Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

I was 20 years old when I took my first international trip. I had rarely traveled more than a few hours from home before becoming an international exchange student to Australia. At the end of the semester, I sat off to hike as many trails as possible in New Zealand before returning home. The last trail of my journey was a tough multi-day trek high into the rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park. I was sorely under prepared for the torrential rains I encountered and spent three cold days traversing the iconic landscape. Soaking wet and shivering cold, I hiked swiftly towards civilization on the final day of the trek.

As I approached the little town at the end of the trail, I came to this idyllic dock. About that time, the sun broke free of the clouds and the first warmth I’d felt in days hit my shoulders as the light glistened across the lake. I went for my camera, but as soon as I touched the grip, I froze – I couldn’t do it. My soul was on fire with emotion and inspiration from all the sights of my first international adventure, but I knew I simply could not capture what I was feeling. Instead of taking a photo, I stayed there a while as a silent witness to this inspiring location and reflected on all the emotion. With tears in my eyes – I made a massive promise to my 20 year old self. I promised that I would live an inspired life and inspire others and if I was ever successful at that I would use my life to make a difference. Admittedly, I had no idea how I’d make good on that promise and had no idea what difference I would make. But the details didn’t matter – I had charted a course, I had set my compass, and I knew that I would find a way or I would die trying.

Twenty four hours later, I was on an international flight home. The following year I graduated college, started my art business, worked odd jobs, and saved money. Despite a mountain of doubt and challenges, four years later I found myself standing at the head of the same iconic dock with my first professional panoramic camera – still searching for a way to capture and express the emotion I’d felt so clearly that day – still trying to make good on my promise. On that visit, instead of the warm sunshine, I captured two moody images I call Original Blues and Indigo. Images that became my best selling work at the time – the ones that paid the bills at the beginning of my journey as an entrepreneurial artist.

See description for Century for Benjamin’s next image of this location.