Welcome to our blog post, where we take you behind the scenes of our adventurous lives on the road. In this YouTube video titled "A Look Behind the Lens," we share our experiences and stories as we embarked on a journey of a lifetime. I’m Nikki Wynn, and I’m Jason Wynn, and together we sold everything we had, packed up our two cats, bought an RV, and set off to explore the world.
For me, traveling started with my job as a makeup artist, initially skiing and camping with my family, and later, traveling internationally through work. As a photographer, Jason had the opportunity to travel extensively across North America and Europe. It was through our respective professions that we discovered our shared love for travel, and even became travel companions on certain assignments.
Couples travel may not be for everyone, but for us, it works. We’ve learned that compromise is key, whether it’s accompanying each other to places we aren’t particularly interested in or exploring activities that may not be our first choice. Happy wife, happy home, as they say.
Leaving behind our small business wasn’t easy, especially saying goodbye to our clients who had become friends. But the allure of the unknown and the excitement of a nomadic lifestyle were too strong to resist. As a makeup artist, the challenge of finding clients on the road and adapting to different locations has been a unique experience.
For Jason, the transition from photographer to filmmaker was a natural one. The skills of lighting, composition, and capturing emotion are just as important in both fields. And with advanced technology, it’s easier than ever to switch between photography and HD video.
Our cats even join us on our adventures, with one of them, Singha, exploring the trails on a leash. It’s always interesting when people see us walking our cat, and we can’t help but wonder what they’re thinking.
In this blog post, we dive deeper into the topics covered in the YouTube video, sharing our thoughts, stories, and tips for traveling together. So join us as we unravel our journey behind the lens, and hopefully inspire you to embark on your own adventures.
Aspects Discussed:
In this post, we delve into the various aspects of our journey behind the lens. From our initial motivations for travel to the unique challenges of being a makeup artist on the road, we share our experiences and insights.
Firstly, we discuss how our individual careers as a makeup artist and a photographer played a pivotal role in igniting our passion for travel. Through our respective professions, we were fortunate enough to explore different corners of North America and Europe. The exposure to diverse cultures and landscapes fueled our desire to see even more of the world. We highlight how our shared love for adventure and compatibility as travel companions played a significant role in our decision to embark on this journey together.
We also touch on the difficulties we faced when transitioning from our previous careers to our current roles as filmmakers. The shift from photography to filmmaking required a seamless adjustment in terms of lighting, composition, and overall aesthetic. However, we emphasize that the fundamentals remained the same, allowing for a smooth transition. We also highlight the importance of dedicating substantial time to working behind a computer screen, be it for editing photos or videos, emphasizing the need to take breaks and maintain physical fitness.
Furthermore, we share our unique experiences of traveling with our two cats. While one of them walks well off-leash, the other requires a leash for safety purposes. We discuss the challenges and rewards of taking our feline companions on hiking trails and the curious reactions of people we meet along the way. We also touch on the practicalities of carrying out our individual professions while on the move, such as consulting and trend reporting for the makeup artist and the ease of switching between photography and filmmaking with a single camera.
Throughout this post, we offer a glimpse into the intricacies of our nomadic lifestyle as photographers turned filmmakers. From bidding farewell to established businesses and clients to adapting to the ever-changing locations, we hope to provide a unique perspective on the behind-the-scenes experiences that shape our adventurous journey.
1. Transitioning from Makeup Artist and Photographer to Full-Time Travelers
In our post, "A Look Behind the Lens," we wanted to share our journey of transitioning from being makeup artists and photographers to becoming full-time travelers. Our adventure began when we decided to sell all of our belongings, including our two cats, and hit the road in an RV in search of excitement and new experiences.
Nikki initially started traveling through her job as a makeup artist, where she had the opportunity to travel both nationally and internationally. On the other hand, as a photographer, Jason had the chance to explore various locations in North America and Europe. Traveling through work ignited a strong desire within us to continue exploring the world.
One of the perks of our professions was that sometimes we were able to work together on location, and we quickly realized that we made great travel companions. It’s important to maintain a professional attitude while working, of course, but being able to spend every waking minute together helped us form a strong bond. We’ve learned that couples travel can work for anyone as long as you’re willing to compromise and find a balance between each other’s interests. For example, Nikki might tag along on a shopping trip, while Jason might join her on a mountain biking adventure. It’s all about give and take.
