New Zealand Travel Story on 35mm by Sophie Jourdain

Today, we’re featuring a New Zealand travel story from France based photographer Sophie Jourdain. Sophie used her 35mm Canon A-1 to capture the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. Here’s more from Sophie about how she overcame her fears to live a life full of travel and adventure…

I’ve never been what you can call a real “adventurer;” I’ve never been fearless. I used to go on vacation with my parents, always in France, or always nearby. I’ve never been the kind of girl who decides to go on an adventure and leaves everything behind. But two years ago, I decided I would become that girl. I left everything: my job, my apartment, my family, my friends, and I bought a plane ticket to go to Canada. I was petrified. One of my best friends, who shares the same inspirations in life, decided to do the same, but to New Zealand. When we left Paris, I promised her I would come visit, even though I was really scared of flying. Being on a plane for more than 2 hours was a nightmare for me. But I promised. And I wanted to prove to myself that I was able to overcome my worst fears.

I did. I flew to New Zealand, and I visited my friend. We went on a road trip, and I always had my film camera with me. This is when I took these images. On sunny days, rainy days, cold nights, wandering in the streets, hiking the mountains, swimming in cold lakes. I’ve never felt more alive and more proud of myself. I told you I was afraid of heights, I’m also shy, and I always worried about everything. On the last day of this trip, I did a skydive. I literally jumped out of a moving plane. I’ve never thought I’d be able to do such a thing in my life, ever.

This trip was so much more than a trip to me. It showed me how to become a bit more fearless. It taught me how to stop worrying and how to start living. I was meeting my friend, but furthermore, I was finally meeting myself.

Analog cameras and films used: Canon A-1 (Find at KEH Camera or on eBay) | Fujifilm Superia 400 (Find on Amazon)

Connect with Sophie: Website | Instagram

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