One look at the images our photographer of the month, Joe Mack, takes, and you're transported...moved to different places, times, and views. I love his eye - he catches details that aren't usually seen - a cemetery in France, greenness on the High Line. But his images of ancient buildings and cities draw me in the most - the colors and depth of his vision show that he's a consummate professional, always bringing a sense of place to the viewer. Without further ado, the work of Joe Mack...

Cemetery in France

Carcasonne

How did you get interested in photography?

I think I always like to shot pictures. I can remember being about 4 years old and at Niagara Falls with my family. My father bought me this tiny little camera, but it was real, with a little tiny roll of film. I carried that thing with me forever. That just progressed to always having a camera around for special occasions and outings with friends and my then girlfriend (Jaci), now my wife. And we have most of everything I took since the 60's in a big storage box in the closet. On the computer I must have 6000 shots. All labeled, dated, and categorized.

The High Line, NYC

San Diego Sunset

Pope's Palace, Avignon

How long have you been a photographer?

Professionally since around 1996, but as you can see from the question above, it goes back way before that.

Ravello

Civita di Bognoregio

Carcasonne

What is your favorite place to photograph? Or subject?

I think I like historic places the best. My first real assignment was Quebec City. And I have been back at least 6 times. Places in France and Italy were GREAT. But I think my all time favorite is Civita Di Bognoregio. That is the photo I use for my Logo that accompanies this interview.

Civita di Bornoregio

Positano

Pope's Palace, Avignon

How can photographers help change/impact the world, while they are traveling?

Well, let's see. If you show the beauty of it all, the timelessness of the ages, I think people will appreciate history more. And also Historic Preservation. I am big on that. Don't knock down yesterday to make way for tomorrow.

Pinel Island, St. Martin

Olive farm, Tuscany

Are there rules in other countries people need to be aware of about who or what you can or cannot shoot?

It's funny, in foreign countries I have had no problem with this. But I was in South Carolina, in Charleston. I was in this downtown market where vendors sold handmade wares. I noticed this older woman in Civil war period garb. I tried to take her picture, she kept turning her back on me. I moved way back and tried to shoot with a telephoto lens, she saw me, came right up to me, and said, there are plenty of OTHER people here you can take pictures of, but NOT me. I learned not to impose myself on other people and be aware of their wishes before snapping away with the camera.

Empire State Building, NYC

Duomo di Amalfi

Pinel Island, St Martin

Any photography tips you want to share?

Only thing I would say is STOP PHOTOSHOPPING EVERYTHING. I think this process that everyone has been using is detrimental to the art of photography. It is NOT photography, it is digital manipulation. Enough said about that.

Duomo di Firenze

Bare tree

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

Please visit my face book page www.facebook.com/vacation.photography.too and LIKE us. I would add, PLEASE come back and like and comment on photos...and add photos you have taken. The page is not just for my work.

You can visit my web page www.iwanttogothere.net and see my latest body work there.

Denver, mountain town

Civita di Bognoregio

All photos courtesy and copyright Joe Mack