Meet Wayne Cragg

We recently connected with Wayne Cragg and have shared our conversation below.

Wayne, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

This is one of the most important issues I’ve dealt with since I started traveling and taking photos. So many (A lot of times the majority) people believe you can’t succeed if you are doing things that isn’t considered the “norm”. People giving bad advice about how not to do things. As much as I’ve traveled over the past 13 years, there is a drive inside me to always take it to the next level.

I’ve hiked alone in Alaska 7 times, and I’ve been to Alaska 9 times. I did a 1,303 mile bicycle tour from Southern Michigan, to Devils Lake, North Dakota (against prevailing winds), in 2021. Every single time hearing from naysayers that it couldn’t be done, or shouldn’t be done. I’ve never let that stop me. My goals are many times different than many people and I understand my abilities, and also what I should or shouldn’t do. It takes a lot of effort and understanding your own limitations to succeed, when so many want or believe you will fail.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My goal as I get older is to travel to different places and photograph the area I am in. I don’t enjoy just spending a few days in a remote area, then moving on. I always try to imbed myself into an area to get a better understanding of where I’m at. For example, in 2017 I did a three month bike/hike tour of Baranof Island, Alaska. Spending three months on the Island let me better understand what the island had to offer. Biking and Hiking every inch of that Island also lets you capture the beauty that surrounds you.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three things are vital in a successful journey is knowledge of your own limitations, knowledge of what you are getting yourself into, and a determination that you can make it safely to wherever you may be heading. It’s so important to do research before attempting something that may find you in harms way. Make smart and informed decisions.

In 2021 during my bike tour, I had some people that where tagging along with me for four days until I reached the Mackinaw Bridge in Michigan. One morning I saw some rain coming in from Lake Michigan. It was cold enough that I suggested to the person who was with me that we should wait it out and see if it would indeed turn to snow. The person was adamant about pressing on because we were supposed to meet another group later in the day. I unfortunately didn’t head my own reservations about the situation and we moved forward. For the only time in my travel career we had to be rescued as it turned into a prettt big snowstorm. It was embarrassing for me as I was sure we should have waited it out. I should have just stayed put. I didn’t and paid a price. Always think ahead, always listen to your gut. I had traveled enough to know we shouldn’t have pressed on.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

This is an interesting question. I haven’t really had anyone who was helping me along the way. In fact as I mentioned earlier. Way too many people are negative about let’s say hiking alone in Alaska. I started to really rely on myself and my experiences to figure out if I should press on, or not do it. In fact, in 2023 I was actually hiking with someone in Denali National Park (I almost always hike alone) and I just didn’t feel like I could finish the 9 hour hike and back that was planned with a huge elevation gain. Half way thru I told my partner I was going to turn around before I got myself into trouble. It was the second time in my career that I didn’t finish something I had set out to accomplish. I was right and when I made it back down I was very happy I knew my limits and it was a smart choice.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Wayne_Cragg
• Facebook: Wayne Cragg Photography and Adventures
• Youtube: Wayne Cragg Photography and Adventures
• Other: TikTok WayneACragg

Image Credits

Wayne Cragg