The Carey Adventures

I first ‘met’ this week’s guest photographer, D. Travis North, online through Digital Photography School, I do believe.  I’d seen his face around on the forums and commenting on blog posts.  When I first posted the call for guest photographers I then found out he also subscribed to my blog.  That Internet, it sure is a small world!  I like his work for the difference in both subject matter and perspective that I’m used to shooting.  I might be spilling the beans a bit here, but his main body of work can be found on his portfolio site: D. Travis North Photography.

In getting to know each of my guests a bit better, I’ve asked them each the same set of questions in regards to who they are and where they are photographically.   And Thank You DT for being the first guest in this round!

1 Explain a bit about who you are and the type of photography that interests you most.

D. Travis North: I am a professional Landscape Architect in the Philadelphia Area (born and raised here too).  Photography has been a hobby of mine since 1994 after two classes in high school.  My career choice and my place of residence has had a strong influence on my photography.  I have a strong interest in the photography of landscapes and architecture.  In particular, I’m interested in the details – the elements that help to define a space.  But I try to branch out as much as possible to explore the world around me through the lens.

2. If you could have a paid trip for 4 weeks anywhere in the world, just to photograph and report back, where would it be and why?

D. Travis North: Bermuda would be my desired destination for two reasons:  1)  My family roots are in Bermuda.  2)  It is one of the best examples of architecture and landscape evolving out of necessity.  It started as a penal colony, a bunch of outcasts and villains left with little outside help and barely any natural resources.  There is no fresh water on the island, aside from rainwater, and very few native plants.  Yet it has evolved into a veritable paradise and a major tourist destination, influenced by cultures all over the world.  It’s a place where race, sexual preference and economic standing doesn’t matter.  This is echoed in the architecture, the art and the culture.  I could spend years photographing Bermuda, and I doubt I’d really capture it’s complete spirit.

3. Name two of your photography inspirations.

D. Travis North: My influences are a little non-traditional for a photographer.  I consider Andrew Wyeth, an American Painter, a strong influence in anything creative that I do.  Aside from the medium, his paintings are not unlike photographs.  Studies of his work have taught me about composition and how even the simplest of things can be appealing.  Another strong influence is Frank Lloyd Wright, Modern American Architect.  His structures were designed to mimic and compliment their natural surroundings.  I attribute my strong interest in detail and relationships between man made objects and nature to Wright.  These influences of course have little influence on the technical aspects of photography.  For that, I feel I’m influenced by other amateurs, thanks to the wonderful internet.  But regardless of their medium, any artist can influence your creative endeavors.

4. What do you hope to convey to others through your photography?

D. Travis North: I want nothing more than for my work to illustrate to its viewers that there is beauty in the hundreds of things that people take for granted every day.