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Focusing on the Photos
Around the World in Eighty Photos is more than just a photography book; it’s a visual adventure that takes readers across the globe to view the often-overlooked corners of the world through the lens of an experienced traveler. What inspired you to create this pictorial travel book?
My previous book, On to Plan C: A Return to Travel, which documented my return to travel after the pandemic, was the first to include my photography. I really enjoyed the experience of putting it together, even though it required editing both the text and photos. For this book, I knew I wanted to include photography again, but this time make the photos the focus.
There are many books out there showing you photos of famous places around the world, but I wanted to steer the reader toward lesser known locations and give them some insight into how each photo was created—what caught my eye, what challenges I faced, how I dealt with less than ideal lighting in some situations, and so on.
I also wanted to include background information on each location for those less interested in the photography. For those interested, I disclose the settings I used for each photo along with a glossary of photographic terms at the end. So, it can be used as a guide to lesser known locations and/or as a guide to creating better travel photos.
What photo in this collection do you feel has the best “story” surrounding it?
The photo created inside Iglesia El Rosario in San Salvador, El Salvador. From the outside, the church looks like a concrete bunker. In fact, I wasn’t sure it was not abandoned and walked past it without much thought while exploring the area. When our local guide started eventually heading toward it, I was a little unsure of why he was taking my wife and I there.
Turns out, its nondescript concrete exterior conceals an arched roof that sheds a rainbow of natural light that spreads across the altar and bounces off the metal and rock inside. Designed by sculptor Ruben Martinez and completed in 1971, Iglesia El Rosario is radically beautiful and one of the finest churches I have ever visited.
As I don’t travel with a tripod, and it being a church with occasional visitors, made this a very challenging photo to create. I chose settings I felt would let in a good amount of light and used a shutter speed that wouldn’t cause blur being handheld. Situations like this I tend to hold my breath for steadiness and hope for the best.
What advice do you have for aspiring travel photographers?
Study the fundamentals and know your camera well so that you don’t have to hesitate when changing a setting. I have my camera setup so that I can change things like aperture or the type of focusing very quickly. Things can happen fast while on the road and you don’t want to miss them while fiddling around trying to change something.
I’m also a big believer in previsualization. This allows me to determine the lens and general settings before I even start to take photos. For instance, if a situation calls for street photography, then I’m going to use a lens in the 35mm to 50mm range with an aperture around f/8 to keep everything in focus and a minimum shutter speed of 1/250 to of a second to stop motion. This was, I can concentrate more on composition and less on adjusting settings.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Around the World in Eighty Photos?
There are so many more places in the world than the handful that always seem to be promoted. Yes, Venice is a stunning location filled with canals, but so is Bruges in Belgium or Wuzhen in China. The world is full of surprises. For instance, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is a remarkable underground cathedral built within the tunnels of a salt mine just north of Bogotá. I hope this book inspires readers to seek out such places and take more inspired photos while there.
Author links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website
This captivating visual odyssey takes readers to the farthest corners of the earth, from bustling cities to serene landscapes, offering a window into the world’s most awe-inspiring sights. Each carefully curated photograph is paired with a short reflection or story, capturing the essence of diverse cultures, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems.
Whether you’re an armchair traveler or a seasoned explorer, Around the World in Eighty Photos is your passport to adventure, offering a unique perspective on the beauty and wonder that unite us all. Prepare to be inspired by the world’s splendor, one photo at a time.
Around the World in Eighty Photos
Jeremiah A. Gilbert’s Around the World in Eighty Photos is more than just a photography book; it’s a visual adventure that takes you across the globe through the lens of an experienced traveler. Instead of sticking to well-known landmarks, Gilbert hones in on the often-overlooked corners of the world, giving them the spotlight they deserve. Each photograph is accompanied by a story—sometimes historical, sometimes personal, always engaging. He also shares the technical details behind each shot, making it both an inspiring and educational experience for photographers and travel enthusiasts alike.
As a photographer, I appreciate that Gilbert doesn’t just show beautiful places—he invites us into his thought process. His image of Rano Raraku on Easter Island struck me the most. He describes setting up his shot without people, then serendipitously capturing two figures stepping into the frame, perfectly enhancing the composition. That’s what photography is about—being prepared, yet open to unexpected moments. The book is filled with these little surprises, making it feel like you’re traveling right along with him.
Another highlight is the way Gilbert balances storytelling with technical insight. In his photo of Mexico City’s Basilica de Guadalupe, he explains how he had to ride the moving walkway twice to figure out the best composition. The first trip was for analysis, the second for execution. That’s dedication. And in his shot of Iguazu Falls, he makes a conscious decision to use a fast shutter speed to capture the violent, thundering energy of the water, rather than the dreamy, silky look so many photographers go for. His approach reminds me that technical choices should serve the emotion of the image, not just the aesthetics.
This book is a must for photographers who love to travel, travelers who love photography, and anyone who dreams of seeing the world through fresh eyes. If you want a collection of images that tell stories, that teach you something new, and that make you want to grab your camera and book a flight, Around the World in Eighty Photos is an absolute treat.
Pages: 268 | ASIN : B0DY46TYP3
My Baja Snapshot
Jo Dibblee’s My Baja Snapshot is an enthralling narrative that transports readers from the familiar comforts of Canada to the vibrant spontaneity of Baja California, Mexico. This memoir isn’t just a recounting of a couple’s relocation but a source of inspiration and guidance for those considering a similar leap. Dibblee’s vivid storytelling and personal insights illuminate every aspect of their new life, from settling into a tiny home to savoring the local cuisine, language, and landscapes.