Leaving our small business and saying goodbye to our clients was undoubtedly difficult. Closing the door to the studio meant leaving behind not only a source of income but also our friends and family. We deeply valued the relationships we had built with our clients over the years, and saying goodbye was the hardest part of giving up our permanent address. As a makeup artist on the road, it can be challenging not having a set location, but Nikki manages her business by offering consulting and trend reports. She’s also become her own "blank canvas" and occasionally cuts her own hair—although she doesn’t recommend this for everyone!
Transitioning from photography to filmmaking wasn’t a huge leap for Jason. The principles of lighting, composition, and creating a particular atmosphere remained constant, and he even continued to use the same camera for both mediums. With a simple click of a button, he could switch from capturing photographs to recording HD video. However, it’s important to mention that spending hours in front of a computer is a common reality for both photographers and filmmakers, so regular exercise is crucial.
And, of course, we can’t forget about our furry friends. While our two cats are well-trained and comfortable walking off-leash, we generally keep Singha on a leash while exploring trails, especially in state or national parks where it’s required. Taking our cat for a walk often draws attention from curious onlookers, many of whom approach us with questions. Despite our friendly interactions with others, we sometimes can’t help but wonder if they find our hiking adventures with a cat amusing.
In "A Look Behind the Lens," we hope to provide a glimpse into our unconventional journey from makeup artists and photographers to full-time travelers. It hasn’t always been easy, but the countless adventures and the freedom to explore new horizons have made every sacrifice worth it. Stay tuned for more stories and insights from our nomadic lifestyle!
2. The Challenges and Rewards of Traveling as a Couple
A Look Behind the Lens
Traveling as a couple can be both challenging and rewarding. For us, it all started with our love for adventure and the desire to explore new places. Nikki’s job as a makeup artist and my work as a photographer allowed us to travel extensively, both internationally and within the US. These initial experiences gave us a taste of the travel bug, and we were soon hooked on the idea of exploring even more.
One of the key aspects of successful couples travel is finding a balance between individual preferences. We quickly learned that compromise is essential. Nikki may drag me along to the mall for some shopping, but in return, I would join her on mountain bike trails. It’s all about finding a give and take that works for both partners. And of course, it helps if you’re comfortable spending every waking minute with your partner.
As we embarked on this new chapter of our lives, we had to say goodbye to our permanent address and close the doors to our studio. While giving up my business wasn’t easy, the hardest part was leaving behind our friends and family. However, we knew that this new journey would bring its own set of challenges, particularly for Nikki as a makeup artist. Nonetheless, she found ways to continue her passion by providing consulting services and trend reports. As a filmmaker, I had a smooth transition from photography. With the same camera, I could easily switch from capturing moments in photos to recording HD videos.
But it’s not all work and no play on our travels. We love taking our cats along on trails whenever it’s allowed. While both cats are comfortable walking off leash, Singha is the one who joins us on a leash. It’s a great experience, although we sometimes wonder what others think when they see us walking a cat. Nonetheless, we’ve found that it’s a great conversation starter, and we’ve met some incredibly friendly people along the way.
In conclusion, traveling as a couple has its challenges, but the rewards are worth it. It’s all about finding that perfect balance, compromising, and embracing the adventure together. We may have given up our permanent address and the familiarity of our old lives, but the experiences and memories we’ve gained have made it all worth it. So, if you’re willing to spend every waking minute with your partner and embark on this incredible journey, couples travel can truly work for anyone. Just remember, happy wife, happy home!
3. Managing a Small Business While Traveling
In , we have faced various challenges and made interesting discoveries along the way. Our journey began when we sold all our belongings, packed up our two cats, and hit the road in search of adventure. Traveling through work as a makeup artist and photographer gave us the opportunity to explore different parts of the world and ignited our passion for travel even more.
As a couple traveling together, we have found that good communication and compromise are essential. We have learned to balance our individual interests, with one person accompanying the other on their activities. For instance, I might drag Jason along to the mall for some shopping, while he takes me on exhilarating mountain bike trails. This give-and-take relationship has been the key to our successful partnership on the road.
Giving up our permanent address and saying goodbye to our friends and family was undoubtedly the hardest part of leaving behind our small business. Our clients became more than just customers; they were our friends. However, we have adapted and found alternative ways to continue our careers while traveling. I have taken up consulting and trend reporting, while Jason has seamlessly transitioned from being a photographer to a filmmaker. The skills required for both professions overlap, making the transition relatively smooth. With a simple click of a button on our camera, we can switch from capturing breathtaking photos to shooting high-definition videos.
