Picture: Outdoor fireplace in courtyard at the Hotel Cheval, Paso Robles, California
Many people think that being a travel photographer on assignment must be a dream job. Certainly it is in some ways, getting paid to travel to fun places and take pictures. Over this last week I had the opportunity to photograph parts of the Central Coast area for an upcoming travel magazine feature article. But what people don’t often consider when the see me doing this “dream job” is that it really is work.
Take for instance: I get to take this beautiful, inviting image of a warm outdoor fireplace and table setting in the courtyard of a very nice boutique hotel in Paso Robles. But because I was working, I don’t get to sit down and enjoy the fire. No putting my feet up, relaxing and sipping on a warm dessert beverage. No friendly conversations with other local visitors also enjoying their time away. For me it’s “Great… got the shot; what’s next?” and move on.
Most professional travel and editorial photographers would agree that the one thing you don’t want to do is be or make any problems for your editors. But after my editor saw the nearly 500 images that I submitted for his story, he called to tell me how happy they were with the coverage. They felt the only real problem was going to be choosing which photo(s) to use with the article. If that’s the only kind of problem I make for my editors, I can live with that.
This is a great image, Gary. You definitely did your job because Paso Robles now looks much more appealing in my mind!
Hey Gary, I think I’ll be planning a romantic getaway with my wife to Paso Robles. This is awesome! Does just what a photo should do – invites me in and gives me the itch to call a travel agent.
I recently spent two days on assignment in Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. I felt much the same way you did as I wanted to be certain to provide more quality images than expected, so I spent the entire two days hustling around making images. No time to stroll among the whimsical goblins or just chill out and feel the sun on my face. It’s still got to be one of the best ways to make a living, though.
Can’t wait to see more of your photos from this assignment!
You’re saying you didn’t even get to enjoy that fireplace for a few minutes. Thats bad…
I can see why it would be a problem if many of the images are as inviting as this one. A great example of capturing the mood of a setting.
Beautiful image and great commentary on what it feels like to be “on assignment.”
I’ve driven through Paso Robles but haven’t stopped. Like other commenters, I may have to now!
Cheers,
Greg