Woman in cabbage patch, Uganda
Fujifilm X-H2, 56mm f1.2, 1/120 second @ f5.6, ISO 125
When we go on a trip, we inevitably focus our initial attention on the highlights. For Uganda, it was the gorillas first, followed by the chimps and the Ankole cows. For Italy, it might be San Gimignano and Venice; in Antarctica, it's Paradise Bay and Deception Island.
Yet despite these highlights being of seemingly paramount importance, I find it's the cut-away shots, the second camera images that make my trip or tour unique. Sure, we take all the hero photographs we can, but keeping a camera on your lap ready for whatever might appear along the road is equally important for travel photographers.
On the return trip from the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and our gorilla experience, we'd stopped by the side of the road to photograph the surrounding hills covered by a remarkable patchwork quilt of small paddocks. As the roads were narrow, our driver dropped us off and then continued on for 500 metres to a safer parking spot. And as we walked back to the vehicle, I noticed a small plot of land full of cabbages. Well, they look like cabbages.
I took a couple of photographs, enjoying the way the light was captured neatly by each individual cabbage flower, but wishing there was a point of difference. While pattern shots are great, especially when you make it look like the pattern extends for ever by filling the frame, they usually need a point of difference. Perhaps a red cabbage would do the trick? Or a person?
As I continued walking back to the vehicle, I could see our driver talking to two local women. One was dressed colourfully and she would make a perfect 'point of difference'. A few words, some small change and our model was prancing through the cabbage patch, up and down, left and right. I hope the cabbages were okay!
With travel photography, sometimes we plan things carefully, like the very expensive gorilla experience. But just as important for a well rounded travelogue are the chance encounters when we take advantage of what is provided by happenstance. It can be just as good, if not better!