I've long been interested in the lives of others. It's a natural compulsion amongst most humans, I think: we see an open window and we want to look in it. For this reason I'm starting a new series here called The Dailies: a glimpse into the daily lives of interesting folks from around the world.
First up is Fran Reisner, an international award-winning photographer and author of The Dogs of Central Park, a beautiful book about the sweet canines who frolic and romp in New York City’s biggest playground. Fran's journeys have taken her to many foreign places, but recently she has been wandering closer to home: home being all over the U.S. With a few specific destinations in mind, she meanders from one to the next in her Winnebago with her dogs Jazzy and Sadie, discovering and photographing the amazing diversity and beauty of the country. While traveling she works on her blog Journey in Focus and the next book in her dog series, The Mountain Dogs of Colorado.
So, what does the daily schedule of a traveling photographer look like?
Well, as most would imagine, some
days are filled with capturing the beautiful scenery I’ve found myself in the
middle of. That’s only some days
though. Many of my days are filled with planning my route, researching
campgrounds and making reservations, and getting myself from here to there (and
settled). I spend far more time sitting at my laptop than most people would
guess too… sorting images, blogging, communicating, and working on numerous
other projects.
Do you have any rituals that keep you grounded during your journeys?
My dogs certainly help keep me
grounded. Fresh air and exercise does wonders as well. If I’m on or near the
water I spend quiet time on my kayak, and I always make time to hike with the
dogs, even if only for a short stroll.
What do you feel are the rewards - or the challenges - of traveling solo as a woman?
I don’t know that I feel any more
challenged than a solo man would out here, and I suppose that can be attributed
to the fact that I was raised with four brothers and was never treated any
differently than they were. As for rewards . . . it is gratifying to accomplish what
I have set out to do. It certainly feels good to conquer challenges as they
arise, and I have to admit I find it very rewarding to hear from folks (some I
know and many I don’t) who are touched or inspired in some way by my journey.
In your post "A Fork in the Road," you mention that the focus of your journey is not just photography - it's a spiritual journey as well. Have you had any particular "a-ha" moments during your travels?
I don’t know that I’ve had earth shattering “moments of enlightenment”
but I’m far more in tune and in touch with myself (spiritually, mentally,
emotionally and physically) than I was capable of being while frantically
running a business and maintaining a sizable property while raising my daughter.
I don’t think I could state it any better than I did in answer to almost the
same question posted on my blog [asked by reader Brent] . . .
Brent, the simple (and somewhat humorous)
answer is I’ve learned a lot about RVs and RV maintenance, and that I have a
good aptitude for figuring things out as I go along. But in answer to what I
think you’re really asking… I learn a little bit more about myself and life
with each new day. Much of what I’ve learned has been more of an affirmation of
what I’ve always focused on believing in… that I am strong. I am brave. I am
capable of doing anything I believe I can do. Most people assume that I just AM
these things. I’m not really. Not by nature. I am these things because I
BELIEVE these things about myself. Anyone who knows me, or has ever heard me
speak, knows that I am a very firm believer in positive thought and positive
affirmation. Every big task I tackle, I take my thinking from “I think I can.”
to “I can.” very quickly, (it is a discipline) and this is one of the biggest
tasks I’ve ever tackled. So one thing I’ve learned Brent, is that I really
CAN!
I have also reaffirmed that my “church”
really is in nature. It’s along the shores, or deep in the forest, or at the
top of the highest peaks looking out over these amazing vistas that I
experience my most spiritual and awakening moments. These are the moments that
bring heaven closer to earth. They are moments that are impossible to
experience while standing on the pavement and overshadowed by the craziness of
our lives. It’s not always easy being alone out here, but even when alone for
days on end, it’s hard not to be filled with joy while standing in the midst of
such grand beauty.