The book is a cultural odyssey, peppered with practical Spanish phrases essential for any traveler venturing into Mexico. Dibblee doesn’t merely tell a story; she educates, offering invaluable tips on local wines, culinary delights, and the intricacies of obtaining permanent residency. Her descriptions of Mexican delicacies, especially the beloved Cafe de Olla, are so vivid and enticing that they might just prompt readers to explore these flavors firsthand. The book is masterfully organized into well-titled, informative, and concise sections. Dibblee’s writing style is natural and engaging, with a humor that captivates and entertains. Her anecdotes, from the comical comparison of their unorganized documents to a more meticulous applicant’s, add a layer of personal charm and relatability to the narrative.
This travel memoir is a comprehensive guide that offers more than just a glimpse into a new life in Mexico. It’s a journey through the senses, with vivid descriptions of food, insightful stories, and even Spanish lessons, all complemented by beautiful photographs. My Baja Snapshot is an essential read for travel aficionados and anyone contemplating a move to Mexico. It is a revelatory guide that engages readers with a perfect blend of humor, cultural insights, and practical advice.
Pages: 62 | ASIN : B0CC356BLP
A Parthenon in Pefki
A Parthenon in Pefki by Peter Barber is an engaging memoir that intricately tells the story of Alex and Peter’s marriage. The book celebrates enduring love and the merging of Greek and British cultures. With her lively Greek personality, Alex perfectly complements Peter’s more measured British temperament. Their past marital hurdles have been overcome and fortified their bond, offering a genuine portrayal of relationship growth.
Set against the charming backdrop of an ancient Greek neighborhood, their tale evolves intriguingly as they take a bold step to buy land for their dream home despite financial uncertainties. The book skillfully recounts their endeavors to realize this ambition, encompassing economic challenges, interactions with developers, and the complexities of government red tape. The creativity displayed in their garden design is particularly noteworthy, providing a delightful contrast to the conventional ways of their neighbors.
Peter Barber does a remarkable job of immersing the reader in Greek culture, history, and language. Sharing the details of their life, from the big moments to the small details, makes readers feel like they are there with Alex and Peter, building their new life in Pefki. Peter’s writing is ornate, capturing the magical nature of this Greek island and the mystical nature of the small fishing village.
A Parthenon in Pefki: Further Adventures of an Anglo-Greek Marriage is more than a memoir; it is a journey into cultural discovery and an adventure about taking risks. The portrayal of Greek life and love has left me looking forward to more works in this series to find out where life takes Alex and Peter next.
Pages: 314 | ISBN : 1916574041
Cuba, your children cry! Cuba, tus hijos lloran
In Cuba, Your Children Cry, Otto H. Iglesias delivers a profoundly moving exploration of his first-generation American-Cuban heritage. This riveting memoir illuminates the plight of refugees through a deeply personal lens, a perspective that strikes an emotional chord in readers.
Imbued with the vibrancy of Cuban culture from a young age, Iglesias’s upbringing was steeped in his homeland’s traditional cuisine, language, and stories. Yet, an inherent longing to connect with his roots simmered within him, only to be initially quelled by his parents, Cuban refugees themselves, due to legitimate safety concerns.
The narrative takes a turn as, after forty-six years, Iglesias is granted permission to visit Cuba. Accompanied by two companions, equally passionate about travel and history, his journey into the heart of Cuba commences, revealing untold chapters of his heritage.
One of the book’s most striking aspects is the compelling depiction of human resilience in adversity. Iglesias paints a vivid tableau of Cuban endurance, persevering despite facing debilitating sanctions. Readers are drawn into the complex love-hate relationship his parents maintained with their homeland, eliciting deep empathy.
Cuba, Your Children Cry is a layered narrative, shedding light on the interplay of political decisions and individual destinies. It expertly melds historical occurrences with present realities, providing a unique viewpoint that merges the objective observer with the intimately involved.
Iglesias’s memoir stands as a powerful testament to silenced voices and the quiet strength of an oppressed people. His vivid prose breathes life into the Cuban landscapes and culture, effectively transporting readers to the bustling streets of Havana and various significant landmarks.
The memoir’s principal strength lies in its evocative depiction of the indomitable human spirit and an underlying narrative of love. It serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role of passion and perseverance in our lives. Cuba, Your Children Cry is an indispensable read, one that inspires readers to appreciate the complex yet fundamental human connections that define our collective and individual identities.
Pages: 270 | ASIN : B09XWFL4M9
The Buddha and the Bee
Cory Mortensen’s The Buddha and the Bee is the epic chronicling of his thirty-four day ride from Minnesota to California on his bicycle in hopes of escaping his mundane life for a little while. On the journey, he finds small towns and the people who inhabit them, along with some shady motels. While many of us were dealing with the heartache of 9/11, Cory was seeing a world many don’t see on the interstates and planes. Often he finds himself questioning this not so planned out journey as unforeseen obstacles like numerous flats, broken spokes, and dogs plague him. Along the way, he discovers himself in the simplicity of America’s highways and finds enjoyment in just existing.
Mortensen is kind enough to take us with him each day of his journey, with some extra adventures after the initial ride. We get to really be part of his struggles and triumphs, down to the search for what to eat. He lays his route out so well one could follow it if one should wish. He even alerts the potential traveler to the trouble spots. He flavors the journey with tidbits and facts about places and things he comes across on the journey. I gained so many new wrinkles in my brain on this journey. I also loved the humorous tone the book had, which set it apart from other nonfiction pieces. Mortensen keeps readers riveted with his wit and observations. Included in this book are several lists that those looking to take a journey like this will find helpful.
The Buddha and the Bee is an entertaining memoir and dramatically different from what readers typically find. Mortensen gives us an in-depth and funny look into his journey through America’s roads. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a not-so-average travel read. With his wit and facts, he gives us a superb read that you don’t want to put down.
Pages: 350 | ASIN : B08FLLBBP9
LITERARY TITAN 