Great Escape Radio: Episode 161: The People You Meet
“I meet people and they become chapters in my stories.”—Avijeet Das Host, Jody Maberry brings travel writer, Noreen Kompanik back to the show. Noreen has transitioned from a 34-year career in nursing to life as a travel writer. She attended the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in 2014 when it was in San Diego where she…
Smarter, Healthier, And Fitter – How My Love For Travel Changed My Life
Years ago, I spent the majority of my days and hours in an office preparing tax returns. I often wondered what it would be like to break free from the incessant sedentary grind of life in a windowless office. I wondered what it would be like to spend my days doing something I loved and…
3 “Secret Sauce” Actions To Launch Yourself As A Travel Writer
On a press trip a few weeks ago, I looked around the room and saw only fellow travel writers and bloggers—people who share a similar drive, curiosity, and purpose. These were kindred spirits who want to capture great photos, search for the hidden stories, experience uncommon luxuries, taste dishes created by master chefs, discover fascinating…
Writing About Travel – From Dream To Reality
When I was 13 years old, I already knew I wanted to be a writer. However, for the next 40 years, I let fear and self-doubt hold me back. I never stopped thinking about writing, but I never sent out queries or submitted my work. I threw almost everything away because I didn’t believe I…
5 Easy Steps To Getting An Editor’s Attention
Where should I send my story? It’s one of the top questions I’m asked at travel writing workshops, during writing retreats, and in feedback sessions with beginning freelance writers. But it’s the wrong question to ask. Instead, I encourage writers to start asking this question, of themselves: Where do I want to see my story…
Photo Fix: Bring Back The Blue Sky In Lightroom
Even when the sky looks blue to your eye… sometimes it completely disappears in photos. Bonnie, here, with one last Lightroom trick that can make a huge difference in your photographs. Take a look at this waterfall shot I took near my home in Bend, Oregon: I swear, the sky was REALLY blue that day,…
Rescuing An Image With Lightroom’s Spot Removal Tool
Bonnie, here, again, with another very simple Lightroom trick that you absolutely need to know. This winter, it snowed a LOT where I live. While the neighbors were grumbling, I was practically skipping through the streets yelling, “SNOW!” Weather means great opportunities for stock photos. I took a bunch: But this next one had some…
When (And How) To Make A Photo Black And White
Have you ever looked at a black and white photo and noticed that it had a little extra drama to it? There’s just something moody and intriguing about black and white. Bonnie here, with another one-click Lightroom trick that can turn so-so photos into art. To turn a photo into a black and white with…
Use Lightroom Presets To Give Your Photos A Professional Touch
Bonnie here, coming to you this week with some of my favorite ways to make your photos look professional… creative… and all-around gorgeous using Lightroom. Photographers love to debate over the best cameras, lenses, tripods, and computers out there… but Lightroom is the one photographer’s tool that almost all pros agree on and use regularly.…
7 Ways Travel Writing Has Helped My Photography Career
I will arrive to class on time. I will arrive to class on time. I will arrive to class on time. A hundred times. Whew. As a kid, school and the homework that came along with it were never atop my priority list. Surfing, and girls — they were. But now that I’m an adult,…