Brooke Shaden

I always considered myself someone who never got to travel that much. Being from the northeast coast of the United States, it was common to drive through lots of little states but never really see them, or to vacation in on the coast which looked quite like all the other states. It didn’t really feel like traveling. But lately I’ve had the opportunity to go places. 2011 has been a good year for that, and I am making sure that 2012 is going to be even better. This year I’ve been to England, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington & Texas to name a few places. Two weeks ago, on a complete whim, I drove with my husband and close friend to Death Valley. That has been a dream of ours for a very long time, so it was amazing to finally see it come true.

(Taken by my friend Kelly, processed by me) The amazing rolling sand dunes!

We saw the salt flats in 125 degree (F) weather, which was scary hot, and we also got to hike a canyon that was downright amazing. The blackbirds there are giant and fearless. Actually, everything seemed to have that sort of vibe to it. It was very unique.

A failed attempt at jumping on the salt flats!

The thing that we all really went for though were the sand dunes. With Dune being my favorite book series, my friend Kelly encouraged me to do a picture there. Of course I had to, there was no way I was going to Death Valley and not taking a picture. So I packed my red fabric and got to work designing a photo idea.

Checking my pictures from my red fabric sand dune shoot.

This is the end result.

Last weekend I got to travel some more by going to Austin, Texas to teach two workshops and lecture at a college. The lecture was on Friday night, and I have never felt so welcome in all my life. The one thing that set Texas apart from anywhere else I have been is the sincerity in everyone. I felt genuinely welcome, genuinely appreciated, and because of that, I could have stayed forever. I did my lecture from 7-9 Friday night after hopping off the plane to a really good sized group. Some of the students even pulled money from their pockets to provide food and drinks – it was really quite amazing. I did a 1 hr+ talk about all things photography – my way of creating worlds through images, about finding your artistic voice, about business and marketing…It was well received, which I was so grateful for, and I met tons of people afterwards!

©2011 Peter Shugart | Me with Nikki, who organized the event, and friends :)

The next day was my first workshop. The group was so wonderful! The thing that has set the Austin workshoppers apart from all others has been their laid back, enthusiastic ways. Everyone seemed at ease during the workshop, even in our ultra-creepy house, and things flowed smoothly like I always hope will happen. Day two went very similarly. The people in Texas are what give Texas the spark that makes it completely worth a visit.

Workshop group from day 1, gathered on our bed ;-)

Workshop group from day 2, gathered on the front porch.

The workshop house that I rented, which I also stayed in for 3 nights with my friend and workshop model Olivia, was by and far the creepiest place I have ever stayed. Mind you, I might create dark art, but I am afraid of all things remotely scary. There were things like pictures from the turn of the century lining the walls, a creepy statue, a Ouija board, a statue of the devil in our bedroom, etc. Pictures below! It was a really great trip from start to finish, and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to meet so many truly wonderful people.

The picture I created at one of the workshops.