Last December, I took a break from the daily grind and hit the road with my coworkers for what I like to call an ‘adult field trip.’ It wasn’t just a work trip to Shiner—it was a chance to reset, reconnect, and remind ourselves why stepping away from the office every now and then matters. From exploring Bedrock Truck Beds to unwinding over a cold one, this trip still stands out as a meaningful moment of authenticity, team bonding, and good ol’ Texas hospitality.

As the trip wrapped up, we soaked in the last bit of Atlanta’s energy before heading home. From unexpected finds to familiar sights, the city delivered a mix of moments that made the journey worthwhile. This final leg was a reminder of the value in exploring, even if it’s just a few days away, and taking in the details that make each place unique.

With a full stomach and a few hours to spare, we set out to explore more of Atlanta’s downtown. We meandered through Centennial Park, taking in the city’s mix of history and modern energy, and I couldn’t resist capturing a few shots along the way. Between the afternoon heat and the buzz of the city, the day felt like a blend of work and discovery—a pace that suited our first day in town perfectly.

This trip recap will be a little different—rather than one long story, I’m breaking it into parts, capturing moments from my journey to Atlanta. Starting with a 3:45 AM wake-up call, I navigated the quiet San Antonio airport before touching down in a city far greener than the drought-ridden landscape back home. Day one brought the usual travel quirks, from jostling through airport crowds to grabbing an impromptu breakfast at Apache XLR, where live jazz and chicken and waffles stole the show. Here’s the first leg of a quick but memorable few days in Atlanta.

Sometimes work trips have their perks, especially when they take you to a place like Shiner, Texas. This time around, I got to mix business with a bit of fun, stopping first at Bedrock Truck Beds to check out some impressive builds, then heading over to Spoetzl Brewery—the home of Shiner beer—for a look behind the scenes. Armed with my Leica Q2, I captured the day as I went, blending snapshots of Texas craftsmanship with a few moments of downtime. Not a typical workday, but one I’m glad I made time for.

I do not always travel for work, but when I do, it tends to be fun. Quick trip to Quincy, Illinois courtesy of Knapheide. Cameras were not allowed in the Knapheide facilities; thus all of the images were taken while on the move.