BACK ROADS LENS
Take the Road Less Traveled
> Scenic Roads
> Hidden Places
> Wildlife
> Photography
> Stories Worth Slowing Down For
Travel isn’t about checking places off a list.
It’s about taking the long way
Following a road simply because you’ve never been before.
Pulling over when the light is right.
Discovering a small town you weren’t looking for.
Watching wildlife in the wild.
And finding the stories that live between the destinations.
Welcome to Back Roads Lens
Are You a Traveler or a Vacationer?
There's a difference.
A vacationer follows the itinerary.
A traveler follows the road.
A vacationer looks for the highlights.
A traveler notices the weathered barn, the quiet overlook, the old storefront, the mountain road disappearing around the bend.
A vacationer asks, “How much can I see?”
A traveler asks, “What might I discover if I slow down?
Back Roads Lens is for the traveler
This is a place for people who would rather take the scenic route than rush to the destination. For those who find beauty in unexpected places and believe some of the best travel experiences aren't found on a checklist.
They're found along the way.
Read: Are You a Traveler or a Vacationer?
MOMENTS FROM THE ROAD
Sometimes a photograph tells the story better than words.
A weathered barn beneath a Wyoming sky.
A mountain road disappearing into the trees.
Storm clouds gathering over the Smokies.
A covered bridge in Vermont.
A quiet stretch of coastline.
An eagle reflected perfectly in still water.
The colors of an Alaskan landscape.
The unexpected beauty of a place you almost drove past.
These are the moments I look for with my camera.
Not just the famous views, but the small details, fleeting light and unexpected encounters that make a journey memorable.
EXPLORE BACK ROADS LENS
There are many ways to explore.
Choose a road. Find a wild place. Discover a new destination. Or learn how to tell your own travel stories through photography.
Go beyond the typical tourist stops.
Discover national parks, scenic destinations, small towns, historic places and hidden landscapes—with an emphasis on the places and experiences that make the journey worthwhile.
Sometimes the road is the destination.
Follow scenic byways, back roads and memorable routes where the drive itself becomes part of the adventure.
Find roads worth taking slowly, places worth stopping for and journeys worth remembering.
You never know what you’ll find around the next bend.
From birds and mammals to unforgettable encounters in the wild, these stories celebrate the animals, places and moments that make wildlife photography so rewarding.
Along the way, you’ll also find lessons about patience, observation and photographing wildlife responsibly.
Travel photography isn’t just about having the right camera. It’s about learning to see.
Discover practical lessons in composition, perspective, light, exposure, storytelling, wildlife photography and the creative decisions that turn a snapshot into a meaningful photograph.
These are lessons learned on the road and behind the lens.
LATEST FROM THE ROAD
New stories, destinations and photography from Back Roads Lens
The journey never really ends.
As I explore new roads and revisit familiar ones, I’ll continue sharing the places I discover, the stories behind them, the wildlife I encounter and the photography lessons each journey teaches me. Click to read.
Exploring Tarpon Springs, Florida Travel Guide – A Greek Harbor Full of History, Flavor, and Photographic Charm
Tarpon Springs may sit on Florida’s Gulf Coast, but it feels like a world away — a place where Greek heritage, sponge diving, and waterfront charm blend into one colorful story. From biking in along the Pinellas Trail to photographing the historic docks and tasting authentic Greek food, this small town invites you to slow down, explore, and savor every moment.
Choosing the Right Camera Bag for the Road
Choosing the right camera bag can make or break a travel day. From compact slings to rugged backpacks and weekender setups, I share what really works on the road — the bags I trust, how I pack them, and the little details that make long travel days easier and more creative.
Photographing Youth Baseball: Capturing Action, Emotion and Story
Photographing youth baseball is about more than freezing the perfect pitch or swing. Learn how to capture action, emotion, relationships and the quieter moments that turn a collection of sports photographs into a story.
A Week at Cooperstown Dreams Park: So Much More Than Baseball
A week at Cooperstown Dreams Park is about far more than baseball. Through a grandmother’s eyes, it’s a story of friendship, independence, teamwork, resilience and the memories young players carry long after the final out.
START HERE
Not sure where to begin?
Start with the stories that capture what Back Roads Lens is all about.
FINDING THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
How do you find places that aren’t already on every travel list?
It starts with curiosity, a willingness to wander and an appreciation for what lies beyond the obvious.
THE ROAD BECOMES THE DESTINATION
Some of the most memorable travel experiences aren’t waiting at the end of the road.
They’re happening along the way.
Discover why scenic drives, back roads and unexpected stops can become the highlights of a journey.
FINDING THE WILD CLOSE TO HOME
You don’t always have to travel hundreds of miles to experience something wild.
Sometimes you simply have to slow down and pay attention.
MASTERING COMPOSITION ON THE ROAD
Great travel photography begins before you press the shutter
Learn how paying attention to composition, perspective and the way you see a scene can transform your photographs.
WHERE WILL THE ROAD TAKE YOU?
America is full of roads worth exploring.
Some lead to spectacular landscapes.
Some wind through mountains.
Some pass through towns that time seems to have forgotten.
And some lead somewhere you never expected to go.
EXPLORE BY REGION
Hi, I’m Debbi—photographer, road tripper, and storyteller behind Back Roads Lens. I’ve spent years exploring America’s back roads, searching for the quiet places, the wild moments, and the stories that often go unnoticed. This site is where I share those journeys—and help you discover your own.
Join me on the road - no spam, just stories, photography tips, and places worth discovering.
Join the Journey:
I. Misty Ridges
III. Coastal Whispers
II. Desert Horizons
