5 Frames with the Olympus Trip 35 – by Chantel Wakefield

Amelia Island is located on Florida’s Atlantic coast, and it has the kind of laid-back vibe anyone would enjoy. I’ve been visiting almost every summer since the mid-2000s.

The Atlantic Ocean gets a lot of flack for being less than magical, and no, the waters aren’t crystal clear like the Gulf of Mexico, but the beaches of Fernandina just do it for me in the best way. They’re not as crowded as more popular, touristy beaches in Florida, and after years of going it feels so comfortable and familiar.

I’ve captured the island countless times on various digital cameras. This time around, I only brought my Olympus Trip 35 and one roll of Fujifilm Superia 400 for the entire week, with the idea that I’d leisurely snap a few frames here and there as I felt inspired.

As soon as we crossed over the bridge and onto the island, my finger was on the shutter button. The air was July-thick and salty and the landscapes were absolutely stunning. While I did get lots of beach photos, the frames from riding around town were my absolute favorite. The lush trees, the blue skies, the open road… I had hearts for eyes the whole time. 

The Trip 35 is truly an understated gem. It’s built like a tank and holds up surprisingly well against sand, sun, and humidity. The lens fogged up on multiple occasions, but a little time in an air conditioned space was all it took to become operable again. Additionally, Fuji Superia has quickly risen to the top of my list for shooting landscapes. It captured the scenery exactly how it lives in my memory. 

It’s funny how some of my favorite images are the ones created when I take the pressure off and just start snapping. This visit to Amelia Island, after an especially difficult year, will always have a special place in my heart.

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