When traveling far brings you closer to yourself
Looking back at my recent trip to Florida.
I arrived at the airport in Miami on November 8, 2024 - three days after the U.S. election. It marked the start of a ten-day long road trip through Florida. I was looking forward to reuniting with my two photography friends from the Midwest, whom I hadn’t seen in five years. With me I had brought lots of positive and creative energy, and - of course - far too much camera equipment.
When I returned home ten days later and was asked how my trip had been, all I could say was “I don’t know!”
It would be easy to just blame the current political situation in the United States for draining most of my positive and creative energy in such a short amount of time. And although it had a huge impact and caused our sadness, frustration, and anxiety to grow bigger with every new political scoop, it wasn’t the only reason I felt so down and out of place.
At first, I couldn’t quite figure out what was making me feel this way.
I met both of my friends during my time living in Chicago, and we’ve been on several road trips together over the years. It’s our shared love for photography, forlorn buildings, and traveling that has kept us connected all this time. I truly enjoyed finally catching up and spending time with them in person again. So, that wasn’t the issue.
I tried to understand why I felt so unmotivated and uninspired so quickly. As I reflected on my photography, the subjects and themes I’m drawn to, and my favorite places to photograph, it finally dawned on me: everything — including me — had changed. I’m not the same person I was five or six years ago, and neither is my photography.
I enjoy photographing quiet, empty places — places where I feel comfortable and safe, places I can identify with or that resonate with me in some way. These environments help me tune into my “photography mode,” where I stop looking and start truly seeing. In this mode, I notice the small details and immerse myself in the experience. I’m not searching for that one grand photograph of a cool location and then rushing off to the next spot. I like to spend time with a place, no matter how mundane or ordinary it may be. Being on a road trip, with a packed schedule and the pressure to move quickly from one location to the next, is pretty much the opposite of that.
Another challenge I faced was connecting with Florida photo- graphically. In the past, the three of us had always traveled and photographed on the Great Plains of the U.S. and Canada — vast, open spaces with endless skies that fill my heart and soul with peace and awe. It’s a place where you can drive for hours without passing a single house or seeing another car. Florida, by contrast, always felt busy and crowded, no matter where we went. It was overwhelming, not just physically but visually. And while I appreciated the sun and warmth in November, the harsh light isn’t something I typically seek out when photographing.
Still, I tried to stay positive and open to the photographic opportunities that came our way. I reminded myself to step out of my comfort zone and to be grateful for the chance to travel with my friends and explore another part of the world. I now what a luxury it is. And even though I may sound a bit negative or disappointed, I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to travel, reconnect with my friends, and reflect on both my personal and photographic journey.
I only have started to go through the photographs from my time in Florida. I probably will share a few more with you in the next few weeks. So, stay tuned!
That’s all from me this week.
Thank you so much for being here and for taking the time to read this week’s newsletter. It means a lot to me!
X,
Susanne
PS: I always love reading the comments, feedback, and stories you share with me. It always makes my day. Thank you!
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That's a beautiful reflection on our trip. I'm still trying to grapple with my own complicated feelings about it. I've never struggled so much to find enthusiasm in photographic subject matter.
And I'm not sure how much of a role the political climate was playing on my mindset. Probably too much. It's hard for me to appreciate beauty when surrounded with so much human ugliness. There was a lot to process with that trip - from the delusional privilege and self-indulgence of the Keys to the political delusions and poverty of the north. It was a very complicated time and place to be.
But I wouldn't have wanted to spend it with anyone else.
Nice photographs, but as you write, the feeling of being in the zone and the right mindset is perhaps evident. I don't think you can force these things. I am not a mind-reader or anything like that, so I can only view these images while aware of what you have written. I look forward to seeing more, but equally know that when it doesn't feel right, it doesn't feel right. Put the camera down and enjoy your friends. It can easily get frustrating otherwise.