Week 23 - The Restless Lens wanders all the way to Mexico. June 3 to June 9

The Restless Lens got so restless that it wandered all the way to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

After months of photographing the same streets, the same neighborhoods, and the same familiar corners of New York City, I felt the need for a change of scenery. Not because I had stopped enjoying photography, but because sometimes the creative batteries need a recharge. A different landscape, different light, different people, and different rhythms can do wonders for a photographer's eye.

Puerto Vallarta delivered.

In just a day and a half, I found myself photographing subjects that rarely cross my path back home: pelicans gliding over the ocean, dogs sprinting across the beach, cats lounging in the shade, silhouettes against spectacular sunsets, and all manner of curious street scenes.

I also found myself experimenting more than usual, chasing reflections, abstractions, minimalist compositions, and a few ideas that probably never would have occurred to me had I stayed in New York.

Travel has a way of doing that. It nudges us out of our routines and encourages us to see more carefully. When everything around you is unfamiliar, your brain pays closer attention.

The result was one of my favorite photo sets of the year so far.

This week's collection includes a little bit of everything: street photography, beach photography, animals, silhouettes, abstracts, and a few images that don't fit neatly into any category at all. More importantly, it reminded me why I love carrying a camera in the first place. The thrill of discovery is still there.

The Restless Lens may have traveled nearly 2,500 miles this week, but the real journey was creative rather than geographic.

I hope you enjoy the photos.