About Global Sojourns Photography

China Sojourns Photography (作客中国摄影) is a simple project that started where I would post photos from China and around the world.  From a small town in the USA (Pendleton, Oregon) to living in international cities (Hong Kong, Beijing), there were many different paths I have taken with much to do, to see, to contemplate, and, in the end, to experience. The name changed to Global Sojourns Photography when my work took me to the Czech Republic in 2017.

While the focus is on photography, there will also be occasions when the mood strikes that philosophy via photography will be combined.  Often, I believe that while writing & photography are both solitary pursuits, it is the inspiration of others that allows me to create: the sharing of ideas and learning.  A mutual exchange of ideas and inspiration.

As such, the theme for this site will be “us” ~ two souls dancing and learning as we move forward in life.

Us Dancing

The definition of “Us” in this blog can be explained by the Chinese word 缘分 (yuan-fen).

There is no direct translation of 缘分 (yuan-fen) to English.  It is often linked to Buddhism and karma and defined as ‘pre-ordained affinity/fate/destiny,’ where destiny awaits your action when opportunities arise.

This means that while it may be fate two people should meet, whether they stay together is up to yuan-fen and destiny.  Yuan (缘) brings two people together, and Fen (分) is the work necessary to fulfill this destiny.  When you choose to take or forego an opportunity, 缘分 (yuan-fen) has arrived and becomes a part of your life forever depending on your commitment.

In this blog, I hope to expand on the 缘分 (yuan-fen) between us, increasing our value and happiness.

Through contemplation & through the lens of a camera are where many of my ideas of life are created.  The constant search to find a choice moment in time where an idea will transpire via words or a photo to bring inspiration is a daily goal.  I see inspiration every day in the people I know.  Ideas are what keep us dancing.

Email address: dalo2013@me.com

My blog is award free.  So much thanks and a great amount of respect and admiration for those who read & share with me.  It is a great community of inspiration and understanding.

257 responses to “About Global Sojourns Photography”

  1. Paula Avatar

    Inspiring and genuine – wonderful place!

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Thank you very much Paula ~

  2. Kim Wong Avatar
    Kim Wong

    Dear Sir/Madam,
    We would like to obtain permission to use one of your photographs. Can we contact you directly via email about the matter? Thank you.

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Dear Kim, yes you may contact me via email at dalo2013@me.com

  3. Kev Avatar
    Kev

    Since you haven’t posted anything new for a bit, I’ thought I’d check out this page… It’s a really good introduction and certainly fits with what I’ve seen in your posts. Have a great weekend, Randall. 🙂

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Hey Kev, thank you very much ~ been running around a bit but hopefully things will slow down a bit at the end of summer. Cheers ~

      1. Kev Avatar
        Kev

        Have a great summer, Randall.

  4. arv! Avatar

    I find what you have written quite interesting! have a great day!

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Thank you Arv ~

  5. coffeegrounded Avatar

    Thank you for your visit and your input. Life is a beautiful journey and your photography reflects it.

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      A great journey indeed ~ thank you!

  6. […] lost count of the number of times that I’ve read Dalo’s descriptions on China Sojourns Photography, studied, no, make that admired, his photos then nudged John, exclaiming: Check this out. The […]

  7. Eileen Avatar

    I take great delight from this. Both the idea of the call and response between destiny and work and the connection between visual symbols and an inner receptivity are very meaningful for me. I have experienced both and found that when I miss the call or symbol, it is repeated. Finding your blog is a timely blessing.

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Thank you Eileen ~ yes, opportunities are out there waiting for us, we just have to wake up and take them 🙂

  8. BunKaryudo Avatar

    I know those swans must be putting on a mating display, but somehow to me they look more like two relatives at an airport meeting again after far too many years. Perhaps I’ve just witnessed that scene so many times I now see it everywhere.

  9. inesephoto Avatar

    Your photography and your writings, like a long-married couple, are finishing each other’s sentences. Beautiful blog!

