So long, 2013

It's the first day of the new year! Normally, I would start to think forward (which I will after this post), but I wanted to take a minute to remember all that I did in 2013.  Thanks to Instagram, I can scroll through all of my photos and remember what I did.  I would usually do that in blog posts, but I haven't been making time for these posts as much as I have done in the past.  I am so grateful to all of my friends and loved ones in my life.  I am also thankful to the new friends that I met this year!

Here are some of my most memorable moments of 2013.

In 2013, I…

Drove through Big Sur on Highway 1

Spoke about my work at Open Show, Venice Arts

Awarded 3rd place for "Brothers" at Photo LA

Started my new series, "Reflected Identities"

Visited Death Valley for the first time

Photographed the Cover of Airstream Life Magazine

Hiked to the Hollywood Sign

First Place Winner for Instagram Series in PDN's Emerging Photographer Magazine

Images wheat pasted in Denver for the month of photography's "The Big Picture"

Went to Sequoia National Park

Selected for MOPLA Smashbox Show

Camped in the Alabama Hills

Slide Show Series Grand Prize Winner at the Palm Spring Photo Festival

Photograph published in Sunset Magazine
Celebrated 4 years of life without Alcohol on April 5th

Interviewed for the Candid Frame

"Brothers" photograph and story in Popular Photography Magazine

Photographed WW2 and Korea Veterans visiting the war memorials in Washington D.C.

Photographer for Airstream's Alumapalooza Festival

Photographs in Musee' Magazine

Lived in Portland, OR for two months

Published in Square Magazine

Had my heart broken

Learned the Wet Plate Collodion process

Watched my best friend get married

Licensed images to a big Agency

Spent a month Wandering around the Pacific Northwest

Selected as a finalist for Critical Mass

Took Film Images and used the darkroom to develop and make prints

Put on a wetsuit for the first time

Published in Seities Magazine

Selected for the Art of Photography Show

Attended Life Is Beautiful Festival in Las Vegas

Watched Numerous Sunsets and a few Sunrises

Lived in Austin, TX for a month

Photographed Max in a cotton field and in snow

Met some amazing new friends

Visited White Sands National Monument

Backcountry Camping in Big Bend, TX

Had 5 Images shown in a Museum (Ogden Museum of Southern Art) in New Orleans

First Portfolio Review

Took Portraits of 40 Friends for my series

Published in Black&White Photography Magazine

Four Shows in a row at the Center For Fine Art Photography in Ft. Collins

Spent Thanksgiving with Strangers

Interviewed for a Documentary

Spent Christmas Camping with my Mother

Visually, here's some of my favorite images from 2013:

My favorite moments of 2013 from Alison Turner on Vimeo.

Follow me on Instagram here:

http://instagram.com/alisontravels

I hope you have the best year ever in 2014!  

Looking for more?

Here's what I did in 2012, 2011 and 2010

December Update: Website, Upcoming Vacations, and More!

The semester is finally OVER!  I just finished up my fourth and final architecture studio at Clemson University, and it was the toughest and most exhausting studio I've ever been part of.

However, I have some pretty exciting news - I have my own website!  Domain name and all!



VictoriaShingleton.com serves as a central hub connecting all of my creative outlets - architecture, photography, sketching, and my travel blog.



This Saturday, my family will head to Florida for our annual Christmas vacation.  On Sunday, we'll depart from Fort Lauderdale on the new Royal Princess for a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise.  This will be the newest ship we've ever sailed on, and I'm pretty excited.  Rachel is bummed that it's only 7-days long, but apparently that's about the only option you get when Christmas day falls on a Wednesday.  The ship will visit Princess Cays (a first for us), St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.  When we return from our cruise, we'll head to Disney World because as of October this year, we are once again annual passholders!  Where are we staying?  NO IDEA!  Hoping to get that booked tonight....

As of today, I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Nikon D7100.


