21 Comments
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Kelton's avatar

Literally the conversation I've been having with myself over the last few months... But sometimes longing for those moments is half the fun, because you appreciate it so much more when you experience them again. The rarity of those moments is what makes them special. And maybe that's why the spark is harder to feel at home - it's more familiar, and we're so used to the environment that we notice more of the small annoyances or imperfections that surround us. When you're going somewhere new, it's like the honeymoon phase, where you see all the cool things you don't get everyday.

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Mate Steindl's avatar

If you want to switch home for a few months I’m open to do that 😄 Greetings from Hungary

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RILEY HARPER's avatar

hahaha. ive spent many months in Hungary working on movies. I love it out there. but im not a house swapper! haha. appreciate your offer. :)

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Mate Steindl's avatar

Knew that, just kidding:) I’m spending a few months around Malibu every year in the last 9 years and can’t bored about it, just love the atmosphere and the inspiration.

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Connor Listen's avatar

Do you ever see yourself not living in LA?

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RILEY HARPER's avatar

I will always have LA as my base. it's home and always has been. but I want to have a place somewhere else and split time. I dont think I wanna be anywhere full time.

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Fabien's avatar

What is your favorite camera Leica Q serie ? Q, Q2 or Q3 43? 🙂

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RILEY HARPER's avatar

I think a regular Q3 is the best all around

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Fabien's avatar

Regular is 28mm? 🙂

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Lucy | From Rust To Roadtrip's avatar

Totally relate to this, although I never miss being at home when I’m on the road, I’m trying to find ways to be more present and enjoy where I live in similar ways to how I enjoy travel. Chang in perspective, as you say. Enjoyed this!

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Tyler Hoppel's avatar

a day or two before heading home, the bittersweet realization that this journey is ending. suddenly, the place that felt temporary, feels significant. a wave of melancholy rolls through, for the version of yourself that existed in those moments. over morning coffee, the overthinking sets in. will you ever be back here? will this feeling be had again somewhere else? ya know?

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Adrienne's avatar

I relate to the idea that maybe this tug of war between being at home or on the road isn’t meant to be fixed. I want to find the perfect balance where every trip doesn’t feel *quite* long enough, and time at home feels *just* long enough.

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Corenthin Fernandez's avatar

I completely understand that feeling. The nostalgia for somewhere else, the constant chase for inspiration… And then reality hits hard. It’s beautiful, but cruel at the same time. Congrat’s for this text !

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Panama's avatar

Given the rise of hyper-realistic AI imagery and deepfakes, what strategies do you use to preserve genuine voice and perspective while embracing these new tools?

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Fabien's avatar

Please Mr Harper can you tell me the brand you chose for your wedding ring ? 🙏🏼

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RILEY HARPER's avatar

It’s just a standard gold band. I got it at XIV Karats in Los Angeles

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Ethan Butler's avatar

The word that caught me amidst it all was “presence.” I, too, struggle with the tug of war between the beautiful comforts of home, and the excitement of new people, experiences, and places. However, regret only ever sets in when I lack the wherewithal to be present and enjoy what’s in front of me.

I don’t have it sorted out either, but as I continue to chase the excitement of the road or the comforts and ease of home, I hope I have enough “presence” to enjoy the blessings of “now”, wherever that may be.

Thanks for sharing 🙏🏾

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The Green Room's avatar

Oh this is so true. I feel like this is the freelancer’s conundrum! There’s nothing quite like the intense bubble of camaraderie when I’m filming away from home in a tight knit crew, but then I yearn for an in location community based around my home, which I often miss because I travel so much. But then staying still for too long at home I crave being back on the road and that creative buzz I get from new locations… and so on and so on!

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Felix Thomas's avatar

I feel like there was a lot more to explore here - post was too short lol, but expressed the same feelings I always get.

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Brian's avatar

I had these same thoughts while in Costa Rica in February. Traveling makes me I feel alive, present, and approachable and I tend to meet people from all over the world who are the same way. I found myself asking why it’s so hard to access that version of me when I’m home? Is it external factors? Or is it me? I too, settled on the latter. It’s a daily struggle, but recognizing the pattern and being intentional about breaking it is half the battle. Thanks for the post!

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Rob Statham's avatar

The romance of being away I find often isn't matched with the romance of actually being away. I've found this following the F1 around for work, work gets in the way of the romance and hotel rooms are always less fun on your own.

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