Trey Ratcliff's site...how does he manage the travel?

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[bittermonk]

I am sure that most of the diehard HDR'ers who inhabit this forum are well-aware of Trey Ratcliff's photography.  It is, unquestionably, superb.  Trey has raised the bar for all of us interested in this technique.  However, what I wonder about is not so much the vagaries of his style, but how Trey manages to afford to travel all over the world, seeking out some of the absolute best-spots on the globe, to perform HDR?  Brazil, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Kyoto, Angor Wat, to name a few very enchanting destinations.  I would love to be able to emulate his travels, and am certain these locations would provide quite the improvement in my range of subject matter.  However, I am a 100% disabled veteran who lives month-to-month on disability benefits.  I do not possess the largesse to travel in this manner, and although I would not begrudge Trey his good fortune to do so, I cannot help but envy him these unique settings in which to perform HDR.  Although Trey includes an "About Me" page on his 'stuckincustoms' website, he never explains how it is he is able to enjoy this luxury of encompassing the globe in his pursuit of his most excellent photographs.  Does anyone have any insight in to how he manages the expense?

[honez]

The more frivolous amongst us may hazard a guess that a site name of "Stuck in customs" might throw some light how some people might finance lots of international travel. Or not. ;-)
I'm not suggesting for one moment that the two might be linked.  
 

[dddphoto]

This is not answering your question of how Trey can afford travel, it may be his job or he may save every penny. It is to say that you do not need to travel to get absolutely amazing images. No matter where you are or what lies around you there is beauty, decay, human interest, and stories to be captured. You just need to open your eyes and your mind to the possibilities.

Also remember that what may seem like some exotic locale to you is some one else's backyard. While you may yearn to go there, they may be yearning to come to your backyard.

[bittermonk]

To David:

Oh yes, of course...which explains precisely why the Ratcliff's and Art Wolfe's of the photography world travel far and wide to seek out the veritable treasure troves of spots like Macchu Picchu, Angor Wat, Scotland and Ireland, Hong Kong, Kyoto, Tokyo, Iceland, etc., rather than content themselves ( and their pursuit of photographic excellence) with the illimitable tableau of HDR gems to be found just over the fence in their own backyards, right?  I don't think so...

I am particularly attracted to, and interested to perform myself, the style of night HDR photography Ratcliff demonstrates with his Kyoto and Tokyo cityscapes.  Unless I am mistaken, these shots really require a lot of artificial light and color, to work well.  This style urbanscape may not be available where one calls home. 

There are a limited number and variety of terrains, vistas, views, and landscapes to be transformed with HDR photography where I live, which I'm sure is relative to anyone's circumstance.  Utterly familiar with these spots, I cannot help but wonder and envy those more fortunate than myself who can with whim and caprice fly across the globe and capture the spectacle which awaits.  Right now where I am sitting I look out upon a patchwork of small pastures, barley and alfalfa fields, dotted with power poles and transformers, and horses with lowered heads browsing overgrazed fields in the drizzling rain.  Serene and peaceful as this may be, it cannot compare nor compete with Kyoto Temples which float on the treetops, nor shall you convince me otherwise. 

You mentioned you live near Boise?  So do you photograph a lot of potato fields?  Pretty exciting stuff?   

[dddphoto]

Wow, I didn't mean to strike a nerve there. Sure, if you live in the Sahara Desert and you want to photograph snow you will have to travel. If you live in the United States and want to photograph architecture older than 200 years you will have to travel. If you live in a small town and want to photograph the lights of the big city you will have to travel.

That was not the point of my post. It was that there objects, scenes, people, etc. all around you, where ever you live, that can produce truly wonderful and awe-inspiring images. If you do not have the finances or ability to travel the world in search of  the perfect location, then don't agonize over it and find the images at home.

As for the snip at my home town - are you saying that a potato field could never produce a wonderful image?

Lastly, Both Trey Ratcliff and Art Wolfe have amazing images from their home town.

[SpiffyPix]

I would love to travel the world as well, but neither my finances (nor my husband allow for that very often...with the exception of my storm chasing trips. 

But just because I can't travel extensively doesn't mean that I can't try my hand at cool photography.  I guess we all work within our physical and financial bounds.  My favorite artist, Chuck Close, was a successful artist way before he suffered the collapse of a spinal artery which paralyzed him in 1988.  Yet with his extremely limited motion, he still continues to paint the most amazing paintings. 

http://chuckclose.com/

If i thought I only had the potential to take amazing photos (emphasis on potential) at the world's most interesting places, I might as well give up right now.

Just my $.02...

Mel

[jkphoto]

Living on Long Island, I could say that I've run out of possible things to shoot.  That thought comes from driving the same route to work everyday, and being guilty of not taking the time to slow things down.  What I mean is that I took a ride this summer to Greenport, NY.  Been there countless times, figured not much different this time.  But, I parked farther away from the water than I normally do, and *gasp* walked a little out of the way, and was happy that I did.  I found some new things to shoot, saw things from a different perspective.  I even had the wife drive for a while, and that allowed me to take my eyes off the road and find things I had not seen before as the driver.

I guess what I'm saying is that, if you have the opportunity, (I did see you said you are disabled, so I dont know what your limits are) drive somewhere familiar, get out and look around.  Maybe there is a barn you didn't see before, maybe a field looks different from another angle.  Maybe the same scene, but a different time of day, or a different season.   Try a different angle, you'll be surprised at what you can find. 

Dont be envious, be adventurous. 

[bittermonk]

dddphoto,

Wasn't intended as a "snip" at Boise.  But rather at what strikes me as your patronizing and/or condescending tone, "preaching" the 'discover the Beauty at your doorstep' advice.  I'm 62 y/o, and I'm aware of such fundamental practices.  My point is after 3 year's of concentrating on this valley and surrounds I live in, I feel I've pretty much worked the vein out.  I would dearly love the opportunity to travel to spectacular spots on the globe as Ratcliff and others enjoy, but owing to circumstance, this is not an option.  I find this personally exasperating.  I endeavor to avoid cliched photographs.

[dddphoto]

Well bittermonk I do sincerely apologize for that, definitely not my intention.

[DAVE RHUBERG]

Go to the site  www.billbachman.com
He teaches classes on how to travel, and pay for the trips with the earnings.
I have been to China, Europe, Africa, South America, Central America, Hawaii, and many places in Mexico and the Caribbean, not to mention the USA.
When my daughter grows up, I hope to take trips that focus on me and my photography, and taking cool or CHEESY pictures that can sell is the way to pay.
I have a couple friends who attend the Bill Bachman seminars, and I have tried to learn.  But the pictures that sell are often "cliched", or original in viewpoint in a way that you could have taken them anywhere.
And I think DDD is one of the most sharing and sensitive posters here, besides a fine and inventive photographer.

[SpiffyPix]

And I think DDD is one of the most sharing and sensitive posters here, besides a fine and inventive photographer.

I couldn't agree more.  

We are very lucky to have a contributor like DDD here on our forums.

Dave - I'm having problems w/that link?

[dddphoto]

Blush! Thanks for the compliments guys, but I think you might have me confused with someone else *{;-)

[DAVE RHUBERG]

www.billbachmann.com

[SpiffyPix]

Whoa!  Now those are some killer shots.  Looks like he dabbles in HDR a bit as well.  Maybe I should send out an invite to join our little party here. 

Thanks for the link, Dave..