Scenic drives, hidden places, and the art of travel photography.

Hello, I’m Debbi

Travel, for me, isn’t about checking destinations off a list.
It’s about slowing down, taking the back roads, and discovering the stories most people pass by.

Welcome to Back Roads Lens—a travel photography blog where I share scenic drives, quiet places, and the moments that often go unnoticed.

I’m Debbi, the photographer and writer behind the lens. Through my travels, I capture small towns, winding roads, and natural landscapes—places that remind us to pause, look closer, and experience the journey more deeply.

My Story With Photography

My love for photography began early. On family trips, I was always the one behind the camera, trying to capture every detail before the moment disappeared.

What started as curiosity grew into something more—a way of seeing the world. Photography became not just about documenting places, but about telling their stories.

Why I Travel the Back Roads

The most meaningful places aren’t always found along the fastest route.

Back roads lead to quiet towns, unexpected views, and moments you can’t plan. They invite us to slow down, take a breath, and notice what’s around us.

That’s where I feel most at home—with a camera in hand, exploring places that don’t always make the guidebooks.

From Corporate Life to Creative Living

For many years, I worked in a successful corporate career. But over time, I felt the pull toward something different.

I wanted a life that felt more intentional—one centered around travel, nature, and creativity.

Then I made a change—choosing a life that felt more intentional, more connected to the places I was photographing.

Now, my husband and I spend our time exploring scenic routes, national parks, and off-the-beaten-path destinations across the United States. Each trip is an opportunity to slow down, connect with a place, and capture it through both words and photography.

A Moment That Shaped My Journey

One moment that stayed with me was standing at Trillium Lake in Oregon, watching Mount Hood reflect perfectly in still water.

It was quiet. Uncrowded. Almost surreal.

That experience reminded me that the most powerful places aren’t always the most famous—they’re the ones you discover when you take a different road.

What You’ll Find on Back Roads Lens

Here, you’ll find a mix of travel inspiration and practical guidance:

• Travel Guides – Scenic destinations, small towns, and hidden gems across the U.S.
• Scenic Drives & Road Trips – Routes where the journey becomes part of the story
• Travel Photography Tips – Gear, composition, and real-world shooting from the road
• Stories From the Road – Personal experiences that bring each place to life

Who This Blog Is For

Back Roads Lens is for travelers who:

• Choose scenic routes over highways
• Love photography—or want to improve their skills
• Seek quiet places, small towns, and natural landscapes
• Believe the journey matters just as much as the destination

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.If you’re interested in learning more about how I approach photography on the road—from composition to gear and real-world techniques—you can explore my Mastering Travel Photography series, where I break down the process behind the images.

Let’s Explore Together

Our travels take us down winding country roads, through small towns, and into landscapes that feel untouched and timeless.

Whether you’re planning your next road trip or simply looking for inspiration, I hope these stories and images encourage you to take the scenic route and discover something unexpected along the way.

Start Exploring

Not sure where to begin? Here are a few of my most recent posts.