What I’ve learned
about life is really more of an affirmation as well, as I’ve been on this
journey in my heart and soul for several years. Each day is a new treasure to
me, as I believe they are meant to be. It’s been painful for me to find so many
friends (old and new) and family members living such burdened and disillusioned
lives. The state of our country and economy is taking a huge toll on everyone,
but what I think much of it boils down to is that it is hard to let go of what
we’ve worked so hard to attain. And sadly, what most of us have attained over
the years is just stuff… it’s belongings. I’m sorry if this seems insensitive
to some. I am not insensitive to the anguish I’ve observed. On the contrary, it
hurts me greatly to see the suffering. But the reality of it is that most of
what we own, we don’t need. It’s just hard to let it go. What we don’t know
until we move past it is that letting go gives us freedom. I know it’s very
different when we’re FORCED to let go, and my journey was only possible for me
because I seriously hunkered down and prepared for it, but we could all live
simpler lives. The key is finding joy in simpler things. The things that don’t
cost money. The beauty of the world around us. Moments of complete tranquility
and peace. Deep and sincere relationships with family and friends.
You travel with your dogs Jazzy and Sadie: any funny stories of the hijinks they get into?
These two adorable rescue mutts are
as trouble-free as two dogs can be. They took to travel like ducks to water. I
have loved observing them as we travel, knowing they are enjoying discovering
these new places just as much as I am. What I’ve come to understand by watching
them while we’re out hiking together is, while I am stimulated visually, they
are far more stimulated by scents along the trail.
No real hijinks, but they do get a lot of “Aw . . . how cute!” comments while
walking together on most trails. I walk them on a tandem leash whenever it’s
required, but if the trail is quiet I’ll let them walk each other.
How do you balance your love of travel with quality family/friend time?
Traveling has brought me to the
doorstep of numerous friends and extended family members that I otherwise would
not have the opportunity to see. I spent an entire month in my home state of
Washington last fall, taking in some down time with my immediate family and friends
from my growing years. Missing my daughter is the hardest part of being on the
road, but I know all too well how little time I’d have with her if I were still
sitting in that house in Texas. I fly her out to meet up with me during all of
her school breaks, and the time we spend together is far more cherished and
focused on us.
What's your favorite destination and your favorite thing to do there?
That is a tough question to answer
because I’ve enjoyed so many of the places I’ve been and for many different
reasons. I’m completely in love with Colorado, for the never-ending beauty and
wildlife, and also for the numerous outdoor activities. Hiking, snow skiing,
and kayaking are just a few I’ve indulged in there. Florida for much the same
reason… with kayaking and scuba diving at the top of my activity list.
California, of course, and I don’t think there’s a prettier place than my home
state of Washington. I was just
telling a friend the other day that I really need to spend some time driving
through an ugly part of the country so I can get caught up on my workload. I’ve
yet to figure out where that would be, as our country [the U.S.] is filled with amazing
and diverse beauty!
As an award-winning photographer, do you have any gold nuggets of advice for someone looking to start out in the business?
Quite honestly, after years of speaking and mentoring in the field, what I would tell anyone considering photography as a business is this, “Unless you have an AMAZING and unique eye, TRUE skill in the technical side of the art (I’m not talking PhotoShop), AND a real aptitude for marketing yourself online, keep your day job and enjoy photography as a hobby.” In today’s world, anyone with a decent digital camera can call himself or herself a professional. Even the best of the best are having a hard time making a living these days. If you decide to go there anyway . . . don’t forget to factor in your precious time as part of your cost of goods sold. There’s really nothing of more value than that!
Do you have any particular camera or travel/photo gear that you recommend?
I am a faithful Canon user. The
quality is outstanding. Recommendations would depend upon use. To lighten my
load for travel, I shoot with a variety of zoom lenses (as opposed to numerous
fixed-length lenses).
And, finally, what would you say to pirates forcing you to walk the plank?
Oh, probably some smart-alecky wise
crack like, “Have any of you guys ever seen a Canon Ball?!”
Thank you so much Fran!
Readers: since this is a new series, I would love to hear your suggestions on how to shape it. It can be anything from who to interview to questions you'd like to see answered. Just let me know in the comments!
