Tag Archives: Photography

Fotografiska Tallinn – the Tallinn photography museum

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Saturday, 08-June-2024


One of the spots that had been high up on the recommendations given to me by Steven and Linna (the folks I met on the ferry from Helsinki) was the Photography museum in Tallinn. I hadn’t heard of it on my own, but supposedly it’s quite well regarded in terms of photography museums… and I do have a lovely tradition of visiting lots of art museums, so this dovetailed well into my standing adventure plans.

I’m also trying to break into the photography world, so… double-win, right there, right?


I’d marked it on my to-do list, had a day open, and made my way to visit. It was a beautiful walk, from the old town area I was staying, and my wanderings found me exploring the neighborhood around the museum nearly as extensively as I explored the museum itself (Ed Note: See the previous post about the Teliskivi neighborhood, intrepid reader!)… which isn’t a bad thing in any sense, in my opinion!

Once I made my way into the museum, though, I found a whole different world than I think I’ve ever seen before.

You see… I can’t recall having been to a dedicated photography museum before. Sure, I’ve seen photography exhibitions in art museums, but never a museum dedicated to the pure art of photgraphy… and especially now, since I’ve been focusing on my own photography for so long.

Anyways. It was really cool to see, and I really enjoyed the museum! There were some selections that I didn’t really quite get what made them worth including, but… I’ll ascribe that to personal preference, and the fact that I just really like representational art vs. more esoteric self-referential stuff.

100% recommend, would go to again.



The nature trail at Grettislaug

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The nature trail at Grettislaug

Thursday, 16-May-2024


Wednesday evening, I had planned on camping out at Miðjanes campground… but then I noticed that a nearby campground happened to have hot springs and a nature trail. Advantages of a chill roadtrip – I can change plans on the fly!

I pulled up, set up camp, and… wasn’t able to use the hot springs, because they were actually a public pool. Which shouldn’t have been an issue, but… Okay. Awkward thing to admit. I didn’t have a bathing suit. I know, I know, how could I have forgotten to pack it… but you know what? I was planning on either huge spa resorts where I could buy a swimsuit, or small back country hot springs were I could just wear my boxers. I hadn’t been to a big resort to buy a pair yet, and Grettislaug was connected to a school, so I wasn’t going to rock the boxers.

Instead, I had a relaxing evening, and then explored the nearby nature trails on Thursday morning.



They were super cool!

I’d made a good choice, no doubt – The trails around Grettislaug weren’t too extensive, but they wound around a few natural hot springs that were especially picturesque, and came back to camp again via a bird-blind that afforded some excellent views and birdwatching opportunities.

It was relaxed, enjoyable, and… you know what? A continuation of this roadtrip being exactly the chill experience that I had been looking for.

And seriously. Look at that photo I got of the pallet by the water. Just… Sometimes, my artistic-ness… it scares me. Just so beautiful!

I’m a model! -or- A photoshoot at a Climbing Gym

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Thursday, 18-Apr-2024


I’ve always liked taking photos. I love the opportunity to share things with people (my folks raised me well, I guess), and photography is the closest I can come to sharing the amazing experiences that I have with others.

That being said, it’s hard to share the experience of rock climbing with people. The movement, the delicate strength, the height and pattern and the entire feel of the act. How secure a tenuous hold can be in the moment, and how impactful the subtle differences in the holds can be.

I also lack photos of myself. Being behind the camera doesn’t lend itself to being in front of the camera, unsurprisingly, so I’m not often the subject of photos. Which isn’t that bad, but it does make me a little sad that I don’t get to see how I look on the walls.


Thankfully, I met an amateur sports photographer who climbs at my gym.


We scheduled a time, missed the time, rescheduled a different time, and made it happen! For four or five hours Bri and I climbed. Moving slowly, making clear movements, and then pausing regularly to allow Antonio (the photographer) to reposition. It was exhausting! We got a great workout in AND got a metric ton of photos – a few thousand, from what I heard near the end.

A week to curate and edit, and soon enough I was sitting at the gym with my laptop open, looking at a full 81 amazing photos.

Of those 81, I’ve curated them down again to my absolute favorites… so please! Sit back and enjoy a few pictures of me enjoying my favorite hobby!



If you’re curious, or even if you’re not, you should definitely check out Antonio’s instagram page – He’s breaking into sports photography and portraits, but is already an amazing astrophotographer!
https://www.instagram.com/lunamic_virtus/