Editor's Notes

Travel photography evokes all sorts of images, from the 19th century vistas in fading albumen prints to satellite images made miles above our planet. The aim of most travel work is to share a sense of place, a feeling of "being there" that only the camera can capture. It can mean a sense of adventure, of the survey photos made in the days of exploration of the American West, or simply trophy shots of totems like the Eiffel Tower, which say, "I was there." And some would say that any shot made outside your front door constitutes a travel picture, with some notable teachers, such as Ruth Bernhardt, creating assignments for students to discover images not more than 50 ft from the steps to their house.

However you define it, and whatever images it evokes for you, travel is a way to "skin the eyes," to look with fresh vision upon the world. A photographic traveler is open to the world and all its beauty, something that we should all aspire to every day of our lives. It is to maintain the eyes of a traveler that all photographers should aspire.

For many photographers, a journey early in life made with a camera sets them on a career path. In discovering how photography alters their experience they discover their passion for its art and craft. They see how it brings them into places they would not have ventured, makes them explore less traveled roads, and creates encounters with people they might never have otherwise met. It engages them in seeing and considering how to render and express their personal vision that no studio, no amount of academic study can provide. Travel and photography are inextricably bound. The pictures we capture on the road are more than just memories; they are the record of how we saw the world in a certain time at a certain place in our lives.

That said, we hope you enjoy our annual Travel issue of Shutterbug. We've assembled a diverse group of photographers and writers who share their personal vision while on the road, from urban centers to the depths of old growth forests. As you go through this issue consider how you bring your personal vision with you and how you might use photography as a way to explore the world. Despite the travail of today's traveling, it's still worth it to hit the road.

Speaking of travel, take note that we have two very exciting programs set up for later this year. In August we're taking to the high seas on a photo excursion to Alaska, with our own Monte Zucker as photographic first mate. In late September we're off to photokina and a trip to Germany to both see the latest photo and digital gear and travel our way toward Solms, and an exclusive Leica factory tour. Check for notices in this issue, and on our website, for more information.

And speaking of our website, we now can be found at www.shutterbug.com and www.shutterbug.net. Either route will bring you to our archives, special features, and into our ever-expanding services on our web pages.

Our next issue (June) will be filled with a host of new products that were introduced at this year's PMA Show. We had a team of reporters scouring a show that featured more digital SLRs, new lenses, and even new films and film cameras. It's an issue you won't want to miss.