66 and Chicago, then spent almost a month
going through Alabama, Mississippi (a full week in the Delta...it's incredible) then through Louisiana,Texas, NM, AZ and CA.

The deep south is what interests me the most. The people, the landscape and culture. There was a lot of poverty. I tried not to put
myself under any pressure to "produce". In the Mississippi Delta, the groove was good. Being alone with just my dog and
my tent was amazing. I stayed in motels here and there, but the camping was great. I shot a mix of digital and film, and processed
film in hotel rooms. Greatest trip I've ever done.

Jason

Photo Chemist · Jan 27, 2019

I think you guys are my people....every year around this time I get the itch to get in the car and just drive! (but I usually have to wait until after the semester is over). OP, your trip sounds amazing. I can't wait to see where you go!

slackercrurster · Jan 29, 2019

CropDusterMan said:
I did a two month trip two years ago after I had a helicopter crash. I was pretty messed up from the whole thing and needed
time to recover and get right again. I went from California eastbound, did some of 66 and Chicago, then spent almost a month
going through Alabama, Mississippi (a full week in the Delta...it's incredible) then through Louisiana,Texas, NM, AZ and CA.

The deep south is what interests me the most. The people, the landscape and culture. There was a lot of poverty. I tried not to put
myself under any pressure to "produce". In the Mississippi Delta, the groove was good. Being alone with just my dog and
my tent was amazing. I stayed in motels here and there, but the camping was great. I shot a mix of digital and film, and processed
film in hotel rooms. Greatest trip I've ever done.

Jason

You are lucky to be alive. Helicopter crash usually = dead.

I saw a video clip on a Graciela Iturbide, a Mexican photog in Art 21 season 7. She did a road trip in the south. All square 6 x 6 photos. Some really nice stuff. You guys (or any gals here) should send in some photos to illustrate your posts.

http://www.gracielaiturbide.org/

SamuRue · Feb 27, 2019

There are so many nice places to visit, I wish I have chance to visit them all

The Photography Road Trip

piffey

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Andrew O'Neill

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