What makes a good travel photograph?

There are many answers to this question.  However, for me, it is an image that engages the viewer’s imagination and draws them to ask questions.  And of course, with photography, it’s all about the light.

On our recent Rhône river cruise with Uniworld, we were touring a 12th-century olive mill by the name of Moulin Saint-Jean.  After our tasting and a short lecture about the history of this historic olive mill, we set about on a tour of the facility, and this window grabbed my eye.

If I understood the history correctly, the window was built 300 years before Christopher Columbus was even a gleam in his parents’ eyes. Not only do I find the light captivating, but what history must this window have witnessed over that long period?  Who stood at this opening over the centuries and looked out over the 5,000 olive trees?  What did they spend the bulk of their days doing?  What were the joys and worries that consumed their lives?

As I was cataloging the travel photographs from our recent trip, I found that this photograph captured my attention for well over 5 minutes.  It had me wondering and asking questions.  I  hope you too enjoy this photo.  And I hope that this photo brought a little joy and wonder into your day.

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