I had the privilege of observing people I greatly admire making a living doing what they love. At the outset of my career, my friend, Dago, who directed tour videos for artists like Madonna, Ricky Martin, Celine Dion, Pink, and many others, noticed my keen interest in pursuing a creative path. He observed me closely, even as I occasionally posed some rather absurd questions.
One memorable evening, while we were all out together, Dago shared some wisdom with me about the significance of traveling. I was perplexed by how he managed to be constantly on the move without fretting about leaving Los Angeles and the possibility of missing out on job opportunities. I couldn't help but ask: "aren't you concerned about potentially losing work by always being on the road?"
It was during this conversation that he imparted something I had never contemplated before. Dago explained that artists like Madonna expected him to explore the world and gain new experiences. They believed that directors and photographers needed to venture beyond their comfort zones in order to bring fresh perspectives to their projects. In that moment, I felt a sense of relief as I realized it wasn't about sneaking away from work, but rather embarking on a celebratory journey of self-discovery.
Dago also shed light on the distinction between an American vacation and a holiday experienced by the rest of the world. There's a contrast in how we replenish our creative reservoirs and how we develop as individuals versus our attempts to return to our daily routines. I've illustrated these differences in the video.
Speaking of the video, it serves as a personal account of my own failures as I captured the beauty of Ischia Island with my trusty Fuji X100V camera. While you enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this picturesque Italian island, I'll be sharing insights into the significance of travel for creative minds and the invaluable lesson I learned.
The Other Benefits of Travel for Photographers
Here are some compelling reasons why traveling can greatly benefit creative individuals:
- Broadens Horizons: Travel exposes you to new cultures, people, and cuisines.
- Ignites Creativity Exploring new lands presents novel challenges, and routine, while productive, can be detrimental to a creative mind. Challenges stimulate innovative thinking.
- Self-Discovery: Travel allows you to see yourself in a different light, outside your familiar surroundings.
Discover why prominent figures and renowned brands encourage creative professionals to embark on journeys. In the video, I recount my personal struggle in truly understanding Dago's lesson. It took me over a decade to pause and grant myself the opportunity to rest without being bound by work obligations. I hope my story serves as an inspiration for you to embrace more adventures in your life.
