Ed Bernik discovered long ago that what you remember most of your travels are not the expansive vistas; not the dramatic acts of nature like lightning over the Grand Canyon or the pounding surf of an advancing hurricane; not even a fabulous schnitzel at the finest restaurant in Berlin— it’s the people who take you places that weren’t on your itinerary who make an indelible mark in your life’s experience.
The ones you get to know over a cup of coffee at a downtown diner and later lead you to their favorite fishing hole. Or the ones you meet in a dusty bookstore filled with antiques, or at a woodcarving contest on the outskirts of an ancient forest. The memories stick, like sawdust on an old flannel shirt.
Known for his richly layered landscape photography, Bernik finds the people who populate the small villages and towns along the way far more intriguing. With a perceptive eye and a penchant for storytelling, he engages them in 
conversation that sooner or later reveals their innermost qualities.
He’ll go into a Citgo station that doubles as a deli and come out with the life story of the man who runs the place, almost forgetting his roast beef on rye. And that’s after he stood in line with an Amish logger who’s given him detailed instructions on how to hitch up a team of draught horses so they don’t damage the earth. People are always plying him with food. Swedish pastries in Mount Jewett, a basket of fresh cherries in North East, Ale-braised mallard duck sausages from the City Tavern in Philadelphia.
Ed’s a big lug of a guy, but before long his subjects forget he’s there, moving around the room, catching them in animated discussion or deep thought, as I ask the questions. His camera lets him get close to the people he wants to learn more about as my tape recorder turns on every word.
Once we establish a rappo
rt, our subjects share their poetry, bring out their favorite collections, and generally strut their stuff. A rodeo cowgirl performs to the best of her ability; a 7th generation grape grower uncorks a bottle of his favorite wine; a musician strums an original composition; a Seneca elder imparts her wisdom; a rugged oil man unleashes harrowing stories that send shivers up your spine. The little rascal at the beach at Presque Isle? Well, let’s just say he was showing off.
I’ve seen Ed record creatures as tiny and beguiling as a red-spotted newtand a dog named Jupiter— surprised, but willing to hold the pose long enough for his camera to preserve their place in time.
These are the stories Ed Bernik paints in his portraits.
A sweater grows warmer with the knowledge of who made it. A meal more tasty at the hands of the farmer who grew the ingredients. A trip more engaging when you understand people, their culture and their deep connection with the land.
Some photographers chase the light; Ed finds the light in people.
Lisa Gensheimer, Travel Correspondent:
The Culinary Tourist appears every other Thursday and by chance in Gather Essentials: Travel. Explore all 50 states with award-winning documentary producer Lisa Gensheimer as she discovers the fun, food and people she meets along the way. Whether you’re visiting the home of a faraway friend, stopping for directions at a roadside market, or on holiday in an exotic location, richly layered experiences await.
A published author, Lisa has several new projects in the works, including a cultural cookbook and companion travel DVD. Read more about Lisa’s work at MainStreetMedia.tv and TheForestPress.com.
Keep up with Lisa’s other postings and Gather activity by joining her Gather network. Just click here http://lgensheimer.gather.com and select the orange “Connect” button on the left-hand side of the page.
You’ll find Lisa and other Travel Correspondents, plus expert tips and plenty of other travel lovers, at travel.gather.com.
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