A journey is always a photo opportunity. On the day we travelled back to Geneva Airport recently a quite violent series of storms was sweeping across central Europe including Switzerland. It caused a landslide that de-railed a train near St Moritz – remarkably there were no fatalities. Click here for a report and images.
From our train, as it travelled around the north side of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman), there were dramatic views of rainstorms in the distance – but none that I was able to get a decent view of. The lake itself was whipped by the wind into a considerable swell and between the showers bright shafts of light lit the troubled water.
As always the train stopped in Lausanne for a few minutes. A few weeks ago I posted an image from our last visit to this station – click here to view it. This time it was the people crowding the platform opposite that caught my attention. They were not a happy bunch. Summer had gone AWOL for the day but through the rain-spattered windows I captured an image.
Geneva Airport midweek is surprisingly civilized these days and we sat for an hour or so in the main departures lounge – or rather my wife did. I wandered about, camera in hand, and eventually watched our plane arrive for the return flight to Heathrow.
Never neglect the opportunities that a journey provides photographically. There are always surprises and I’ve never been stopped at airports or stations for taking images.
Meanwhile, over on my other blog iSighting there is a post about capturing the Expected and the Unexpected while on holiday – with more images from Zermatt.
LensScaper 
I like all three photos but the train station shot is remarkable.
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Thanks Ken. A bit of work was required in processing to get the rather gritty look to this (Topaz plug-ins), but I liked the way it turned out. Glad you agree.
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Always enjoy your posts but wish I was traveling with you… camera in hand!
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Thanks John. Seeing the images is the next best to actually being on the journey, I guess.
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That’s the one thing I really enjoy about traveling, the unexpected photo ops. You’ve captured some real winners here, Andy. I like the way that tail section of the plane came out. I’ve fallen into this picture-in-picture mode where I am always looking for a reflective 2nd image in the frame. Sounds odd maybe but it has expanded my vision to some degree.
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Thanks very much for that comment Jimi. I am a great lover of reflections for the very reason in your comment. They really can add another dimension, but you’ve got to tune your eye to look for them, as I am sure you will know.
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The platform shows the frozen-in-time nature of certain travel experiences beautifully. Whether we’re at a train platform, a bus station or an airport, there seems to be a world-within-a-world feeling, as though time is standing still. We’re traveling, but for a moment we’re not going anywhere. it’s hard to describe, but I see it in your photo.
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That’s a very perceptive observation, Linda. ‘Frozen’ is the right word here particularly. Platforms are often busy places, but this scene was a series of statuettes. People were rooted to the spot – it was like a freeze-frame in itself before I pressed the shutter.
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I’ve been searching my memory for a phrase I knew describes this, and I finally found it: Tableau Vivant.
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I’ve just read the article – thank you, Linda – and explored some of the links within it. It’s a fascinating subject that you’ve introduced me to.
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Wonderful shots Andy. It’s amazing to find the extraordinary in the everyday “ordinary.” The train station image is my favourite.
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Thanks Edith. I think there is as much pleasure and fun in finding the extraordinary in the ordinary as there is in capturing the iconic and grand.
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Nice images Andy. I am always amazed that some photographers don’t take these travel shots especially when moving. I have gotten some great shots that way as you have proven.
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I agree entirely, Len. Despite travelling the same route time after time, I still see new things. You just have to tune into the right wavelength
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I love the image of the lake, Andy…the somber color of the choppy water and the land beyond it, with just a trace of light coming in through the clouds…very nice.
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