This is a purchase that I've been planning for a long time, now.  My Nikon 1 J1 really got me hooked on photography, and I wanted to upgrade to a DSLR.  For compatibility reasons, I wanted to stick with Nikon, and I knew that I wasn't going to be satisfied with an entry-level DSLR like the Nikon D3200 (not to mention, my Dad has an entry-level Canon DSLR, so getting the equivalent Nikon didn't seem very logical).  After reading many reviews, I thought it best to skip the D5200 and go with the D7100.

I debated for a long time about whether or not to purchase a kit.  There are some benefits to purchasing a kit.... you can get a lot of "stuff" with camera kits from Amazon, B+H, and the like.  Stuff like spare batteries, additional lenses, and memory cards.... but also stuff like cleaning kits, memory card wallets, and tripods.... things which aren't really necessary or something that you might just want to pick out yourself.

I'm an avid reader of Tom's The Disney Tourist Blog, and from his photography buyer guide, I knew that I wanted to upgrade the kit lens (Nikon 18-105mm) anyway with the purchase of the Tamron 17-50mm lens, but I wasn't sure if I should buy the kit lens also to get the extra "zoom" and just have an extra lens.  I'm a big fan of wide angle lenses which I learned with my Nikon 1 J1 and my 10-30mm lens, so I wanted a wide angle lens for the D7100 body and went with Tom's suggestion of the Tokina 11-16mm ultra wide angle lens.  After adding that to my shopping cart, I realized that I'd much rather save the $200 I was spending on the kit lens (versus body only) and put it towards another lens.  Or maybe I just put it towards more gear because I also added the Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight and "Cheap-O" 77mm Neutral Density filter to my cart.  So thank you, Tom Bricker, for your gear reviews.  I can't wait to try out my new toys!

You Are Living My Dream

When people find out about my current or past travels of living on the road, a lot of the time their response is, "you're living my dream!"  I am always flattered that someone would want to choose the lifestyle of traveling like I do.  Lately, I have been responding with, "you can do it too and live your OWN dream."  Most often, that is followed by, "I would if only..."

If only.

Those, "if only's" are choices. Choices we made in our life that we want to, or need to keep.  Maybe you bought a home that you feel you can't leave, or kids, or a marriage, or your job, or your pet... Those are all great reasons to stay put and not do anything different in your life (not that there is anything wrong with that life) except be envious by posts of other people living a life that is YOUR dream.  The question is, "do you really want to live your dream?"  If you do, what is preventing you from making the choices needed to pursue that dream?

The truth is, you don't have to buy that house, you don't have to have children or get married, you don't have to have a traditional 9-5 job in an office.  American culture wants you to spend your money on things to fill up the home you bought and throw away things that you are bored with.  All the while, you hope this will make you happy in your heart and fulfilled in your life.  It might give you a momentary sense of happiness but it fades and crashes fast and then has the opposite effect.  Over time it makes you feel overwhelmed and trapped.  The more space we have, the more we want to fill it with stuff.  

I know of several families with children who live on the road.  If you don't want to travel alone, you can do it with a partner.  I can't imagine traveling without my dog Max, but that is a choice and it limits what I can do.  I am ok with that.  

I own a home and rent it out when I live in the van.  There are several online companies that will help you find someone that will pay you to live in your home with all of your furnishings in place.  I come back a few months out of the year and each time I do, I get rid of things.  I sell or donate the ten years of stuff that I have collected in my garage.  A collection of emotional items (Grandparents furniture, photographs, art) to things I thought I needed.  It's a bigger rush to me to get rid of things now, as opposed to buying something new.  I put out a stack of plastic chairs that I had for parties (which I don't have anymore) out on the curb with a free sign on it.  I was so excited when someone picked it up.  It was giving them a new home instead of a landfill.  If I decide to have a party, B.Y.O.C (bring your own chair) will now be included on the invitation. I digress. 

Here's the thing.  YOU CAN live your dream...whatever that is.  It's all a matter of choices and planning.  Do the work.  Be persistent with your goals and do something to move closer to them every day.  I will leave you with a short clip of artist, Chuck Close on what he would tell his younger self.  

