NYC based pilot and blogger, Scott J.

My mom used to say, “Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” And while it’s rare to find experiences that are more meaningful and purpose-giving than making a difference in the lives of others, even more rare is the opportunity to pair doing something you love that also has meaningful purpose. The Habitat for Humanity build here in Chiang Mai is the epitome of both. Yes, our build site feels like it’s ten degrees from the center of the sun, and humidity is our constant partner, but we’re sustained by the joy and satisfaction we’re witnessing as a community grows from the ground up in mere days.

Our third day on the project was decidedly less hot and humid than the previous ones—a quite welcomed break. The first two days spent laying brick and mortar today gave way to working with steel, as we placed each metal truss that will become the roof.

The work was sometimes tedious but highly rewarding. This was the third day in a row I’ve felt the communal pride that’s formed as strangers with little knowledge of each others language unite as friends and coworkers in common purpose.

The Thai people we’ve met are of remarkable and uncommon humility and graciousness, and we all know the families are pleased with our work and progress. The Delta teams’ houses are taking shape much as the rest of the homes in the village are, albeit at a slightly faster pace than the majority. Tomorrow the shelter will be evident, and as this community of concrete, bricks and steel take shape into livable personal spaces, you witness sweat equity bringing tears to the eyes of the families—and our teams.

An anecdotal note: Thai chili peppers completely live up to their reputation! The food we’ve had on this trip has been delicious and flavorful—making Thailand worth a trip, from top to bottom, just for the love of amazing food.

Scott J., NYC based pilot

There’s no better way to remember a favorite vacation than through pictures. When I travel, I know that it may be a rare opportunity to capture the places and memories on my vacation – so I want the pictures I take to be the best they can be. Plus what is it about a photograph that can take you back to that long-gone vacation in an instant and feel like you’re back there at that spot?! That feeling is worth taking the time to learn more about photography.

My loves include travel and photography. I just recently finished taking a photography composition class here in Atlanta and wanted to share some of the tips and basic rules that I learned to all of our travel pictures that much better!

First, think about your light.

Is the light casting a cool reflection on the ocean? Are you seeing a light-studded landmark at night? Light almost always makes or breaks a good photograph. Common knowledge is that you’ll get the best shots while the sun is low in the sky (at sunrise/morning and at sunset). If you want to include some loved ones in the shot, the warm glow of the sun at sunset is especially flattering. In general, you’ll get harsh shadows during noon or when the sun is high in the sky. If you insist and can’t miss the moment, turn the flash on to brighten up shadowy areas and make the subject the pop in the frame.

Get closer.

Get physically closer to the subject, zoom in, or use a macro lens or setting. Showing too much information in a photograph can be distracting and often unnecessary. What are you trying to focus on? Get in there! Less is more! Find those details because sometimes the best shots are the most simple.

Frame your subject.

The rules of good composition make pictures better because they tell the viewer what we want them to see. One way of doing this is to use elements to act as a frame or border around your subject and tell the viewer what to look at. Taking a beautiful cliff-side shot of the view? Allowing a tree branch to hang over the top and sides of your photo helps frame the view and brings the viewer deeper into the scene. Want to grab a shot of a unique view out your hotel window? If it’s interesting, take a step back and let the window literally frame your view out. Get creative. Almost anything—like people, gates, people, even shoulders can help frame a scene.

Change your perspective.

Find an unusual vantage point. Whether it’s shooting from the top of a building down or getting low, find a new and surprising way to look at a traditional scene. We’ve all seen the same pictures of our favorite landmarks around the world. Can you find a new way to depict that beautiful and recognizable place?

Share your favorite travel picture with us! Let us know what other tips you have for great composition. I’ll be back with more tips soon.

Happy Shooting!

Jen Miller

Hi, I’m Dell Weingarten and I am one of three Americans to be selected on the first USA team to complete in the Polar Challenge, a race to the 1996 Magnetic North Pole this April.  I entered a contest in Wired Magazine and through a selection process was picked as one of three Americans to participate.

I have worked for Northwest Airlines (now Delta Air Lines) for 25+ years, 20+ with perfect attendance, 18 years on the ramp in Minneapolis/St. Paul, working in subzero weather, snow storms and blizzards. Now that I look back on it, it was part of my training to do this race.

My team mates are Zach Violet from Bend, Oregon and Ellen Piangerelli of Providence, Rhode Island. The three of us will be representing the USA. We will have to take off approximately six weeks from work to train and complete the race. Representing the USA in a race of this caliber is an honor.

I will keep you updated with stories of training, sponsorships, charities etc. Follow us here at the Delta Blog as we train for this adventure of a lifetime.

Dell
Airport Operations