Was Visiting Norway a Mistake?

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Sometimes you don't walk away with what you expect. My trip to Norway was a lot harder than anything I expected, but was mostly caused by my own pressures that I set for myself. We all see the successes of those around us without seeing much of the struggles, and this trip was just that. 5 days of uninspiring conditions yet a completely breathtaking location causes quite the mental struggle for oneself.
I'd love to know if you've experienced similar struggle or feelings on your own journey
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[@YanickCoderreSaxophone]

Incredible shots of the sunrise man! Thanks for sharing

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidniemela6605]

Excellent video Alex, stunning footage of the area, along with the music.

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks David!

[@adamjohanknecht5460]

I loved this video and your honesty about the struggles that we all run into! I can relate to being in a great location and not feeling like there's a shot anywhere around you.

[@AlexArmitage]

Im sure there were shots. I just couldn't see them at the time!

[@richardowens3415]

Brilliant video, it's the battle we are all fighting. I'd also like to commend you on your music choices, consistently excellent!

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks! I spend a lot more time than you'd imagine sifting through music

[@richardowens3415]

@@AlexArmitage As a video editor by trade, totally relate!

[@whitenbald]

Love your videos man :) I like watching your journey. You are certainly not a failure. I look at your photos and your trips and it looks like a dream! Don't force yourself to enjoy every moment. Sometimes you just don't. Appreciate things when you can, and be compassionate to yourself always :)

[@AlexArmitage]

Thank you!

[@whitenbald]

Something I've learnt recently is that not only do I put a lot of pressure on myself, but I also put pressure on myself to not put pressure on myself! So, take it easy on you! Give yourself a break :)

[@markheatherington8367]

Thanks Alex for reminding me how easy it is to think my work is crap when I'm constantly comparing it to archives of everyone's best work know as the web.

[@AlexArmitage]

A constant battle with our own work!

[@craigmantle5362]

Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to create images dude. We all know how hard it can be! I know personally I’m here for your story telling and to see more our beautiful planet through your eyes. Glad to see you’re back out exploring the landscape!

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks Craig :) We are all our own worst critics

[@craigmantle5362]

@@AlexArmitage No problem! I can definitely see how this trip might have felt like a waste of time and money if you didn’t come away with the aurora borealis photo you pre visualized but you got some pretty nice images still and grew as a photographer. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take right? Hopefully you will have better luck next time.

[@justinbrown7908]

Well stated. Also, your story telling has seriously leveled up, nice job.

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks Justin :) Maybe more narrations in the future?

[@markgoodchild998]

Your content continues to be a huge inspiration, Alex! It's definitely true that we don't always find inspiration in stunning locations or situations, but, in retrospect, we can till we learn and improve. When we realise that, we grow. Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts and inspiring attitude. Lovely shots BTW. Keep up the good work, sir!

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks so much Mark :) I agree with you!

[@JamesParkerPhotography]

I feel you Alex. Really do.

[@raewebb6365]

This vid inspired me Alex. You DID get some very pleasing images. I’m in WNY and clouds are so prominent…..I’ve literally been sitting on the couch for a week because I’m so uninspired….I’m going to drag myself out to see what I can find.

[@AlexArmitage]

What did you end up capturing?!

[@michaelreiningmedia]

Great video, Alex. Two thoughts. First, image #2. A few shots earlier and that mountain was lit so it looked like a Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer. Very cool. 😎. Second I love the way you can put yourself (mentally) into a better perspective. When we get hyper focused on That. One. Image. And we fail to get it. We didn't fail. I have to keep reminding myself that photography is not only about that one amazing portfolio image. It's about getting out. Exploring. Allowing ourselves to see the awesome even if there is no "composition". It's about sharing time with other photographers too. Or just reveling in the vastness of it all when we're alone. I'm glad you were able to share all that and know, even though you didn't get "that shot" your journey was still a success.

[@AlexArmitage]

The journey is never about the capturing the perfect image. It's about the adventure! I totally agree with you

[@highwildplacesphotography]

Excellent video. The drone shots with music at the opener literally choked me up drinking coffee at 0600. And I definitely feel your pain regarding weather challenges...I spent two weeks in Iceland in March of 2022, and probably only had good light on three days. Lots of sideways snow, fog, and rain...one night I had to rent a cabin, because the wind was blowing so hard, that there was no way to sleep in the camper-van I had rented. But I did get to see and shoot the Northern Lights one evening, and got a few other shots along the way. All part of the risks we take with weather, to find those dramatic scenes and skies. Keep up the good work.

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks so much. That morning was definitely gorgeous!

[@bertreket6666]

Thanks for this, Alex, and the reminder that it's OK to come away without any shots in the bag on every outing. Personally, when I see photographers on KZbin ( including yourself) and the amazing images they always seem to get, it's easy to forget all the hard work, the misses, the early mornings and late days, etc. that went into getting a portfolio worthy shot. Thanks for your honesty to give folks like me some perspective again! Cheers!

[@AlexArmitage]

Always. Thank you :)

[@dyspatcher]

Truth! Great video with an important message 🙌🏼

[@AlexArmitage]

Thank you 🙌

[@prenticeshalamar4706]

Excellent commentary at the end. I feel like that sometimes.

[@Dave-zz9fk]

Hey Alex, another wonderful video. You are such a compelling story teller. Related to one of things you mentioned, one of reasons I love your calendar so much is those little QR cards for each image, that takes me to the video of how you took the image.

