Capturing the Spirit of Adventure: GeoEx Staff Travel Photo Contest

By GeoEx Staff | July 17, 2024

Our team’s incredible talent and passion were beautifully showcased during our annual summit held this May in picturesque Bozeman, Montana. One of the standout events was our staff travel photography contest. This inspiring competition not only highlighted the breathtaking travel experiences of our staff but also celebrated their unique perspectives and artistic skills. In addition to the official winners that judge Vassi Koutsaftis chose, we also awarded a staff-favorite honor to the photo that received the most votes from our team. We’re thrilled to present here the award-winning travel photos that capture the essence of adventure and the spirit of GeoEx. May they inspire your wanderlust!

First Place

Little Speck

by: Ashley Pacelli, Global Sales Director

Location: Antarctica

During an Antarctic expedition, we had up to four hours on shore landings to explore within a designated area. Amid the constant company onboard, I cherished my solitary moments on land. On one such landing, I slowly made my way to the top of a ridgeline, seeking a better vantage point of my surroundings. From the summit, I peered down into a ravine and spotted a lone penguin, dwarfed by the vast expanse of water and ice. This scene, with the penguin looking so small against its immense surroundings, inspired me to capture the shot. I resonated deeply with this solitary penguin—a poignant reminder that we are all just small beings in a vast, beautiful world. As one of my favorite musicians aptly puts it, we are all ‘just a little speck of life in a multiverse.’

Second Place

Sleepy Sloth

by: Meghan Bove, Guest Services Manager

Location: Costa Rica

While backpacking through Central America, I found myself drawn to the picturesque beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Deciding to extend my stay in the charming town of Puerto Viejo, I rented a bike on my first morning to explore the coastline. I ended up at a serene beach called Playa Punta Uva, where I spent a lazy day floating in the calm water and soaking up the sun. As I looked up from my blanket, I spotted a smiley three-toed sloth napping in the tree above me. Blending in so perfectly, it took me hours to notice him snoozing right there. After constantly being on the move during my travels, this sleepy sloth was a delightful reminder to slow down, look up, and savor every moment.

Third Place

Selfie, Karakoram Style

by: Brady Binstadt, CEO

Location: Pakistan

GeoEx has been offering adventures to Pakistan for more than 30 years, a region as remote as it is beautiful. Standing at a stunning vantage point in the Karakoram, with the majestic Rakaposhi in all its splendor, I couldn’t resist capturing a photo of this gentleman taking a selfie. The juxtaposition of the ancient, awe-inspiring landscape with the modern act of taking a selfie perfectly encapsulates the timeless allure and contemporary appeal of this extraordinary destination.

Staff Favorite

Heaven, Hell & Nirvana: One Artist’s Interpretation

by: Glenn Ringer, Product Development Director

Location: White Temple, Chiang Rai, Thailand

In the fall of 2023, I made a brief overnight stop in Chiang Rai, Thailand, en route to a four-day adventure down the Upper Mekong River in Laos. Despite Chiang Rai’s many attractions, we only had time to visit Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. This stunning yet controversial modern Buddhist temple is the masterpiece of Thai artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. It’s renowned for its blend of traditional Buddhist imagery and contemporary themes, such as depictions of the World Trade Center on September 11, and intricate white and glass mosaics. My photo captures the eerie outstretched hands below the Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth, symbolizing human greed and desires. What makes the shot truly striking is the single painted red fingernail—a detail I didn’t even notice when I took the photo.

Honorable Mentions