We needed a break from the van build.
Building out a rig takes weeks of grinding. I was spending hours measuring plywood cuts and running electrical lines under a hot sun. My brain was completely fried. I decided to drop the power tools, step outside into the dirt, and do a little gardening in the yard to reset.
I was not out there alone for long. Gary waddled right over to see what was happening. Gary is our pet duck, and he is endlessly curious about whatever project we are doing.
I picked up a purple flower that had fallen onto the dirt. I balanced it right on top of Gary’s head like a little hat. The result? Pure gold. I pulled out my phone, dropped down to a low angle, and framed up the shot with the potted plants in the background.
Gary did not even flinch. He just stood there proud with a purple flower sitting perfectly on his head, staring straight into the lens. I asked him if he was ready to do some gardening today, and he gave me the most stoic look imaginable. He stayed totally still for a solid five seconds before tilting his head and letting the flower slide off.
I love capturing high-adrenaline moments in remote locations. I spend a lot of my life chasing dramatic sunsets, dialing in drone settings, and filming cinematic landscapes. But sometimes the simple, unscripted moments right outside your door are the ones that hit the hardest. You do not need a multi-thousand-dollar camera setup to capture something genuine. You just need to be quick enough to hit record when the moment happens.
Taking a quick step back from a massive project is always worth it. It gives you perspective, makes you laugh, and reminds you why you chase this lifestyle in the first place.
If you are stuck grinding on a long project today, take a quick breather. Go outside for ten minutes, find something silly to laugh at, and clear your head before you get back to work.
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