Today, we’re going to talk about something that’s supposed to be fun—something that should feel freeing, adventurous, and inspiring. But sometimes, well… it gets a little heavy. I’m talking about the photography trip. You know the kind. That big escape where it’s just you, your camera, and the world outside your front door. But if you’ve done a few of these trips, or even just tried to plan one, then you probably already know: photography trips can be stressful.
Let’s be honest with each other. They’re supposed to be relaxing, right? A chance to get away, to spend time doing something creative. That’s the dream. A personal retreat. Time to think, to make some art, to press pause on the everyday stuff and really observe what’s around you. Ideally, it’s just you and your camera, walking through a new place, or even an old one, and really seeing it—noticing light and shadow, texture, shape, gesture, and meaning.
But even with all that in mind, the truth is, a lot of us end up feeling a surprising amount of pressure when these trips come around. Not just photographers either—anyone who dabbles with a phone camera, anyone who wants to make something memorable out of their time away can relate to this. There’s this internal expectation that says, “If I’m going to take this time off, go somewhere new, spend the money and energy, then I’d better come home with something worthwhile. Something to show for it.”
And that expectation starts creeping in early—before we’ve even packed a bag. We start worrying about where to go. We ask ourselves things like, “Is this destination photogenic enough?” “Will I run out of things to shoot?” “What if I get there and the light is terrible, or worse… I just don’t feel it?” That last one? That’s a big fear for a lot of us. What if I show up and I’m not inspired?
It doesn’t help that if you’re like me, you’ve probably already photographed most of the places close to home. And not just once, either. Dozens of times. Different seasons. Different weather. Different gear. And maybe, after all that, you’re bored. Or you think you’ve squeezed every last bit of creativity out of those familiar spots. And so, when you do get the chance to travel, you feel like the destination has to be perfect. It has to offer you something new, something extraordinary. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a place.
And let’s not ignore the other factors adding to the stress—time, money, energy. Most of us aren’t taking off for a month-long photography sabbatical in Iceland. We’ve got jobs, families, responsibilities. If we’re lucky, we carve out a weekend. Maybe a few days. Maybe just a morning. And so, because the window of opportunity is small, the pressure to make every moment count starts to build.
But here’s where I want to offer a different mindset. A calmer one. One I’ve learned, slowly, over the years, and that I still have to remind myself of all the time.
The world is bigger than we think. And there is no such thing as a place without photographic potential.
Let me say that again: There is no such thing as a place without photographic potential.
The problem isn’t usually the place. The problem is the pressure we’re putting on ourselves to find something meaningful the second we arrive. It’s the mindset that says, “I came here for great photos, and if I don’t see something amazing right away, I’ve failed.” But creativity doesn’t work like that. Sometimes it takes a little wandering. Sometimes it takes a little quiet. Sometimes you don’t make your best images until the third day—or the last five minutes before sunset.
I’ve walked into new places and felt completely uninspired. I’ve stood there with my gear and thought, What am I even doing here? And then, two hours later, I found myself mesmerized by the way a shadow moved across a wall, or the way fog curled around a streetlamp. It wasn’t on the brochure, but it was something. And that something mattered.
And it’s not just about far-off places. I’ve had that same experience right in my own backyard. Places I thought I had completely worn out visually would suddenly surprise me—if I looked again. If I slowed down. If I let go of the idea that I needed to find something new and just opened myself to seeing something true.
Photography, after all, isn’t about the destination. It’s about observation. It’s about curiosity. And those things travel with you. You don’t need to go to an exotic location to make meaningful images. You need to see. You need to pay attention. And that mindset—open, present, ready to receive what the world is offering—is what brings those special images into being.
Now, I’m not saying don’t plan. Absolutely plan. Bring the gear you need. Charge your batteries. Research the location. Know your routes, your weather, your sunrise times. Preparation matters. But when it comes to choosing the perfectdestination, loosen your grip a little. Don’t wait until you’ve found the ideal spot to make your best work. Your best work might be waiting for you in the most unexpected place—if you’re willing to let it.
And if you’re someone who doesn’t even call yourself a photographer—maybe you’re listening to this because you enjoy taking pictures on your phone, or you’re just interested in the creative process—I want you to know, this applies to you too. You don’t need expensive gear to be present. You don’t need formal training to look around and see something beautiful, strange, or worth remembering. You just need to be there. You just need to notice.
So the next time you plan a photography trip—whether it’s across the country or across town—remind yourself that your job isn’t to force something out of the place. It’s to remain open. It’s to explore, even when the first few shots don’t work out. It’s to trust that somewhere in that place, a photograph is waiting for you to find it.
And when you approach the world that way—with eyes open, expectations loosened, heart curious—you’ll find that the pressure begins to fade. The joy returns. And those moments, those quiet moments of real observation… that’s where the good stuff lives.
Thanks for joining me today. Wherever your next photo trip takes you—whether it’s around the globe or around the block—I hope you go with open eyes, a steady hand, and a peaceful heart.
Now go and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation through your lens.
