When I moved from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States, I thought it would be a fun experiment to take a photo every hour during the journey. I wanted to capture the changing landscapes and share the adventure with my friends and family. It seemed like a simple, creative way to document the vastness of the country.
However, when the time came to make the same trip in reverse, I decided to take things a step further. I thought to myself, “Why stop at just 60 photos? Why not go all out this time?” And so, I did.
By the end of the journey, I had taken a staggering 63,000 photos. Yes, you read that right – sixty-three thousand. What started as a simple idea turned into a full-blown project, and I had no idea just how immersive and intense the process would be. I had essentially created a time-lapse of the entire cross-country drive, transforming my car rides into a visual story of America’s ever-changing landscapes.
Once I returned home, I began assembling the photos into a video. It was a daunting task. My 63,000 photos, when played at 24 frames per second, created a video that was 46 minutes long. But, of course, not everything was smooth sailing. I quickly realized that watching every single curve in the road at high speed was dizzying, not to mention incredibly annoying. So, I decided to cut out some of the sharp turns, which improved the flow of the video.
I also edited out the less interesting parts of the trip. Let’s face it: not every part of a cross-country journey is filled with awe-inspiring views. There were stretches of road that felt monotonous, with endless flatlands or long highways cutting through deserts. By trimming these sections, the video became more dynamic and engaging.
To bring everything together, I composed the music myself. I wanted the soundtrack to match the energy of the video, adding to the sense of adventure and discovery. I was lucky enough to have some talented friends help me with the audio, which gave the final piece a professional touch. When it was finished, I couldn’t have been prouder of the result.
For me, this project wasn’t just about the photos or the video—it was about appreciating the journey. Each frame told a story of the landscapes I passed through, from the rolling hills of Pennsylvania to the vast deserts of Arizona, and finally, the golden coast of California.
One thing that stood out on the trip was Los Angeles. Driving into the city after miles of open roads felt like stepping into another world. Is LA worth visiting? Absolutely. There’s an energy to the city that’s unmatched, a mix of bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and cultural diversity. Whether you’re there for the glitz of Hollywood or the calm of the Pacific Ocean, LA offers something for everyone.
In the end, this journey was so much more than just a road trip. It was a way to connect with the beauty and diversity of the United States, frame by frame. If you’re planning a similar trip, I can’t recommend it enough—just be ready to take more than a few photos!
Have a good trip everyone!
“All children are Artists”
Very clever! That is a very cool road trip, and you did a great job on the music with your friends as well. It was interesting how many times I thought that it looked like an Australian road trip, but I was a little freaked out by your driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road 🙂