  10. Healing Grief Avatar

    Hi Randall,

    Is it possible to contact you via email? I have just completed my first book and I was keen to discuss the idea of using some of your photography for my front cover. My email is naaron2@hotmail.com.
    Many thanks
    Karen

  11. bilere Avatar

    I like your pictures, because they always tell a compelling story. I am very excited about your new photos. bilere

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Thank you very much Bilere ~

  12. Kelli Nutter Avatar
    Kelli Nutter

    Hello! I love your photo of Ty Breuer! Is there anyway I can get a copy of it?

    Thanks!

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Yes, I will send you the photo.

  13. anotherday2paradise Avatar

    What a beautiful image! Your ideas are very intriguing to me. I’m so glad that yuan-fen and destiny decreed that my husband and I should be together for 50 years and hopefully much longer. 😀

  14. ganeshkanaki121 Avatar

    Amazing Photographs..

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Thank you Ganesh ~

  15. Ruby Anne Avatar
    Ruby Anne

    Hey Randall, thank you for stopping by my blog (again). You left a comment there but I prefer to respond here. Happy New Year to you too. I look forward to seeing more of your photos. I know it’s not just me, that you bring your readers to where you’ve been by the photos you share here so keep going. Until next post.

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Thank you very much Ruby Anne, it is nice to know you also travel along with my photos and words ~ wishing you a great year ahead.

  16. Risty Avatar

    your posts are always awesome. Thanks for supporting my blog ❤

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Wishing you a great year ahead Risty ~

  17. twobrownfeet Avatar
    twobrownfeet

    Your photography is truly a work of art. Love the way you weave philosophy and words with your visuals. We stayed in China for a month, Shanghai mostly, but managed to visit Beijing for a short span of time. Look reading your posts and discovering a side of China – we probably missed seeing.

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Thank you very much ~ for me writing and photography seem to blend well with each other and my travels.

  18. macjam47 Avatar

    Your photography tells a story by itself. The photos you show on your blog are very moving as they show people as they are.

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Thank you ~ it seems that photography is a great way for me to enjoy travels better as it leads me to get to know the people/culture of the area a bit more than if I was just to pass on through. Thank you Michelle.

  19. naw naw Avatar
    naw naw

    may i use some of your pictures for my assignment..

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Great project you are doing and best of luck.

  20. RMW Avatar
    RMW

    Very inspiring thoughts… as is your photography

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Thank you very much!

  21. johnwreford Avatar

    Great blog
    Great images-well done.
    John
    https://johnwreford.wordpress.com/

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Thank you very much John ~

  22. Why Many Chinese Like Eating Dumplings. And Why The World Does As Well | Mabel Kwong Avatar

    […] as palatable. A kind of food so different, yet so similar to some of us. As philosophy blogger Randall Collis said here, Chinese dumplings are similar to Western pasta such as ravioli, and so perhaps appear […]

  23. the Copywriting Brat Avatar

    Hello Randal. It’s Vergielyn. Just dropping by to say hi and hope all is well on your end. http://www.copywritingbrat.com is the site I now reside. Any chance you’ll be back to the Philippines soon?

    1. Dalo 2013 Avatar

      Hello Vergielyn, great to hear from you! Things are going well, getting back to writing and photography 🙂 Hope to get back to the Philippines very soon, truly is a slice of heaven!

      1. the Copywriting Brat Avatar

        Hi Randall. Great to hear from you again as well. Let me know when you are in the Philippines. By the way are you on Facebook?

  24. Featured Photographer: Randall Collis – indahs: dive, travel & photography Avatar

    […] combined photography and philosophy to present your art, as you stated: “there will also be occasions when the mood strikes that philosophy via photography will be combin…. How do you define such occasions during the […]

  25. Indah Susanti interviews Randall Collis | Sue Vincent's Daily Echo Avatar

    […] combined photography and philosophy to present your art, as you stated: “there will also be occasions when the mood strikes that philosophy via photography will be combin…. How do you define such occasions during the […]

  26. Sue Slaght Avatar

    Wonderful photography, and your philosophical thoughts add so much!

    1. Dalo Collis Avatar

      Thank you very much, Sue!

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