Why you should have a photo theme when you travel

After my sister moved to El Paso many years ago, we see each other only a few times a year, often on meet-up trips. My sister, a professional photojournalist, has an incredible eye for nuance. When everyone else looks up, she looks down at the crack in the cobblestone or the tiny patch of moss breaking through bricks. Everyone else sees the glittering Eiffel Tower; she sees the little girl tucked underneath her father's knees. Traveling alongside her, I eventually noticed that wherever we are in the world, she seeks out and takes photos of the fleur-de-lis, a classic symbol of Louisiana—always home.

Being present: the dilemma of travel photos

Taking travel photos can be a blessing and a burden. You want to remember an incredible experience and bring home stories to share, but you don't want to spend more time behind a screen than in the actual moment. Sometimes I get wistful for the glorious late-1900s when all we could do was blindly shoot a few photos and hope for the best (and selfies did not even exist... ask me how we'd turn around the camera and try!). The limitations of 36-exposure rolls and after-the-fact development meant we were simply unable to review or critique or reshoot endlessly, all of which gave a certain freedom.

I've found that my sister's practice of focusing in on certain symbols or images actually softens this problem by helping you engage and connect meaningfully to the local environment instead of merely pass through as an observer.

A solution: a travel photo theme

When I travel, I certainly snap photos of the usual iconic sites, fun selfies in front of landmarks, and (of course) every plate of food I'm served. But I also keep an eye out for opportunities to photograph recurring images or symbols that are personally meaningful to me. Along with adopting my sister's scavenger hunt for fleur-de-lis all over the world (you'd be surprised where they turn up!), I also look for photo ops of stripes, coffee, anchors, beautiful floors and doors, Marian images, and the Sacred Heart. Doing so leads to a deeper delight and sense of discovery, as well as countless invitations to contemplate and pray.

A travel photo theme can also impart unexpected connection with other human persons who came before you. I captured the title photo in a preserved peat bog village in Ireland because I loved its tenderness. I couldn't help but wonder who created this Sacred Heart piece with so many tiny details—just imagine how much time and focus it required to draw those gold rays.

How to choose a travel photo theme

The beauty of a travel photo theme is that there are no rules at all. Whatever you find personally compelling, tune your eye to search and notice. Walking through a stuffy museum, crowded basilica, or busy city street can become a little more intentional, personal, and even magical. When you travel, keep your subconscious radar softly focused to catch things connected to your theme. Plus, over time you'll assemble a unique collection that links disparate places and people in a really special way.

Travel can be much more than just a process of going somewhere and returning home. A travel photo theme is one way you can go differently.

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Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, pilgrimage leader, and travel concierge.

I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.

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