In addition to managing our business on the road, we have also discovered the joys of traveling with our cats. While one of our feline companions, Singha, walks on a leash, the other cats have surprised us by walking off-leash. We often take them with us on trails, as permitted in state and national parks. This has not only created unique experiences for us but has also sparked curiosity among fellow travelers who approach us with questions and friendly conversation.
requires dedication, creativity, and adaptability. It may have its challenges, but the rewards of exploring new places and forging unforgettable experiences make it all worthwhile. Through this journey, we have grown not only as business partners but also as travel companions and individuals, constantly embracing the unknown and savoring the adventures that lie ahead.
4. Tips for Filmmaking and Photography on the Road
In the world of filmmaking and photography, capturing stunning visuals on the road requires a combination of skill, creativity, and adaptability. As experienced adventurers, Nikki and Jason Wynn share their insights on how to make the most out of your travel photography and filmmaking experiences.
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Embrace the Freedom: When you’re constantly on the move, it’s essential to stay light and flexible. Be prepared to adjust your plans and mindset to capture those unexpected, authentic moments. Let the journey guide you and inspire your creativity.
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Get Creative with Gear: Limited space shouldn’t limit your creativity. Invest in versatile equipment that suits both filmmaking and photography needs. With the right tools and a single click, you can seamlessly switch from capturing crisp images to shooting high-definition videos on the go.
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Connect with Nature: Nature offers a plethora of breathtaking scenes waiting to be captured. Take advantage of your surroundings and explore state and national parks, where you can capture awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife. Just remember to respect park rules, keep your furry friends on a leash, and be friendly to fellow adventurers.
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Master the Art of Compromise: Traveling with a partner requires teamwork and compromise. Balance your shared interests and make time for each other’s passions. Whether it’s exploring the local shops or hitting the mountain bike trails, finding a middle ground will keep the adventure exciting for both of you.
- Stay Connected, Stay Creative: While on the road, maintaining connections and pursuing additional creative ventures can keep you inspired and financially stable. Consider offering consulting services, collaborating with other creatives, or creating trend reports to keep your creative juices flowing and your wallet happy.
Remember, filmmaking and photography on the road is more than simply capturing images. It’s about embracing the journey, pushing your creative boundaries, and preserving memories that will last a lifetime. So grab your camera, hit the road, and let your unique perspective shape the stories you tell through your lens. In this captivating YouTube video titled "A Look Behind the Lens," Nikki Wynn and Jason Wynn take us on a mesmerizing journey through their adventurous lives. From selling all their belongings and setting out on the road in an RV with their two cats, to traveling the world as a makeup artist and photographer, their story is one of passion, companionship, and the pursuit of new experiences.
Nikki shares how her love for travel was sparked by her work as a makeup artist, accompanied by family ski trips and camping adventures. Jason, being a photographer, had the incredible opportunity to travel extensively across North America and Europe, igniting his wanderlust even further. Together, they discovered that they make great travel companions, both personally and professionally, always maintaining a balance between work and play.
They reassure us that couples travel can work for anyone, as long as you enjoy spending every moment with your partner. Their relationship is built on compromise, with both of them indulging in each other’s interests and desires. Whether it’s a shopping spree for Nikki or hitting the mountain bike trails with Jason, they find a way to make it work, creating a harmonious give and take.
Leaving behind their business was not an easy decision, as it meant bidding farewell to not just their clients but also their friends and family. Giving up a permanent address was a challenge, but Nikki’s clients were like an extended family to her. She admits that being a makeup artist on the road can be tricky, but she manages to adapt and even offers some advice on cutting your own hair (although she doesn’t recommend it for everyone!).
As a photographer turned filmmaker, Jason seamlessly transitioned from capturing moments in still images to weaving stories through motion pictures. The fundamentals of lighting, composition, and atmosphere remain constant, only now he has a new canvas to express his creativity. Both photography and filmmaking require long hours in front of a computer, reminding us to never neglect our "butt exercise" while indulging in our artistic passions.
Their love for adventure extends to their furry companions as well. While their cats are well-trained and walk off-leash for the most part, Singha is their trusty companion on the trails, always leashed when required. The sight of Nikki and Jason walking their cat draws attention and curiosity from others, sparking friendly conversations and raising a few smiles.
As we conclude this mesmerizing journey behind the lens, Nikki and Jason remind us of the laughter, challenges, and joys that come with embracing a life of adventure. They inspire us to follow our passions, build strong relationships, and create memories that last a lifetime. So, wherever life takes you, remember to chase your dreams, explore the unknown, and capture the beauty that lies both behind and in front of the lens.
