Adventurer OF The Month:
-Chantel Petty-
1) Tell us a little about yourself. We want to get to know you!
I am Chantel. Photographer, traveler, list keeper and big dreamer. Raised in the heart of sunny Southern California, I have always found inspiration from the diversity and easygoing lifestyle around me. I am an advocate for the idea that life is an art. I believe that exploring the world around us is one of the best ways to find who we truly are. I keep record of all of my findings and photos at OurFieldNotes.com
In my free time you can find me reading business books, sipping on blood orange San Pellegrino’s, and putting together my dream home via Pinterest. In September of 2017, I started my greatest adventure yet by marrying my best friend. We currently reside in Utah where I study Design and Photography.
2) We love seeing photos of your adventures. How did it all start for you?
I am a very visual person, and have always been drawn to colors, patterns, designs, and landscapes. At a young age, I realized I could pick up a camera, and capture the way I saw world. I believe that we all see things differently than one another, and I wanted to be able to share what I saw with everyone around me. Once I was older, I had the opportunity to travel and it opened my eyes to just how vast and extraordinary our world truly is. Ever since, I have had a desire to travel, see, and immerse myself in that beauty.
3) What is your most memorable trip? What made it so special?
My most memorable trip was when I traveled all throughout Europe with one of my college roommates. We were on a tight budget, but wanted to see the world and we were willing to do anything to make it happen (ex. sleeping in someone’s attic 119 steps up so we could afford to stay in Paris). During our trip we were able to explore eight countries, and it was the first time I had completely planned and executed a trip of that magnitude myself.
4) You capture the world so beautifully. Do you have any tips on taking and editing photos?
Look for beauty in your everyday life. The way the sun peaks out behind the mountain your morning commute. The way the water becomes white and frothy as it hits the shore. Look for the beauty and then capture it!
As for editing photos, I say find a style you like, and stick with it! Pay attention to photos you are drawn to, and ask yourself what you like about them. Are they vibrant and bold? Or muted with clean lines? Find your style and own it! This will create a consistent look across all of your photos.
5) What essential can you not travel without?
I cannot travel without my packing cubes. Nine times out of ten, I only bring a carry-on due to it being more cost effective and convenient for hauling around. Having packing cubes allows me to fit so much more into my luggage. Once I am at my destination, I also use it to keep my dirty clothes separated from my clean clothing. They are an absolute necessity for me.
6) What have you learned along the way, as you’ve explored different places?
Traveling is not always easy. You are in a foreign place where they speak a different language and everything is unfamiliar. This can sometimes make you feel nervous, unsure of yourself, and inadequate. But, what these situations have taught me is how capable I truly am. Traveling provides you with the opportunity to prove to yourself that you can do hard and amazing things. Traveling reminds us how brave and capable we truly are.
7) Do you collect any souvenirs from the places you visit?
Everywhere I go I like to take Polaroid’s. I love having a tangible photograph printed out right before my eyes. No editing, no camera settings, just a photograph that is beautiful because of its flaws. I like to then tape these into my travel journal, alongside ticket stubs, maps, and postcards.
8) What makes your heart beat? What do you really believe in, stand for, and want to tell others about?
Stop waiting for the weekend. Stop waiting until you are graduated, have lots of money, or next year. That is not living, that is waiting. Dream big, take risks, and put yourself out there. Life is happening now.
9) Where do you plan on going next? Any trip in the making?
We are currently talking about U.K trip early next year. The bustling streets of London, majestic Cliffs of Moher, and rolling Scottish highlands are calling my name! I will move to England one day mark my words.
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