In late 2005 I received a call that I never expected. Intrepid Travel was calling to inform me that I had won the Intrepid Travel Annual Photography Competition. To say I was in a state of disbelief is an understatement. I had taken the winning photo, ‘Honesty Saloon’ with my point and shoot camera while on a trip to Eqypt earlier that year. 

Winning this competition was a huge turning point in my photographic journey. It was then that I decided to buy an SLR and actually take a photography class to learn how to use it. Also, the prize for winning the competition was a two week Intrepid Travel holiday of my choice. I chose Central Europe and in April 2006 I spent one glorious month in such places as Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Budapest, Sarajevo and Dubrovnik. Brendan couldn’t get away from work at the time so I had the month on my own which was perfect. I met so many great people and experienced things I wouldn’t have if I had a travel companion. 

Today’s photo was one of my favourites from the trip. It was taken on Charles Bridge in Prague and was the first time I realised how much I loved dogs in photography. I wish I had taken more dog photos that trip, but at the time I really thought I was headed down the path of travel photographer.