Happy Fall! Now that we have officially entered the autumn season, it’s probably time to start posting my favorite fall foliage images. When I sat down to write this today, however, I found myself going for the most quintessentially summer image I could drum up, and what is more in line with summer than a roller coaster and Ferris wheel on the California coast? I guess I’m not ready to let go of summer yet! I shot this image on a morning stroll on Santa Monica Pier. While it’s hard to pass up the glitzy lights and of the hubbub of activity of the pier at night, the morning is my favorite time of day to visit. Prior to the opening of the gift shops, restaurants, arcades, and amusement park rides, the pier is eerily quiet. Fisherman can be seen dotted along the pier’s edge, a couple sits quietly on a bench overlooking the beach and coastline as it fades away into the distance, and sea gulls fly smoothly overhead as people slowly arrive to awaken the pier and transition it from its night-time slumber into the new day. Without all of the commotion, it’s possible to really appreciate the nostalgia of the pier and notice details that could easily be overlooked with large crowds wandering around. Santa Monica is, at its core, a fun place so I really wanted to create a fun image. As I walked slowly down the pier, camera in hand, I was immediately struck by the bright red and orange roller coaster track against the crisp blue sky. With the help of my trusty polarizing filter (by far my favorite photographic tool), I was able to capitalize on the beautiful shade of blue. I shot the image at an angle, something I don’t often do, in an effort to make the eye swirl around the frame from the curvy lines of the roller coaster track to the round Ferris wheel with its angled spokes and back again. When I look at this image, I am immediately transported to the carefree Santa Monica Pier and can feel the California sun and ocean breeze hit my face. Even though the pier is definitely entertaining when it is in full swing, I love visiting...
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Welcome back! It’s been a busy summer and as a result, a definite lag in blogging. I can’t get over the fact that we’re now in the second half of September and will officially be in the fall season in just a few short days. Maybe it’s the warm weather we’ve been having, maybe it’s because work is now winding down from the furor of launch season and it feels like a summer break is in order; either way it’s hard to believe that the summer season has almost come to a close. But I digress… Facebook, in its attempt to evoke a bit of nostalgia, has reminded me over the past couple of days that “On This Day” seven years ago I was “backpacking” (and by backpacking I mean schlepping a large and unruly roller suitcase completely unsuitable for train travel) through Scandinavia with one of my very good college friends, Vena. We started our journey in Copenhagen, trained/bussed it up to Oslo (a long and harrowing story of delays of missed connections), over to Bergen on Norway’s west coast, back east to Stockholm, a side overnight trip to Uppsala (an interesting experience to say the least), before finally concluding our voyage in Helsinki. It was a whirlwind trip filled with beautiful scenery, amazing architecture, picturesque harbors, Viking artifacts galore, Somersby Pear Cider, friendly locals who all seemed to speak better English than we did, a myriad of hostels, and lots (and lots) of laughing. On the sixth day of our two week Scandinavian adventure, we boarded the Bergensbanen (Bergen Line) and embarked on a seven hour journey across one of Europe’s highest mountain plateaus – Hardangervidda – from Oslo to Bergen. While the seven hour trip seemed a bit daunting at first, the views from the large picture windows were stunning. We winded through mountainous terrain, passing through an astonishing 180+ tunnels while watching the landscape and weather transition from urban to alpine. We briefly stopped to stretch our legs and admire the snowy hills of Myrdal before coming to a stop in the waterfront city of Bergen. As Norway’s second largest city, the municipality of Bergen is home to some 280,000 inhabitants. Located on the Byfjorden, or “city fjord,” it is...
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Happy Friday! With the Fourth of July holiday this week, I was inspired to take a trip down memory lane to one of my favorite America cities – San Francisco. I’ve visited San Francisco a few times, most recently in the fall of 2014 when I shot this image. My sister and I met in San Francisco for Labor Day weekend, which is a wonderful time to visit the city. The weather was great; a little overcast at times but for the most part sunny and warm. We did all of the “musts” – Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, Japanese Tea Garden, Haight-Ashbury, Alamo Square. Without a doubt, my favorite experience was renting bikes in Fisherman’s Wharf and peddling our way along the waterfront, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and into the artsy city of Sausalito across the bay. All in all it was about an 8 mile ride, but with some of the steep (to put it quite mildly!) climbs, it felt much longer! The first few miles is a relatively flat ride along the bay. As you near the Presidio, we both realized that the easy, flat ride with the wind in our hair was going to come to a screeching halt! The climb from sea level up to the Golden Gate Bridge was very steep. Fortunately, much of the road was in the shade, but it was definitely more of an incline than I was anticipating. Originally we reserved a tandem bike (my sister and I had lofty dreams of coasting over the bridge on a bicycle built for two), but we ended up having to switch to singles as the tandem wasn’t set up for two shorties like us. When we got to the top of that hill, I realized it was a stroke up luck that the tandem didn’t work out. I can’t imagine doing that hill with both of us in tow! We stopped for some photos at Fort Point and then pushed up the steepest part of the climb to get up to the bridge. Being that it was Labor Day weekend, the bridge was extremely crowded. The heavy bike traffic and narrow path across the bridge was a little intimidating at first, but after a...
