I would like to wish all my American (and Filipino) readers a happy Independence Day! You have probably figured out by now that the word “independence” means a great deal to me, especially during travelling. I urge every one of my readers to break free of the organized tour business and try travel on your…
Author: roaminggene
The Story of a Photo – Despair (Cebu)
When I think of real poverty, anywhere in the world, there are a few places that immediately come to mind. Some of them I never visited, such as some of the poorest countries in Africa, others I have seen but not really explored much, such as slums in Indian cities. Then there is poverty that…
It’s Not About The Country Count
As I am writing this post, I am on a few-week long trip to Central Asia. In fact, I am in a small town of Karakol in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan getting ready for a 2-day trek. It’s a fantastic region, and since it has done away with visas for citizens of most countries, it’s…
Should You Ask Permission for People Photography in the Street?
We have already talked about how you can turn your travel photographs from bland and banal to interesting by simply incorporating people into them. But what about getting permissions from people before you “shoot” them? A lot of “responsible” travelers and photographers will tell you that you should always ask before taking pictures of people….
Should You Travel With Your Girlfriend?
Our natural instinct as social creatures is to share most, if not all, of our experiences with those dear and familiar to us, be it family, friends, boyfriend or girlfriend. But backpacking is unchartered territory for most of us. There is no “normal” when you travel, and depending on how comfortable you are way outside…
Destination: Singapore
Ask any Singaporean about their home country, and the most common answer would be “it’s boring”. I take that with a big grain of salt – the Singaporeans are a practical, skeptical and self-deprecating bunch for the most part, and they aren’t going to toot their own horn much. Besides, they are usually so busy…
Travel Photography: What to Shoot?
In previous posts about photo gear, we talked about what cameras and lenses I recommend for travel photography. But what should you be photographing? In other words, what are you buying all that gear for? The easiest and most obvious subject is nature and sights. It won’t require permission from anyone (usually), and you can…
Why You Should Travel Solo As a Woman
In one of the recent posts, I wrote about pros and cons of traveling with a boyfriend. A lot of women I talk to want to travel and have the means to do so, but hesitate to go anywhere alone. They want to wait for their friends to become available to join them, or hope…
The Story or a Photo: Into the Vortex (Chicago)
Cloud Gate, better know as The Bean, is one of the most popular sights in Chicago, the city that’s not short of picturesque spots. Despite being only 13 years old, it’s one of the top locations for photographers form around the world. The way its mirror-like surface bends and twists the surrounding Millenial Park and…
Destination: Carrizo Plain
‘Tis the season for California wild flowers again. Photographers and tourists from all around the country flock to a few coveted spots to watch the bloom (superbloom some say), such as Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Anza-Borrego State Park and Carrizo Plain National Monument. And that’s the spot I would like to talk about. Approximately equidistant…