Travel Photography tour

My family left, they’ve given up waiting on me to take just one more photo and are already blocks ahead of me. I run down the street after them, but then I see something. I stop to snap a few more pics of whatever it was that caught my eye, the view, a small detail, a piece of art… This is essentially the scenario everywhere we go. Snap and run, snap and run…

Triathlon Willamette River Portland Oregon

Occasionally, they’ll wait and even willingly be in a photo, but for the most part I’ve given up trying to get them to pose for me, and instead have been focusing more on trying to get what my husband refers to as the “beauty shot.”

Ace Hotel Portland Oregon — You can run, but you can’t hide from mom’s camera

What is the Beauty Shot?

I know it’s different for everyone, but I always feel lucky if I come away from a destination with that one amazing photo. I used to think it had to be the most technically perfect shot, or agonize over trying to guess which picture would be the one that makes everyone go, ahhhh!, but now I realize that’s not the case at all.

International Test Rose Garden Portland Oregon

For me the beauty shot is the one that stands out in my mind long after the trip has ended, the one that gets printed, the one that finally makes it on the wall. It could be a sign, a landscape, a doorway, bicycles, or even street art nothing is ineligible, but more importantly does the photo evoke feeling? Sometimes I’m surprised at what turns out to be THE Shot.

Portland Streetcar Portland Oregon — Go By Streetcar Portland Oregon

Is this the beauty shot?

Getting the Beauty Shot

How do I get that shot, if I’m always snapping on the go? It’s not easy, and I’ve definitely been lucky, but rather than relying on luck, I’ve found that signing up for photo tours has been a great way to ensure that I get at least a few great photos. Not only that, but joining a tours allows me to shoot in the early morning and at night, which are often the best times for capturing photos, but the worst times to be out alone.

Hawthorne Bridge Portland Oregon at dusk

Portland Photo Tour Company

Narrowing down what I want to photograph makes it easier to chose a tour. I really wanted to shoot Portland’s bridges, so when I discovered The Portland Photo Comapany’s Night Photography Tour, where the main focus was bridges and the city skyline I knew it was the perfect tour for me.

Portland Photo Tour Portland Oregon — Hawthorne Bridge Portland Oregon

We met at the East Bank Esplanade just before dark and spent two hours photographing the bridges, skyline, and anything else that struck our fancy in the nearby vicinity.

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s submarine made a lovely subject.

As did the red glow of the Museum’s neon sign.

Sadly the Tilikum Crossing Bridge wasn’t lit the evening of the tour, but still made for a beautiful sight.

I’m very happy with the photos I took away from the evening tour, but they probably aren’t the beauty shot from this destination. I loved these colorful umbrellas on the ceiling of Boxer Ramen, and stopped to take a photo even though it was too hot out for soup.

Boxer Ramen Alberta Street Portland Oregon

Though the jury is still out on my stay at the Ace Hotel, I did fancy the lobby, especially this vintage sign, and there was just something about the cup of coffee someone left behind…

I really fancied these stairs in the Portland Japanese Garden and spent quite a bit of time with them.

Japanese Garden Portland Oregon — Stone Staircase Japanese Garden Portland

I was delighted to discover that this vintage sign we admired has quite a history. Originally hung in 1928, the Hung Far Low Chop Suey Cocktails sign is a remnant of a bygone era and a beloved city icon. By the way, Hung Far Low means “red flower restaurant” in Cantonese.

A classic example of snap and run, I’d hoped to see this Faith 47 piece, and finally stumbled across it just before we left town. It happened to be just around the corner from the Ace.

Faith 47 Street art Portland Oregon — Artist Faith 47 Portland Oregon

Walking along the river we saw the start of a triathlon in the Willamette River.

During our visit to the Rose City we took time to smell the roses and photograph them too.

The sun shinning upon our hotel room wall in the early hours of the morning meant no alarm clock necessary.

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A Photo Tour of the French Quarter

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New Orleans has many claims to fame, among them its unique architecture, regional cuisine, jazz music, voodoo legends, haunted histories, Mardi Gras and so much more, and while each of the aforementioned deserve recognition in their own right, for me, it’s the mingling of all these sights, sounds, and smells that make New Orleans so special, a true feast for the senses.

#creolecottage — In some cities this happy little cottage might seem a tad bit overdone, but it fits perfectly in NOLA!

No matter how many times I visit there is always something new to discover! I’m constantly stopping to snap a photo of this or that, often multiple times in one block. I always hope that my photos will convey feeling, but in a city as busy as New Orleans, there’s a fine line between a feast for the senses and sensory overload! Do I share the big picture, the small details? What about the scores of tourists in the way, or the parked cars? Include them, or delete? Maybe a little of both?

#stlouiscathedralnight — Late at night is a good time to get that shot with no tourists!

Often, by the time I’ve waited for the car to drive by, or the people to meander out of my shot, I’m half a block or more behind my family. While I’m aware that some of the best shots are captured in early morning or late at night, getting them can prove difficult, as it’s not always the best idea to be out and about on your own, not to mention my family isn’t especially keen on those early morning hours.

#bourbonstreet — Bourbon Street, is tourist hell, but it makes a great photo!

All of the above reasons are why, during my most recent visit, I sighed up for a photo tour with American Photo Safari. I chose the French Quarter tour, and used my mirrorless SLR camera, however they offer tours in other parts of the city, and cellphone users are welcome to join as well.

#frenchquarterangel — Don’t forget to look up when wandering in the Quarter!

Our tour started in front of the St. Louis Cathedral, located just in front of Jackson Square Park, and quite possibly the most photographed building in New Orleans. We spent some time getting to know each other, and our guide Natasha, before doing our best to get some unique shots of this iconic building.

There were multiple haunted stops on the tour including the Cornstalk Fence Hotel on Royal Street, and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop on Bourbon Street, which is not just haunted, but also claims to be the oldest operating bar in the United States.

#hauntednola — I wonder what he’s thinking about?

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is located on the “good” end of Bourbon Street, if you go consider trying the voodoo daiquiri, which tastes just like a grape slushy, but be warned it packs a punch!

It’s been a few years since people tied their horses up to the hitching post, however, there are many of them throughout New Orleans and they add a great deal of charm to the city’s streets. I’d be surprised if I ever saw a horse tied to one, but never say never in NOLA!

While visiting NOLA you’re sure to notice the gas lamps located on the street corners, hanging from the galleries and doorways, and along the walls. The French Quarter, just wouldn’t be the Quarter without them!

Bevolo Gas Lamps

During the day, they add an old world charm, but the real magic happens at night, especially in the warmer months, when the lamplight mixes with the humid air creating a magical hazy glow.

Over the course of it’s 299 year history the architecture in the Quarter has been influenced by Spanish, French, Creole and American residents. It’s the combination of these different styles that make the Quarter the special place it is today.

Beyond the colorful and unique street fronts you’ll find that there’s more than meets the eye, magical hidden courtyards, filled with angels, fountains and lush gardens are just waiting for you to discover them.

#frenchquarter — Go ahead, take a peek, you never know what you might discover!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little tour of the French Quarter, and some of the details that help to make it such a wonderful place to visit and explore!

Tips & Advice

A recipe for Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Voodoo drink:
2 oz bourbon 1 oz Everclear or vodka 4 oz grape juice 1 cup crushed ice
Are you wondering how much it costs to keep the gas lamps lit? Around $8 per month, or so I was told.
The photo tour is 3 hours, and is suitable for all ages and all camera types.
The tour is best suited to older children and adults.

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