What I took away from this is:

1.) You can do anything

2.) Inspiration is for amateurs.  Professionals show up and do the work.

3.) Continue to do the work, even if you don't feel like it.  Eventually it will get you somewhere.

Time to live YOUR dream.

Latest News and Exhibitions

I hope you are enjoying your summer!  So many things are happening around here that I haven't had the chance to let you know what has been going on.  I have been so fortunate to be selected for the following exhibitions and publications!  I am thankful for you for your continued support and I hope to see you at one of these events.

Upcoming Shows:

August 2nd - September 15th - Photo Center NW "Musings: 18th Annual Photo Competition" 

August 2nd - 31st Black Box Gallery "Color Photography Now"

August 2nd - August 31st Seities Gallery, Alberta Canada - Featured Artist

October 4th - 26th - The Center For Fine Art Photography "Center Forward"

October 12th - November 17th - The Art of Photography Show - San Diego, CA

Recent Publications and Events:

"Reflected Identities" featured in Square Magazine

Featured in Museé Magazine

Slideshow Selected for Slideluck Potshow in Ireland

Seities Magazine - Featured Member 

Nighttime at Columbia University

This Monday, I finally got around to taking the long exposures around Columbia University that had been on my to-do list.  I'm so glad that I didn't put this off any longer.























I may be falling in love.

Reflected Identities at the Palm Springs Photo Festival

For the past few months, I have been working on a new series.  I started taking portraits of my friends in the Southern California area with an idea in mind. As with a lot of projects I start, they tend to change and take on a life of its own by the time I am ready to show it.  That was the case with "Reflected Identities".  I began the series (I didn't have a title or direction) by photographing my friends for an androgynous series but the more I shot, the more I realized that the portraits were molding into a reflection of me.

Last week, I learned that I was a finalist in the slide show competition at the Palm Springs Photo festival so I attended the festival and spent a few days there.  I was in disbelief when it was announced on Thursday night that I won the grand prize!  There were so many beautiful and powerful slideshows included and I was just thrilled that I was selected to be among the finalists.  When I submitted the show, I had less images than what you see here but ultimately, this is what won the competition.

I want to thank all of the amazing women who have stepped outside of their comfort zone to be completely vulnerable with me.  This has been such a beautiful learning and growing experience... I just can't thank you enough. Many of you have expressed the same so for that, I am grateful. 

I debated on if I should keep the images private and not roll it out to the public, partly because it's so vulnerable to throw it out there.  If my friends can be this open and vulnerable with me, it's only fitting that I do the same with the series.

On a side note... 

A little over four years ago in Palm Springs, I was sitting on a small patch of grass in front of a hotel completely hung over, crying and lost in my life.  That day I stopped drinking alcohol and the months to come I painted and picked up a camera and started shooting.  Last Thursday, I walked on stage in front of hundreds of photographers and people in the industry, to accept the grand prize award. Just a few blocks away sits that patch of grass where I made the decision to change my life.  Anything is possible.

Click to watch below or you can see it directly on VIMEO by clicking HERE

Reflected Identities from Alison Turner on Vimeo.

The Candid Frame Interview

Recently, I was asked to be interviewed about my photography and life on the road for the photography podcast blog, The Candid Frame.  At first I was hesitant to talk about myself, but agreed to be taped live during an interview to be saved into a podcast for anyone to hear.  Ibarionex Perello was such a pleasure to talk with during the interview.  He made it very conversational and made me feel at ease with each question.  If you are interested, you can listen to the 45 minute conversation HERE. Thank you Ibarionex!

The Big Picture And The MOP (Month of Photography) Denver

I am not sure when I heard about The Big Picture and what Mark Sink is doing for the month of photography, but when I found out, I knew I wanted to be a part of it!  Being in a gallery is always nice but being outside for everyone to see is such a great way to showcase artist's work around the world.

