Today the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) announced the winners of its 28th Annual Awards Competition, and I am thrilled to share with you that I was awarded Gold in the category of Photography: Featured Photo, Illustration for this image from my article, “The Heart of Anguilla.” <\/a><\/strong> This image was shot on my Canon EOS 1v, on Fuji Provia RDP III.<\/p>

<\/figure>

I am humbled to be recognized among so many respected professionals in the travel industry. You can read the full press release here<\/em><\/a><\/strong>, and please browse the wonderful work of the award winners in all the categories.<\/p>

Founded in 1991, NATJA is a travel journalism industry leader that fosters high quality journalism by supporting the professional development of its members, providing exceptional program benefits and valuable resources, honoring the excellence of journalism throughout the world, and promoting travel and leisure to the general public. NATJA also publishes TravelWorld International Magazine<\/a><\/strong><\/em>. For more information about NATJA, visit www.natja.org<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>

I have been honored to be recognized each year in the awards competition since joining NATJA in 2016. My award winners were shot on film or featured a mix of film and digital images.<\/p>

2016<\/a><\/strong>: <\/p>

<\/figure>

SILVER – Photography: Overall Excellence \u2013 Online Publication:  \u201cAndros, Bahamas\u201d <\/strong><\/a><\/p>

BRONZE – Photography: Photo Essay \u2013 Online Publication: \u201cUnderstated Elegance at Kamalame Cay\u201d<\/a><\/strong> (Mamiya 6, Mamiya 75mm f\/3.5 lens, and Mamiya ProTL, Mamiya 80mm f\/1.9 lens, Kodak Ektar 100, Kodak Portra 400, Fuji 400H)<\/em><\/p>

2017<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>

<\/figure>

FINALIST: Best Independent Travel Blog: My Irie Time<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

2018:<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

<\/figure>

HONORABLE MENTION: Photography: Nature – Online Publication: “Bourbon Trail Magnolias” – Film Road Trip<\/a><\/strong> (Mamiya 645 Pro TL, Fuji 400H)<\/em><\/p>

2019<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>

<\/figure>

GOLD – Photography: Featured Photo, Illustration – Online Publication: “The Heart of Anguilla”<\/a><\/strong> (Canon EOS 1v, Fuji Provia RDP III)<\/em><\/p>

A lot of people would not bother to travel with film anymore given the convenience and ease of travel with digital cameras. If I didn’t see a difference in my images, I wouldn’t commit to my super heavy cameras and multiple film rolls over a mirrorless camera and a few slim SD cards. When I get my scans back from the lab, I see a genuine difference, something I don’t get when shooting digital. So I will continue to lift weights (my camera bags) to go for that unique look.<\/p>

Do you still pack film cameras when you travel? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.<\/p>