“Capturing Alaska”
with Wayde Carroll






Pura Vida!: Images From Costa Rica



     OK, I know this blog is supposed to cover image making in Alaska but I can’t help but include some stuff from my recent trip to Costa Rica. I was lucky enough to lead a photography workshop for a wonderful, eco- minded, travel company called Journey’s International. I spent two weeks there and was overwhelmed by the stunning beauty and diversity of the country, its’ people, and its’ wildlife. Every single day I saw birds, insects, reptiles, and mammals that I had never seen before. None of them in a cage! I was challenged to use every technique I knew and through the experience I’ve come to love a new place.
  These trips bring more than incredible photo opportunities. They always bring new friends into my life. I think it’s impossible to share the thrill of new discovery with someone and not be connected to that person from then on. I traveled with a group of five women and a local guide and I count myself lucky to have spent the time with each one of them. I was there to teach but I learned so much from them as well.
  I was also impressed with the Costa Rican people, or Ticos. They exude extreme pride in their country and seem to genuinely live by it’s well marketed slogan “Pura Vida”.
  The all knowing wikipedia has the following translation. (copied from Hubpages.com) Pura Vida (POO-rah VEE-dah), used by Costa Ricans since 1956, literally translated means "Pure Life." Contextually, it means "Full of Life" "Purified life", "This is living!", "Going great!" It is used as a greeting, a farewell, and to express satisfaction. Costa Ricans use the phrase to express a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, good spirits, enjoying life slowly, celebrating good fortune, whether small or large.
  If only we could all feel this everyday! Not a bad goal.
  I highly recommend photo tours. It provides one the opportunity to explore new and exciting places while honing a passion with a group of people who share your love. The guides know where to find great subject matter and the tour company knows the best lodging and dining experience.
  Since we’re on the subject I’ll plug the two companies I’m lucky enough to lead photo safaris for: Journey’s International for Costa Rica and custom tours abroad, and Alaska Wildland Adventures here in AK. If you’ve ever had the urge I highly recommend both!