Last week was nothing short of a whirlwind, which somewhat justifies my lack of regular posting. With Social Media Week NYC in full force, and several projects that have recently begun, I have had little time for some of the things I love the most. But going back to Social Media Week, I had a blast as a panelist for Tuesday’s discussion on “Travel photography in the age of Mobile.”
Hosted by Jennifer Layne Cardon from Gogobot and Brian DiFeo from The Mobile Media Lab at Hostelling International, the night proved to be an insightful discussion on the impact of travel photography in our ever increasingly digital-age.
The key note speaker was Ben Lowy, an Award-winning conflict photographer which humbled us all with his vivid portrayals of the brutal realities of war, and his passion for being in the moment in the most dangerous of situations.
Ben’s speech was a tough act to follow, but thrilling nevertheless. I have always been a creative visual person, so travel photography is like second nature to me. Although I don’t consider myself a professional photographer, I will not go anywhere without my camera and iPhone. It is through a mix of words and pictures that the most compelling stories emerge. And thanks to our rapidly expanding mobile age, apps like Instagram have become platforms for some of the best photography out there. The Mobile Media Lab proves it, and Ben’s iPhone picture on the cover of Time Magazine also proves it.
Travel blogger and photographer Kirsten Alana joined the panel last minute, and I couldn’t have been happier to have finally met her. Through her Instagram pictures of Morocco, I am now compelled to get there sooner rather than later. Yes, there are gender issues with traveling to Morocco that need to be considered, but her photos of bright blue doors, fascinating riads, and jam-packed souks had me instantly sold. Which is why images have the power to inspire people to travel.
Between tips on photography and social media techniques, we cracked some jokes. Which ones, I don’t remember. But I sure laughed more than usual.
Thank you to all of you who came, and I hope you were inspired to pick up your camera, iPhone and go traveling.