As The Big Picture describes on their blog, "This show of grand scale contemporary photography exposes the possibility of images as art via email instantly exchanged globally and blown up to large mural proportions.  Images gathered from photographers around the world will be expanded as large Xerox prints and displayed inside galleries as well as posted in approved outdoor locations throughout the city of Denver and sister cities around the globe."

If you are in the Denver area, they are having a Big Picture Celebration on Saturday, March 30th from 12-5pm at the "Open Air Gallery" behind City O City for amazing images, refreshment and music.  I wish I could be there to celebrate.

As soon as I heard about The Big Picture, I wanted to participate.  I was so pleased when I heard back right away that they wanted to use the images I submitted from my new series, "Reflected Identities."  I only wish that I was able to be there to see all of the amazing artwork on the walls of Denver.  The images on this blog post are courtesy of Mark Sink.  So far, I've seen two of my images on the walls and I am amazed by all of the talent included in the project.  I'm thrilled to be a part of it. They will soon announce where all the images are located around the city via google maps.

Also, during the MOP in Denver, two of my images were selected in the Juried show at the Hinterland Gallery, titled "Seen. Unseen."  I was so delighted to hear that I received second place from my image, "Dissolve".  There have been so many great show openings for the MOP!  It's so nice to see a city dedicated to the art of photography.  I am honored to be a part of the Big Picture and Hinterland's show.  Thank you for all you do, Mark Sink and Sabin Aell!

My Travels With Max Featured On The PhotoShelter Blog

What a nice surprise to learn that PhotoShelter wanted to feature my story on their blog! 

Sarah Jacobs started following me on Instagram, learned that I belong to PhotoShelter, and then wrote about my journey on the PhotoShelter Blog today.  

She did a wonderful job at summarizing the past few years and each time I read about my journey, it seems hard to believe that this year will be my fifth year on the road. Even more hard to believe that I lived out of a tent for two years!  I think the pop up van has spoiled me.  My only  wish would be taking photographs earlier on, but everything happens for a reason and I am just thankful that I made the decision to get lost, get sober and pick up a camera.

Thank you to the new followers and for the ones who have been here from the very beginning.  I look forward to sharing another year of travels with you!

Click HERE to read the article.

Emily and Steven's Christmas Engagement Announcement Photos

I've known Emily forever.  Our mothers are best friends, so we grew up playing together during their get-togethers.  We've gone on several vacations with her family and basically grew up together.  One thing I love about Emily is that she's so genuine and sweet - beautiful on the inside and out.  Her happiness is infectious  If you're having a bad day, she'll cheer you up.  If you need a hug, Emily is there.

Emily and Steven have been together since high school.  Steven is absolutely hilarious.  He tells the best stories and never fails to make you laugh.  He's absolutely the perfect guy for Emily - the two are so adorable together.  And what's exceptionally awesome about Steven is that he's so involved in the wedding planning process.  Steven was actually the one to call me to set up the photo shoot and who I communicated with about the Christmas cards.

Emily and Steven were engaged last May, and I shot her brother, Jay's wedding last August.  Steven and Emily wanted photos for a Christmas card that also announced their engagement.  Besides that, they really left a lot up to me, which was awesome.

We shot their photos on a variety of locations on Emily's family land.  I loved the outfits that Emily and Steven chose.

We started at the "Old Home Place."  The colors there were beautiful.







The horses weren't too fond of the camera, but one did venture over to say hello.









Steven kept us laughing the entire time -





We then moved to Grandma's farm.











And we ended at Emily's house.  We were battling a light rain towards the end.  But Emily had a very positive take to it - the dark skies made it look more wintery for their Christmas photos!

Emily and Steven entered their church's Twitter competition wearing their Newspring "Fully Alive" shirts.  What's more alive than Christmas lights?

The submitted (and winning!) photo -

 



Steven texted me earlier that week asking if I had any Mickey gloves. It just so happened I did!





Once Emily's mom came home, we got a case of the giggles...what's funnier than a future mother-in-law peeking in the background?





And the final product -



Emily and Steven, I really loved doing this shoot and thank you both for the opportunity!  Congratulations, again, on your engagement!