Earlier this year, I was asked by a good friend if I wanted to go to Taiwan to be his best man in his wedding in October. It didn't take much thought for me to jump right on that offer, as I had never been anywhere outside of North America. Naturally, I was going to be taking some photos while I was there, but I was strongly encouraged by my friend not to bring the large format camera, as we would be constantly on the move with several people and there just wouldn't be much time for it. This was probably a good call. I ended up just bringing my medium format camera and a handful of my favorite all-purpose rollfilm, Kodak Portra 400.
After the wonderful wedding in Taipei, we traveled all the way across the country to the very southern tip of the island. The south has a lot of lush forests and mountainous coastline. I always enjoy any chance I can get to see the ocean, as it's just a rare sight for someone who lives in landlocked Colorado. There are a lot less people living in the south and east of Taiwan and it feels more like you are in the countryside.
On our way back up north to Taipei we spent a night in Kaohsiung. All I can say is that one night is not enough to spend in this city, I would have loved more time to explore. The night markets were bursting with life and there were so many things to do and see here.
After making our way up the western coast we were back in Taipei and had several days to explore, eat and be merry. I have to say that the entire country was very warm and welcoming to me and I would love to go back anytime. The people really make the place special. Taiwan is a great place to visit if anyone has a trip to Asia in their future.
As far as photography goes, this trip was much different than what I am used to. I typically use a large format camera on a tripod and have a lot more time to get each image exactly the way I want. On this trip, things changed much faster and I had to react quickly and all images were made without the steady support of a tripod. I don't have to worry about dodging scooters and crowds when I photograph in the wilderness. I rarely see large cities and have never seen any like Taipei or Kaohsiung. I had a much different mindset when taking these images than I usually do at home in Colorado, and it was a lot of fun to try something new like this. Though if I get a chance to go back I will bring the large format camera and make sure to take my time.
Click through the images below to see the rest of the photos from this trip.
