Hey! TJ here from The Gibbons House! It's so great to see you here.
If you've read my previous blog posts, you'll know that I am a passionate photographer and a keen traveller (when life allows). The combination of the two means I can document my travels in a beautiful way and share them with you.
Weather you are wanting some inspiration for your travels, locations to add to your bucket list or you enjoy exploring photography or simply want to nosy at where I've been, look no further!
Well, I mean, you have to look further down the page, but you know what I mean.
Here are some of my favourite photos I have taken whilst on my adventures. Each shared photo will have a description of where it was taken, what kit I used (If I can remember that information!) and the story behind the image. Without further ado, here we go!
1) Briançon - South France, 2019
Canon 700D with the standard 18-55mm kit lens.
This was the first photo I took of myself that wasn’t a selfie, I think.
I traveled to France with a group from university for a climbing trip in the Alps, and we stopped off at Fontainebleau on the way. It was the first time I had ever traveled without my mum, which was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. I wasn’t sure I could go due to financial constraints, but my tutor offered a solution: if I drove some of the group around while we were there, they would cover the fuel costs in France and reduce my overall expenses. If I hadn’t agreed to that, I wouldn’t have this picture!
One day, it was too hot to climb, so everyone had a relaxed afternoon at the campsite. Some went swimming, while I ventured off to explore the valley, having heard there was a resident wolf pack. I knew it was a long shot, but I was determined to at least find some evidence of them!
After driving for a while, I discovered a lovely spot by the glacial river where I could stop and enjoy the view. I scrambled over the stones and sat by the water, listening to the sounds of nature.
I set up my camera, using some stones to hold it in place since I didn’t have my tripod, and put it on timer mode. This photo was the result!
Just as I was packing up to head back to the campsite and had given up hope of spotting the pack, I heard them.
A spine-tingling moment, the haunting echo of wolves howling in the valley.
Their song enveloped the air, silencing all else and even the water seemed to hush in the presence of the call.
My soul seemed to hum with them, goosebumps raced down my neck and along my arms before they quieted and life returned to normal around me.
2) Surprise View, Lake District, 2018
Canon 700D with the standard Canon 18-55mm kit lens.
This photo was one of the first I took with the lens ball, and I loved the added awesomeness it brought to the picture.
Surprise View is a stunning lookout point over Derwent Water in the Lake District. I spent three weeks there during the summer of 2018 for a work experience placement at an outdoor center for university.
I drove up a super windy, narrow road through dense woodland and arrived at a small car park. After parking, I wandered around, and this is the view from the lookout point. It’s one of those hidden gems that you could easily miss if you’re not paying attention.
The clouds add so much depth and a cool atmosphere to this photo. If I had the chance to retake it, I would use my tripod to ensure that the entire picture within the glass lens was in focus and free of glares. However, I still like it enough for it to make it onto this list!
Not only do I love the photo, but I also cherish the memories of my time in the Lake District at the outdoor center. Although the work aspect wasn’t overly amazing, I enjoyed exploring the area around Keswick and taking in the stunning views every day when I rolled out of bed and into work. Overall, the experience was worthwhile; I grew as a person and realized that while working at an outdoor center wasn’t my path, I still wanted to pursue a career in the industry.
3) Little Ferry, Golspie Scotland, 2023
Samsung A54
This is easily my favorite photo that I have ever taken. Not only does it capture the beauty of Anayah against a stunning backdrop, but it also reminds me of one of the best mornings I’ve ever had while traveling.
The night before had been dreadful, with weather so bad that I ended up eating a partially warmed tin of soup for dinner. I couldn’t get the gas stove going, and since I had no way to heat food inside the van, I had to use my jetboil and got soaked to the bone. It was torrential rain and blowing a gale.
In the car park where we were staying, there were about six other camper vans. We were the first ones awake in the morning, so we went for a walk on the beach.
It was incredible. As we walked over the sand dunes shrouded in thick mist, we reached the beach, which opened up to a golden oasis of peace. There wasn’t a single person in sight—only gulls, hooded crows, and a heron down by the water.
