Ricoh-Pentax Ambassador
Former National Park Service Eminent Photographer
National Park Trust Ambassador
Paratrooper at 82nd Airborne Division
“Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, just take another shot.” ― Ziad K. Abdelnour
Before Covid-19 changed the world, we were all celebrating the New Year and enjoying springtime. It was then I met Mr. Frank Ruggles. You could tell he was very much off the beaten path by his rugged style. He was doing his own thing parked in his trailer – and that was hauling a bigass old school camera around taking film photos. What a badass!
Being on my own journey, I got kicked out of a campground for not having a compliant RV since I had a vintage trailer. So I ended up at a beach camp parking lot, next to one of my new neighbors and now a new friend. He’s a photographer and I’m a television producer, so we instantly connected and had plenty to talk about. I don’t think either of us have stopped talking about our craft ever since.
What intrigued me most was Franks’ enthusiasm for photography and the National Parks, a couple of my favorite things in the world. But I was losing momentum and inspiration being in the production business. I asked him what he thought about social media since it seemed so stupid and impersonal these days, but his response quickly changed my jaded perspective. Frank explained the images each of us takes as individuals, gives more attention to the much needed preservation of nature for people to go out and visit. To travel, to see the world, to share.
Over the next few days and weeks since he was traveling from his hometown in Virginia, we spent time together alongside our travel trailers. He is a kind and generous old soul with a million stories. I had a brief opportunity and now a lifelong mentor who continues to master his craft while having fun along the way. I’ve heard him rock out on his guitar over campfire conversations and talk about difficult times he overcame. His wisdom and energy is truly one-of-a-kind that I’m so honored to have met such a wonderful dude. Thank you Frank – for being a good person on Earth. We need more people like you to keep us all inspired.
RV Homies at Channel Islands Harbor