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks so much Dave and thanks for the continued support!

[@abandonedwest]

Every so often, Alex, among all the amazing photographs you share with us, you plumb some of the the most difficult corners of the creative process, and in a way that is instantly relatable, and emotionally centered to the point of drawing a lump in my throat. Imposter syndrome, and the challenge of living up to the unrealistic demands we put on ourselves due to the maddening human need to compare our output to others, is so efficient in its ability to demoralize and distract. There hasn't been a day in my professional life as a designer where I haven't struggled with that voice, "who am I fooling, I'm not good at this." At those moments, all I have to lean on is my process. The steps I follow to see and to experience, and to pay attention less to what I create and more the joy of the path that took me there, and the privilege of being able to spend my days walking it. You are doing such good for all of us by not being afraid to voice these ideas, Alex. Thank you! (and stunning images, as always!) 🌈

[@AlexArmitage]

You said it must better than I ever could. Thanks Andrew!

[@randyschwager2515]

RELAX…You video was awesome! Just being there is a sign of you success! What a beautiful place that you shared with all of us! Your videos are extremely well produced! Please keep them coming. And thanks for taking me along!

[@AlexArmitage]

Very relaxed! Thanks as always Randy :)

[@picklebird1261]

Ah, yes: the travel weather roulette! We spent 3-4 wks on a trip in Africa to photograph birds and mammals and had gray, overcast, rainy skies that followed us from camp to camp--what a demoralizing trip that was! We've been very lucky in our travels to have won more times than we have lost on the weather side of things but it's still a real bummer for the frustration and time, money, and opportunity lost when you hit a stretch of bad weather after traveling half way around the world. But as you point out, you still pulled some gorgeous pictures out of the trip though not as many or of the type you wanted. Your pictures and video are still wonderful.

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks so much. I think the biggest lesson is to try and approach every invested trip as the experience rather than the end result.

[@jimbruton9482]

Alex, expectations VS reality oftentimes do not overlap. I can't count how many times I hoped and expected to capture an image to realize it wasn't there despite my hopes. Your trip was worth the time and expense because it allowed you to see nature as it is not what you expected it to be. The images you did capture in this environment were very good, and your drone images were outstanding! Keep shooting and don't forget to turn around from time to time as you may be surprised as to what you might see!

[@AlexArmitage]

Absolutely. While my title/thumbnail might give the impression I regret the trip, that isn't it at all. I'd do it again - maybe with a little less snow :P

[@richardbellomy5607]

Excellent lesson Alex....we all as photographers have those moments!

[@timshields8720]

Someone once said one time someplace unknown to no one in particular "it's not about the end result, it's about the journey"

[@AlexArmitage]

Of course. But finding happiness in your work is important too!

[@eckpolmick5080]

Snow in Norway? How can that be, totally surprised.

[@Ovb1.M]

As a Norwegian girl i think norway is pretty worth to go to norway to Geilo and Bergen in the winter time cuz you could go on slalom wich is skiing but its only hills

[@AlexArmitage]

I don't Ski!

[@lindaspenard3298]

Good morning Alex 🌈 While nature didn't cooperate for you to get northern lights photos, you were able to get some really great photos. Especially the one with the water on the rocks. You are not an imposter! You are able to pivot and find beauty even though the conditions are disappointing. You Rock!

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks Linda :)

[@KevinMullett]

I feel this, hard. The added pressure of time spent away from work and family, as well as the feeling that you must get something worthy because of all the money spent on gear and travel can be burdensome. I took a 20 day trip out West one year and took a ton of shots I knew were crap, simply because I felt like I just had to be shooting, as if that would justify going.

[@AlexArmitage]

I've been there Kevin. I felt I was taking photos in some cases when I didn't need to be just because. I felt that way on those rocks, but instead just enjoyed the nature around me instead of just trying to take something because I'm there.

[@Popa_Bogdan_Light_Drawing]

thanks alex

[@gautearefjord]

Well, going to the Arctic is not going to be nice weather all the time. It's the same in Alaska...

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

I thought the photos and conditions looked great 👍Wise words in the end of the video

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks! Maybe I should have filmed more of the snow :) Haha

[@Moriningland]

I go to Norway in the fall. Can still see the northern lights and I car camp every night and save a fortune on lodging

[@AlexArmitage]

Lodging wasn't all that bad. It was the rental car that killed me lol

[@timshields8720]

Have you been watching AOWS videos recently?

[@AlexArmitage]

Never heard of it!

[@elijones9830]

🔥🔥

[@zakolompe5659]

Well you visited in the winter which is the worst time to visit the country

[@doxfie.]

0:51 Lufthansa 😯 sprichst du eigentlich deutsch?

[@PB4U]

ich nehme an er flog mit Zwischenstopp Frankfurt.

[@AlexArmitage]

I don't exactly know what this says but based on the comment below. Yes flying from frankfurt to Tromso

[@s.brehmer3511]

Love Norway but so expensive for us from Sweden. Come to Sweden but in the summer. So much nature and you can go where ever you want “allemansrätten” unique rights to nature. Nature is about life not photos to please consumers an inner journey. Be kind to yourself.

[@AlexArmitage]

I don't disagree! But striving to improve my work is the challenge and it just happens to be in nature.