Film and digital photographer and blogger, sharing my experiences on Film Road Trip, https://filmroadtrip.com, devoted to film photography, and My Irie Time, https://myirietime.com, devoted to the Caribbean.
1. What got you into travel writing?
I’ve always had an eye for photography, and it was really photography that launched me into travel writing. I entered my first photography contest in 2011, the Caribbean Travel & Life photo contest, and I won the grand prize. It motivated me to learn more about the craft and pushed me to start my own travel blog, sharing my family’s experiences.
2. What’s the most challenging part of being a travel journalist for you?
For me, the biggest challenge is finding more time for travel and writing. I practiced law for 33 years, and am now transitioning to a non-litigation position which should help free up more time for travel.
3. What is one thing [equipment or personal item] you can’t go without on the road?
I travel with a lot of photo gear, both film and digital, but aside from all that, the thing I always have is a journal. In addition to story ideas and notes of our experiences, I make detailed notes of image locations, shooting times, sunrise, sunset, moon phases, and anything else that may affect where and when I will be able to create images. I note all potential photo subjects and plan the cameras, lenses, filters, film, and other equipment needed so that I am prepared.
4. What’s your most unusual and/or memorable travel experience?
We were traveling with our children to Puerto Vallarta, and my son wrote his first words while on that trip. He is autistic, and his language skills are severely affected, making this an incredible milestone. On the hotel notepad, he wrote “Oreo,” telling us what he wanted, and giving us a memory that will last forever. He always makes leaps forward when traveling. He craved order and repetition at home, but while traveling, his language expanded and he made incredible progress.
5. How did you learn about NATJA and why did you join?
I learned through a social media friend, Sandra Foyt when she posted about the organization, and I really wanted to learn more about travel writing and expand my skills.
6. What is the best piece of advice you could give to a rookie travel journalist?
It’s never too late to acquire a new skill, and seek out the people and resources to guide you along the way.
