We've all been there: the pull of the open road, the urge to get out and explore, even if it's just a quick trip. So, I packed up and headed about three and a half hours to the Methow Valley for three days and two nights of fresh air and new sights. The weather was perfect, and the backcountry roads on Highway 20 always keep you guessing—what’s around the next bend? Deer? A wayward cow? I kept my camera handy, snapping shots of every curve and vista.
Once back home, I started transferring the files and taking a moment to reflect on the trip. A few realizations hit me right away, and here’s a big one: I’m out of shape! A few hikes left me feeling winded, a clear sign I must fix that. But then came the next part—looking through my images and catching some rookie mistakes. Here are a few takeaways from this trip that I’m setting in stone for future adventures:
Always Check Your Settings—I ended up with RAW and JPEG files on this trip. The switch happened almost precisely midway through my journey and was likely the result of my fumbling with the camera, hitting buttons, and turning dials while changing lenses.
Consistency with Color Profiles—Halfway through the trip, I realized my color profile had accidentally switched. Again, this is a result of my fumbling.
Slow Down, Take a Breath—The scenery is exciting, but so is taking a second to ensure that settings like ISO and aperture are correct. I’ve realized the difference between rushing to capture and pacing myself for quality.
Ultimately, this little trip to the Methow Valley became both an adventure and a reminder of the basics. Specifically, don't fumble your camera; if you do, check your settings to ensure you are doing what you think you are. I’m already planning the next trip—this time, with a few lessons fresh in mind and setting some default profiles so I can quickly revert to a known state.
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