This is where I jot down what’s behind some of my favorite shots—what caught my eye, what the place felt like, and maybe a story or two that comes with each photo. Some moments are just scraps from the road, others go a bit deeper. Old cameras, new places, whatever stands out—I put it here. If my rambles connect, or spark a memory of your own, even better.
If something here catches your eye, feel free to share it or drop a comment—always glad to hear what others see in these moments.
Rapa Nui at Fifty, Mysteries of Stone
Childhood library daydreams led me to Rapa Nui at fifty. I found stone giants, a living culture, and a history that deserves respect. Getting there is easy compared to Roggeveen’s months at sea, but the island still asks for patience. Pack light, bring rain gear, buy your park pass, and choose dates around festivals and cruise days. Simple gear, early alarms, and good manners will get you the shot.
“Letting childhood dreams sit too long turns them into regret. So go.”
As a child, going to the school library was one of the things I truly looked forward to. Not only did we get some “alone” time, we were handed the keys to the universe. National Geographic magazines, encyclopedias, and rows of old musty books were each a ticket to far flung places. One of those places was Easter Island (Rapa Nui), with the mystery of the Moai and the big questions that trailed them. Who moved these giants, and why? Aliens? Not a chance.
I always dreamed of traveling to Rapa Nui to see the Moai in person. It was a dream I didn’t want to leave unfulfilled. I once asked ChatGPT about unfulfilled childhood dreams, and it gave me a poetic answer, but the short version is simple: don’t wait.
So I didn’t. With my wife’s blessing, I traveled from Mexico City to Rapa Nui for my 50th birthday. As with other trips, I read up before I went. What I found was a heartbreaking story: a proud people pushed off their lands, held as prisoners on their own island, and treated miserably in the name of “prosperity and progress.” The island’s story has all the makings of a saga: the arrival of the Rapa Nui, a murdered king, government cover ups, and daring escapes. Their fight for self determination is real and ongoing. If you venture there, be mindful and respect the land you walk on.
I was grateful to visit Rapa Nui, to see this treasure firsthand, and to spend time with these proud people.
Jacob Roggeveen and his crew made the first recorded European landfall on Rapa Nui on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1722. He got there after months at sea in cramped, hazardous conditions; I arrived in hours, in a quiet modern airplane cabin with warm meals and a couple of movies. Same Pacific, different century.
When you go, not if but when, bring everything you will need. You will literally be in the middle of nowhere. Of the things you must bring, pack an open mind, comfortable shoes, and rain gear. I walked everywhere: feet on pavement, sun beating down on my balding head, no bugs, no traffic, just a herd of wild horses and a bull with questionable intentions (story for another day).
When you arrive, you will purchase your national park pass at the airport. Access to several of the most popular sites is limited to one visit per stay, and rangers will check your ticket before you enter. Do not try to game the system; hefty fines and expulsion are likely. Remember, Rapa Nui is a photographer’s destination. You will likely be one of several dozen serious photographers on the island, many on tours or workshops, most having paid a pretty penny to be there. Be courteous and patient. Tripod space is limited, especially at the classic viewpoints. The early bird will definitely get the shot.
During my visit, I noticed most tourists stick to the vacation routine: breakfast, tour, lunch, tour, dinner, show, and sleep. Be the early bird. Get up before dawn, save museums and meals for the harsh light hours, rest, then head back out for sunset and the blue hour. I carried the proverbial “kitchen sink” in my camera bag, but truth be told, one fast wide angle lens, one telephoto (70 to 200 mm), and a polarizer or circular ND are probably all you need. A tripod is a must, especially during those magical light hours, but avoid using it on busy trails, and if I remember right, tripods are not allowed at some sites.
Most important, talk to the locals. Take a taxi, chat with your driver, say hello to the old man on the bench, go to the museum and talk to the staff. Ask the taxi driver to take you where not a lot of tourists go, and you will be surprised. Explore responsibly, be sensitive to local politics, and above all be respectful of the culture and the island. And the dogs, yes, the dogs. Dogs and horses are everywhere. Everyone looks after them. They will follow you around, so watch where you leave your shoes. They might steal them.
Lastly, choose your dates with care. Check the festival calendar first, since big celebrations fill rooms fast. Look at cruise ship schedules as well, because a ship in port can make the island feel crowded and tours will book up. Plan your lodging early and build a little flex into your itinerary. I spent eight days on the island, which was plenty. Check the forecast, then pack for rain anyway. Showers come and go without much warning and they will soak you and your gear. Bring a light shell, quick dry layers, a cover for your camera, and a towel in the bag. Patience helps too. On Rapa Nui, the weather turns, the crowds ebb, and the good light still shows up.