My 2017 Travel Photography Journey: When the Lens and Horizon Became My Whole Life

Meta Description: Discover how one traveler turned a career break into a transformative year of travel photography across the Philippines and China. Explore mint-colored seas, snow-capped mountains, and the courage to press pause on life.

Introduction: The Year I Chose Courage Over Comfort

In January 2017, I made a decision that would redefine my entire relationship with travel and photography. After years of corporate routine, I quit my job and returned to Sichuan, China, embracing what many called "recklessness" but what I now recognize as pure courage. This is the story of how the lens and horizon became my whole life—a year-long journey through mint-colored Philippine seas, snow-dusted Chinese mountains, and the rediscovery of friendship and purpose.

For nearly five years, I'd been documenting my travels on Mafengwo, preserving memories in digital amber. But 2017 was different. This wasn't a vacation; it was a complete immersion. My mom called it running away from reality. I called it the most honest year of my life.

January: Escaping Winter to Embrace Tropical Paradise

The Philippines: Mint-Colored Seas and Unforgettable Encounters

Chengdu's January smog was suffocating. When a friend suggested the Philippines, I practically fled. Though only seven days long (constrained by my husband's schedule), this trip became the cornerstone of my 2017 travel photography journey.

Bohol Island – The name alone promised beauty, and the reality exceeded expectations. The seawater here isn't just blue; it's mint-colored—clear, cool, with an ethereal green tint that photographs almost impossibly well. The Chocolate Hills presented a surreal landscape that felt lifted from a fantasy novel. No Harry Potter sightings, but the magic was undeniable.

Oslob – Waking before dawn to chase dolphins felt like a scene from a nature documentary. Watching those creatures arc through the morning light made everything feel possible. Strolling through Oslob's town, I accidentally stumbled upon the most beautiful singing I'd ever heard—a moment that reminded me why travel photography matters.

Sumilon Island – The white sand beach here creates layered water colors: pale green near shore, deepening to cobalt in the distance. Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob left me speechless with excitement. "Hey there, big guy!" I thought, my underwater camera capturing the encounter.

Photography Tip: The Philippines' water clarity makes it ideal for underwater photography, even for non-swimmers. My first underwater shots inspired me to finally learn swimming properly.

Chengdu: Reconnecting with Lost Friends

Returning to Chengdu after twelve years felt strangely lonely. Five years away had scattered my social circle. Rather than wallowing, I reached out—and discovered that friendships, like travel photography, require active engagement.

Xiao Bali – A fellow photography enthusiast and Leo whose energy constantly influenced my Aquarian nature. We've traveled to Northwest China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Yunnan together. Each trip improved our photography skills.

Lyra – A high school classmate whose social media interactions had planted the seeds of reconnection. We spent an afternoon in a tiny café, talking and photographing. "That café you photographed is way too small," a friend later messaged. "Your pictures totally tricked me!" Several friends visited because of those photos—a testament to photography's power to transform ordinary spaces.

February: Snowy Mountains and Red Plum Blossoms

Mount Siguniang: Capturing the First Snow of 2017

Chengdu's winter is cold but snowless. When I heard Mount Siguniang (Four Girls Mountain) was still receiving snowfall, I gathered friends and headed to the mountains.

The scenic area comprises four valleys: Mount Siguniang itself, Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley, and Haizi Valley. We chose Shuangqiao Valley and Changping Valley for photography during the off-season.

Sigu Nacuo Lake became the highlight—a giant mirror reflecting dead trees and green mountains in an ink-wash painting come to life. The sub-zero temperatures were challenging, but a friend's red cloak served double duty: warmth and visual pop against the monochrome landscape.

Hiking Changping Valley required walking or horseback riding through primeval forest. The air felt like a lung detox, and I brought simple Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) for atmospheric portraits.

Chengdu Botanical Garden: Red Plum Blossoms and Old Friends

College photography passion had introduced me to Qiqi, a part-time model who became a close friend. Five years without seeing each other melted away the moment we met.

In March, the Chengdu Botanical Garden's red plum blossoms reached peak bloom. We met for a meal and impromptu photo session. Lately, I'd been obsessed with ancient-style costume photography—a complete amateur at Hanfu photography, but the joy was in the attempt.

The Deeper Meaning: Why Travel Photography Transforms

2017 taught me that travel photography isn't about perfect shots—it's about capturing moments that matter. The anxiety of being "free" (unemployed) was real, but so was the calm of pursuing passion. I was busier than ever: photographing during days, editing at night, writing travelogues few might read. But each image felt like progress.

My camera became an extension of myself—a tool for understanding both the world and my place in it. The lens didn't just capture landscapes; it captured courage, friendship, and the willingness to embrace uncertainty.

FAQ: Travel Photography and Career Breaks

Q1: How do you fund a year-long travel photography trip?

A: I had savings from previous employment and kept expenses minimal by traveling during off-seasons, staying in budget accommodations, and cooking meals. The Philippines trip was only seven days, while domestic Chinese travel was relatively affordable.

Q2: What camera equipment did you use for underwater photography?

A: I used a basic underwater housing for my DSLR. The Philippines' clear water made even entry-level equipment produce decent results. [Link: Best budget underwater camera gear]

Q3: How do you handle anxiety during a career break?

A: The key is staying productive. I treated photography and travelogue writing as full-time work. Structure—even self-imposed—helps combat the "free spirit" anxiety. [Link: Managing travel anxiety while exploring]

Q4: What's the best time to photograph Mount Siguniang?

A: Autumn offers stunning colorful forests, but winter (February) provides snow-capped peaks with fewer crowds. Spring brings wildflowers to the valleys. [Link: Sichuan mountain photography seasons]

Q5: How do you reconnect with friends after years apart?

A: Social media interactions build a foundation. Suggesting a shared activity—like a photo walk or café visit—creates natural reconnection. The photos themselves become conversation starters.

Conclusion: Your Lens Awaits

2017 taught me that life has multiple opening chapters. The year I "played" was actually the year I grew most—as a photographer, as a friend, and as a human being.

If you're standing at a crossroads, wondering whether to press pause on your routine, consider this: the courage to be generous with yourself might lead to your most meaningful year yet. Whether it's mint-colored Philippine seas or snow-capped Sichuan mountains, the horizon is waiting for your lens.

Ready to start your own travel photography journey? Begin with a weekend trip, pack your camera, and document what matters. The memories you capture today become the time machines of tomorrow.

What's stopping you from framing your world? Share your travel photography story in the comments below.

Internal Linking Opportunities: - [Link: Best budget travel cameras for beginners] - [Link: Philippines travel photography guide] - [Link: Sichuan off-season travel tips] - [Link: How to write compelling travelogues] - [Link: Managing career breaks for personal growth]

Word count: 1,487 words | Primary keyword: "travel photography journey" | Secondary keywords: "Philippines travel photography," "Mount Siguniang photography," "career break travel"