Although this photo was taken with my phone and the quality isn’t as good as it would have been with my camera, I felt it was important to capture the moment, as the colors of the golden hour were stunning. It’s the only photo where I don’t mind the sun glare; if anything, I think it adds to the image.
This moment on the beach belongs only to us. No one else saw it or experienced it from that exact spot with those surroundings. That sunrise is ours and ours alone, and that is a magical feeling.
I also fell over multiple times while trying to leave the beach because the dunes were so soft. By the time we returned to the van, the rain had started again, sealing the sun behind the clouds and into my memory forever.
4) Deirbhiles Twist, County Mayo, Ireland 2022
Canon D90 and the Canon 18-135mm lens
This sunset was exquisite, and it felt even more special after a not-so-great evening.
Earlier that night, I had been overwhelmed with anxiety. No place I had found to stay felt right or safe, and many options were just patches of super soft, soggy grass where my van would likely sink overnight. To make matters worse, I ordered fish and chips from a local chip shop, only to be disappointed by the awful meal, which added to the frustration of my evening.
Eventually, I stumbled upon a car park on the hilltop for the Deirbhiles Twist, a set of stones arranged in a unique pattern. It wasn’t the ideal spot, but I was exhausted, and it would have been unsafe to continue driving in my state.
The weather had been unremarkable up until that point, but just as the sun began to set, the clouds transformed into a glorious shade of orange. I saw an opportunity I couldn’t afford to miss.
The sun was setting quickly, and the clouds were in constant flux, meaning my window to capture the perfect photo was incredibly narrow—just a matter of minutes.
I hurriedly slipped on my Crocs, grabbed my camera, and dashed across the rocky ground to reach the other side of the stones. I nearly fell more times than I could count, but adrenaline fueled my determination. Finally, I made it, lined up the sun perfectly between the stones, and snapped the shot.
During that magical sunset, I captured several photos, but this one stands out as one of my favorites. It was one of those rare moments when the image I had envisioned in my mind came to life exactly as I had hoped.
As I stood there, watching the colors dance across the sky, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. Despite the earlier challenges of the evening, this sunset made it all worthwhile, turning a difficult day into a cherished memory.
5) Ashgill Force Waterfall, Cumbria, England 2023
Canon D90 and the Canon 18-135mm lens
Oh man, this walk was absolutely incredible! We parked on the road just past the bridge and made our way through some picturesque farmers' fields, which were full of sheep that provided great entertainment for Anayah. As we descended into the valley, we encountered a path that was a bit boggy and crumbling underfoot in certain areas. However, the atmosphere around the waterfall beneath the bridge felt like something straight out of a movie set. I felt like I had walked into something from Lord of The Rings or Game of Thrones or something.
The echo of the water cascading through the valley drowned out all other sounds, creating a serene ambiance. The dampness of the area nurtures the surrounding plants, keeping them healthy and vibrant, even during the autumn and winter months.
While you can't get too close to the falls, the final section of the path is steep, narrow, and slippery, but trust me, it’s well worth the effort!
The entire walk was a peaceful escape filled with vibrant colors and the beauty of nature. Even when we encountered other walkers, it still felt solitary due to the ample space available for everyone. On our way back, we decided to extend our adventure by taking a route through some lovely woods that led us back to the farmers' fields. It was muddy, of course, but the scenery was simply stunning.
If you're thinking about exploring this area, I highly recommend wearing sturdy boots or even wellies, and don't forget to keep an eye on the river levels!
And there you have it—five of my favorite travel photos, each with its own story to tell! From breathtaking landscapes to candid moments, these snapshots capture the essence of my adventures and the memories I cherish. I hope they inspire you to grab your camera and explore the world around you. Whether you're planning your next big trip or just wandering around your hometown, remember to take a moment and appreciate the beauty in every little detail. Thanks for joining me on this visual journey, and I can’t wait to share more adventures with you soon! Safe travels and happy snapping!
Have you already been on some awesome travels? I would love to hear about them and see your photos! I love adding places to my travel bucket list and connecting with all of you!
Connect with me in the comments below or on social media.
ความคิดเห็น