West Coast Road Trip - Day One (Part One)

Day One (Part One)

I have always wanted to do a road trip that extended throughout America since I was a young boy. Having to dream many times how cool it would be to see firsthand what the early explorers experienced. With many sunsets passed, this dream finally came true. As a 35-year-old man, I haven’t been this excited since the Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series in 2008.

Setting out on a two-week adventure with my partner in life, we knew that this was going to be the best trip we would ever make. Having the chance to be able to explore, see the country, and get away from every day from the hustle and bustle would be an amazing feeling.

The first stop on this super intensive visual adventurous rollercoaster was Estes Park, Colorado. Driving alongside the Rockies was visually breathtaking. No matter where you would look, there was something to see. From the red rocks below, to the snowcapped mountains above, it was mind blowing how beautiful they are with shades of grey and the haze of orange hue reflecting its way to view across the valley.

Before making way to check-in, Estes Lake is a relaxing spot to kick back before heading into town. With views so grand, I had no desire to think about normal day life. Soon after taking a few photos, realizing that we wanted to have some time to Explore Rocky Mountain National Park, we got back into the rental, and shot over to Ponderosa Lodge.

The location couldn't have been better, and for that price, it couldn't be beat. it was a perfect combo! Ponderosa lodge was really charming, and very laid back. With the river running right beside it. We were greeted nicely by the manager, where he was confused by why I was wearing an Oakland A’s hat, and Charlotte was wearing a Boston Redsox cap with the rental bearing Arizona tags. We joked about it, and talked a little baseball while he was setting up our room. We got to our room, and it was clean and we were satisfied. All we could ask for is a clean place to stay, with no bells and whistles. Equipped with two full sized mattresses, an outdoor patio, a fridge, and a very clean bathroom. For sixty dollars, that's one heck of a bargain.

 

After settling in, and 10 minutes later, we heard screaming. Not sure where it was coming from, so I peeked out the window, pushing the blinds down observing that an older couple having some words with the manager, and I was in total shock. Confusing why he was super cool to us. That is some real Jekyll and Mr. Hyde stuff right there. What we heard was that this couple was impatient about checking in, and the manager was yelling back, “I was trying to give her some compassion man! Her father just died. What is your problem?” The man said, I was just wondering how long will this will be?” The manager then said, “All you had to do is lay back and wait a minute while you were in line. You're an a****** man!” The man said, I want my money back, this is ridiculous!” Still going back and forth about who's an a******, then the man said I am not gonna take this, I want my money back!” The manager then said, “Her father died and worried about sixty bucks man! Get the F outta here! Meanwhile, All I was worried about is letting this fight cool down, and not walk by them and by some chance be brought into it. Definitely not how I do business, and I'll never speak to someone like that, but I minded my own business and we headed out to Rocky Mountain National Park soon after. Quietly, but enough to get-out-of-dodge.

…to be continued.

A Road Trip That I Will Never Forget

For the next couple weeks, I will be writing about the adventures that took place last month. A two week road trip exploring seven states, nine national parks, two state parks, a few major cities, and all of the experiences along the way. With an unexpected heart-warming response from feedback I have received on social media, I cannot wait to share this with all of you. Thank you for your support, and pushing me to do what I love to do.

-Demetrios

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How to Stay Creative

For a lot of creatives out there, including myself, we have to produce day-in, and day-out so we can gain some traction in this digital world - Hoping our work can be seen by the right person, but what happens when you hit the “creative wall?” If you’re reading this, you know exactly what I’m talking about, and it happens quite frequently, even for the most experienced. When that arises we often have questions such as: Do I like this, who would like this, and what can I do better from my own critique/criticism from others? In the art world, no matter if it’s journalism, painting, music, or photography, you have to hear the good, and bad. It’s a huge learning curve when someone doesn’t like your work, or you don’t see as many likes on a particular post compared to the other. One way to grow is listen to your audience, ask questions, and don’t be stubborn. An ego can’t make you creative; creativity comes from within, without barriers, and smugness. Have an open mind, and you will succeed.

With this in mind, what can you do to make your next piece interesting, awesome, and most importantly, memorable? First and foremost, do your research. Look at the competition in your similar style, and see what they’re doing, but do not plagiarize their work. That defeats the purpose for you to grow. To step it up to the next level, think beyond the box, and add your personal touch to make your work stand out. Similar editing styles do exists, but there are so many ways that can stretch your imagination. For example, everyone can take a simple landscape photograph, but making it creative with new perspectives from angles, adding layers with other photographs you’ve taken, or from stock images that is legally allowed for you to use from sites like pexel.com can dramatically improve the shot, making it original, and something you can be proud of.

Also, I cannot stress this enough, the most important aspect of photography is a story. We are engaged by reading stories told by our friends, historians, and those whom inspire us to find aspiration. It is the driving force to portray your work in a new light, and help guide you to success. Start by telling the world what it took to take this photograph, where and why did you travel to this location, and what experience(s) did you have seconds before you snapped that shutter? Your story does not have to be a novel, but a few sentences can explain your work, and people will follow, because they simply enjoyed it, and can’t wait to read more that comes in the future. It also helps you to stay creative, not just from your photography, but with your words. People can feel a lot, and tell a lot about someone how they portray a story.

Lastly, setting the mood. This is not only for date nights. Your workspace has to be an area where you can get in the zone, and shut of the outside world. Setting the mood is a vital step that should be practiced every time you’re trying to prepare yourself for endless hours in front of the computer, or preparing a blank canvas waiting for the brush sweeping your new palette of colors forward. We all have our on ways to meditate, but dimming the lights, listening to music, lighting a few candles with a glass of wine are great ways to whine down. Pun intended! Most importantly, and suggested by many, put the phone down. Make sure to silence it, or have it in the other room. The fewer distractions, the better. A workspace should be comfortable, and not disruptive. Make your workspace your Zen, be happy, and make it count.