“You need a change of soul rather than a change of climate” – Seneca
Over the last year or so I have been incredibly lucky to travel to over 15 cities internationally, and have met some of the most incredible people in my life.
However as much I have been traveling, I have been longing to spend more time at home (or in one place).
The last week or so I have been on the road– moving from Michigan to California.
Instead of just taking the easy route (flying) we decided to partake in an adventure– to travel the US by car.
I wanted to write this article to share some of my personal experiences through this road trip– and hopefully it can give you some insight to plan your own road trip across America (while taking some photos too).
Just uploaded a new GoPro POV video at Gallo Boxing. This time with Ty, a boxing promoter with great swag and bling.
The story behind what happened is that initially I was photographing another boxer, and I was going to take some photos of him working the punching bag. Then I saw Ty on my way over, and was blown away with his outfit (his sunglasses, his patent-leather shoes, and the plethora of rings on his fingers).
Eric’s Note: This is a guest article by Kristian Leven, a wedding and street photographer based in London.
Kristian: When I started photography six years ago, I didn’t have a problem going out and finding inspiration. Everything was so new and subsequently there seemed to be no end to the ideas I felt I could produce. Looking back, I can see that my work wasn’t particularly indistinguishable from many others – there was no depth, no originality.
But I needed to get through certain stages to get to where I am today. At first I had no particular style, nor did I have any photographic ‘heroes’ to aspire to, but over time and with an accumulation of experience, I connected with capturing natural street scenes in an artistic way, and I translated that approach to my wedding photography, which I had begun three years ago.
Eric’s Note: Ola Billmont is a street photographer based in Stockholm, Sweden. He is also one of the co-founders of CUP (Contemporary Urban Photography). Learn more about the founding of CUP (Contemporary Urban Photography in Stockholm), his work in film and digital, and how he approaches strangers on the street.Â
Here is Volume 2 of my GoPro POV series at Gallo Boxing.
I first saw Christian Bleha chilling after a long workout, dripping in sweat and puffing from exhaustion. I saw him from afar–and loved his tattoos. But I was a bit nervous to first approach him. However I knew I would regret not asking to take photos of him if I chickened out– so I swallowed a big gulp of air, and introduced myself to him and asked if I could take some photos.
If you feel uninspired in your photography, want to conquer your fears, and meet other passionate street photographers— join me at one of my upcoming workshops below!
This would be a great opportunity for you to step outside of your comfort zone, and even take a break from the day job to travel to an exotic location you have always wanted to visit! I am also so certain you will love the workshop that I offer a 100% money-back guarantee!Â
Istanbul – Introduction to Street Photography Workshop (feat. Charlie Kirk) – Info & Register
 Istanbul – Intermediate/Advanced Street Photography Workshop (feat. Charlie Kirk) - Info & Register
* (There is a 50% discount available if you attend both Istanbul Workshops)
San Francisco – Intro to Street Photography Workshop - Info & Register
Los Angeles – Introduction to Street Photography Workshop - Register intent
Tokyo Introduction to Street Photography Workshop  – Info & Register (OPEN!)
* (There is a 50% discount for each additional workshop you attend in Tokyo/Kyoto)
Tokyo Intermediate/Advanced Street Photography Workshop – Info & Register (OPEN!)
Kyoto Film Street Photography Workshop – Info & Register (OPEN!)
You can see my past street photography workshops.Â
For last month’s fiestamovement challenge, I learned boxing at Gallo Boxing in Lansing, Michigan.
I have always been fascinated with boxing culture– both the sport and the culture behind it. I remember watching tons of Rocky movies growing up, and loved the skill, determination, and physical/mental endurance that boxers had to endure to become great fighters.
After learning a few moves in boxing myself, I had about two weeks before heading back to California. So I took those two weeks to do a mini-documentary project on the boxers in the gym, with my GoPro Hero 3 strapped on top of my Ricoh GRD V.
I wanted to make these GoPro videos to illustrate how I was able to build rapport with the fighters in the gym (including the very young in this video above) and how I photographed them (how I got them to move around, the angles I used, the use of flash/without flash, as well as how many photos I took).
Shooting documentary-type work has always fascinated me– but I never had a project or location I felt passionate enough to photograph. Luckily enough, this project at Gallo Boxing was something that kept calling me back.
I am excited to share our itinerary for our American Road Trip! Â My girlfriend Cindy has spent the last 2 years in East Lansing, Michigan studying her Ph.D. in Vietnamese Colonial History– and has recently got accepted into UC Berkeley’s Ph.D. program in the same field. So we are packing our bags, and loading them into our Ford Fiesta and heading West!
We plan on taking around 2 weeks for the entire trip (making stops along the way in the places below):
You can see a Google Map Itinerary of our Road Trip.
Eric’s Note: Aik Beng Chia (ABC) is a street photographer based in Singapore. I first met him a few years back, and he is one of the hardest working and humble street photographers I know. He has recently published, “Tonight The Streets Are Ours” with Invisible Photographer Asia. To check out what he has been up to, read the interview below!