I keep hearing all about ‘change’ this year and how good it’s supposed to be, so after a minimal amount of introspection and consideration, I’ve decided to move Dan Bailey Photography to Alaska for awhile. What is awhile? Oh, I don’t know, haven’t figured that part out yet. At least a year, I’d say, since we’ve rented our house out with a one year lease, but it could be longer, depending on how things go up there with employment and with the cold dark winters.
Actually, I’m not too worried about the winter, there is incredible skiing in Alaska, as well as ice climbing, and of course, the northern lights. Plus, I’m taking a few guitars and my recording setup, so I’ll have plenty to do if I happen to find myself cooped up inside for any length of time. I’m actually looking forward to finally getting a chance to play some music after a very busy summer that saw almost no guitar playing. (Be careful what you ask for…!)
As for the employment part, what better place for an outdoor adventure photographer to live than in Alaska? I’ve notified all of my clients that I’m moving and hopefully some of them will call when they need Alaska pictures. I already have one very good client in Anchorage, and when get up there, I’ll work hard to get my name out there to the rest of the community. And, with all the new, and literally endless adventure photo opportunities, I should be able to produce vast amounts of stock imagery that I can market to my agencies and sell directly to my clients, should they happen to call. If the phone does ring while I’m up there, I certainly wouldn’t want to abandon ship if things are going well.
On the other hand, I love my house and life in Colorado, as well as the 300 sunny days a year that we have here, and I plan to come back someday. So, after taking those things into consideration, the answer to how long I’ll stay, is “I don’t know.”
Funny, I seem to say that alot about my life. Therein lies the adventure…
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some packing to do. We leave in two weeks.
(Clouds over The Gargoyle, Ruth Gorge, Alaska)