Was Visiting Norway a Mistake?

Sometimes you don't walk away with what you expect. My trip to Norway was a lot harder than anything I expected, but was mostly caused by my own pressures that I set for myself. We all see the successes of those around us without seeing much of the struggles, and this trip was just that. 5 days of uninspiring conditions yet a completely breathtaking location causes quite the mental struggle for oneself.

I'd love to know if you've experienced similar struggle or feelings on your own journey

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Music (Typically) from Musicbed:

[YanickCoderreSaxophone]

Incredible shots of the sunrise man! Thanks for sharing

[davidniemela]

Excellent video Alex, stunning footage of the area, along with the music.

[adamjohanknecht]

I loved this video and your honesty about the struggles that we all run into! I can relate to being in a great location and not feeling like there's a shot anywhere around you.

[RTOMedia]

Brilliant video, it's the battle we are all fighting. I'd also like to commend you on your music choices, consistently excellent!

[Dave-zzfk]

Hey Alex, another wonderful video. You are such a compelling story teller. Related to one of things you mentioned, one of reasons I love your calendar so much is those little QR cards for each image, that takes me to the video of how you took the image.

[whitenbald]

Love your videos man :) I like watching your journey. You are certainly not a failure. I look at your photos and your trips and it looks like a dream! Don't force yourself to enjoy every moment. Sometimes you just don't. Appreciate things when you can, and be compassionate to yourself always :)

[highwildplacesphotography]

Excellent video. The drone shots with music at the opener literally choked me up drinking coffee at 0600. And I definitely feel your pain regarding weather challenges...I spent two weeks in Iceland in March of 2022, and probably only had good light on three days. Lots of sideways snow, fog, and rain...one night I had to rent a cabin, because the wind was blowing so hard, that there was no way to sleep in the camper-van I had rented. But I did get to see and shoot the Northern Lights one evening, and got a few other shots along the way. All part of the risks we take with weather, to find those dramatic scenes and skies. Keep up the good work.

[randyschwager]

RELAX…You video was awesome! Just being there is a sign of you success! What a beautiful place that you shared with all of us! Your videos are extremely well produced! Please keep them coming. And thanks for taking me along!

[markheatherington]

Thanks Alex for reminding me how easy it is to think my work is crap when I'm constantly comparing it to archives of everyone's best work know as the web.

[craigmantle]

Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to create images dude. We all know how hard it can be! I know personally I’m here for your story telling and to see more our beautiful planet through your eyes. Glad to see you’re back out exploring the landscape!

[whitenbald]

Something I've learnt recently is that not only do I put a lot of pressure on myself, but I also put pressure on myself to not put pressure on myself! So, take it easy on you! Give yourself a break :)

[justinbrown]

Well stated. Also, your story telling has seriously leveled up, nice job.

[richardbellomy]

Excellent lesson Alex....we all as photographers have those moments!

[dyspatcher]

Truth! Great video with an important message 🙌🏼

[markgoodchild]

Your content continues to be a huge inspiration, Alex! It's definitely true that we don't always find inspiration in stunning locations or situations, but, in retrospect, we can till we learn and improve. When we realise that, we grow. Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts and inspiring attitude. Lovely shots BTW. Keep up the good work, sir!

[prenticeshalamar]

Excellent commentary at the end. I feel like that sometimes.

[raewebb]

This vid inspired me Alex. You DID get some very pleasing images. I’m in WNY and clouds are so prominent…..I’ve literally been sitting on the couch for a week because I’m so uninspired….I’m going to drag myself out to see what I can find.

[bertreket]

Thanks for this, Alex, and the reminder that it's OK to come away without any shots in the bag on every outing. Personally, when I see photographers on YouTube ( including yourself) and the amazing images they always seem to get, it's easy to forget all the hard work, the misses, the early mornings and late days, etc. that went into getting a portfolio worthy shot. Thanks for your honesty to give folks like me some perspective again! Cheers!

[michaelreiningmedia]

Great video, Alex. Two thoughts. First, image #2. A few shots earlier and that mountain was lit so it looked like a Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer. Very cool. 😎. Second I love the way you can put yourself (mentally) into a better perspective. When we get hyper focused on That. One. Image. And we fail to get it. We didn't fail. I have to keep reminding myself that photography is not only about that one amazing portfolio image. It's about getting out. Exploring. Allowing ourselves to see the awesome even if there is no "composition". It's about sharing time with other photographers too. Or just reveling in the vastness of it all when we're alone. I'm glad you were able to share all that and know, even though you didn't get "that shot" your journey was still a success.

[jimbruton]

Alex, expectations VS reality oftentimes do not overlap. I can't count how many times I hoped and expected to capture an image to realize it wasn't there despite my hopes. Your trip was worth the time and expense because it allowed you to see nature as it is not what you expected it to be. The images you did capture in this environment were very good, and your drone images were outstanding! Keep shooting and don't forget to turn around from time to time as you may be surprised as to what you might see!