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It’s Friday! Since we have now officially entered the summer season, I thought that this image would be fitting to discuss this week. I mean, what exemplifies summer more than the beach?! I shot this image at La Jolla beach in San Diego on a weekend trip a few years back. My sister and I drove down for the night and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit La Jolla, where we had spent a bit of time as kids. I can remember the very first time I experienced the beach. My mom took me and my sister to San Diego for a long weekend to visit my great aunt Priscilla and we went to the Children’s Beach at La Jolla, where my mom had spent time as a kid. We played in the sand, waded into the water, and enjoyed the time with Priscilla, who we didn’t often see. I’ve visited many other beaches since that first experience at La Jolla so long ago, but none compare to the calm waters of Children’s Beach and that simple, happy time that the four of us spent together. Today, it is home to a large population of harbor seals and is often closed to public access. While you can still visit the walkway that protrudes into the sea and experience some beautiful panoramic views, unfortunately swimming in the protected waters is oftentimes not possible. Great for the seals, not so great for children I suppose! This image was taken at La Jolla Cove, just a short walk from Children’s Beach. The sun was beginning to drop in the sky, casting a warm light over the swirling surf. I immediately noticed this little girl in her bright pink-red suit, bravely tiptoeing through the water. The sun was definitely on my side that day, illuminating the contrast between the bubbly water and the sandy ocean floor, and creating a nice reflection of the girl’s brightly colored suit. To me, this image is full of symbolism. A little girl in a bright suit cautiously wades through rough water, moving away from the shadows and into the light. Despite the movement of the ocean, she’s undeterred and pushes forward, bravely confronting the untamed sea. When I look back at many of my images, I...
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Hello! This week I thought I’d shift continents and head over to possibly my favorite place in the world – London, England. In 2008, I spent a semester abroad in the London borough of Richmond, which is just southwest of Central London. When I look back, there are certain points in my life where I can see definitive breaks; new chapters starting, if you will. 2008 is definitely one of the more significant breaks in my story. Prior to studying abroad, college wasn’t exactly the experience I was expecting. There were some really wonderful aspects of college and some really awful aspects. Throughout the first two years though, I knew I wanted to study abroad. Study abroad was everything I had dreamed of and more. Living in a different country, traveling, meeting new people, attending classes – it was wonderful. I’ve been back to Europe several times since 2008 and if possible, I always try to work in at least a couple of days in London. My last trip was in June of 2014. I spent about a week and half in London with one of my very best friends that I met while studying abroad. The great thing about London is you can visit a million times and still not see it all. Even after all the time I’ve spent there, I still find new and exciting things to do. In fact, I have a list going of new things I want to do the next time I’m in town. No matter what’s going on in my life, I always find myself scheming as to when I can return. I shot this image on a sunny afternoon in Richmond. There’s a grassy area and ledge that overlooks the Thames where people can relax and watch the day go by. On this day, it was particularly crowded due to the nice weather. My friend and I took a seat on the ledge and enjoyed some sun and people watching. We talked and laughed about various things, among which was a great story he told me about a time that he and his friends rented a row boat similar to those in this image where, according to his account, they almost crashed and met an untimely death right in the middle of the river...
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TGIF! Today I want to talk about an image that I shot on my most recent trip abroad to the beautiful country of Chile. I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Chile as part of a FAM trip (a.k.a. familiarization trip) hosted by Turismo Chile alongside 8 other travel professionals. I spent 7 days in Chile, visiting the vibrant capital city of Santiago, Colchagua Valley, famous for its wine and vineyards, and the unique and expansive Atacama Desert. Chile, which is more than 10 times longer than wide and offers some 2,650 miles of coastline, features some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes I’ve ever seen. To be honest, it was not a country that was on my radar. Of course I was familiar with and interested in destinations like Easter Island and Patagonia, but I knew very little about Santiago, Colchagua, or the Atacama. After immersing myself in the landscape and culture of Chile, I would highly recommend a visit. With its friendly and welcoming people, delicious cuisine, wide selection of locally made wine, and tons of attractions ranging from cultural to active to R & R, Chile really has something for everyone. The true highlight for me was the 4 days that I spent in the Atacama Desert. The Atacama, which is the driest desert in the world, sits between the Andes Mountains and Chilean Coast Range in northern Chile. It’s a truly unique destination featuring a variety of terrain perfect for more active pursuits. I shot this image at a geyser field located within the Andes known as El Tatio, meaning “the oven” in Quechua. El Tatio encompasses over 80 active geysers, which fill the sky with plumes of white-gray steam. Unlike Yellowstone, you can walk within feet of each geyser allowing full 360° viewing opportunities. The field was like a dream. With the Andes as its backdrop, the rising steam played out like a dramatic motion picture. With relatively few visitors at that time, it was possible to really savor the experience and enjoy the quiet and tranquil landscape. With steady streams flowing from each individual geyser, the dry and rocky ground was painted with warm dripping water. I was immediately drawn to the contrast of the steam against the...
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Welcome back! It’s been a little while since I’ve posted…about 2 years or so, but who’s counting? Time is a strange thing. When I think back to where I was in my life two years ago, I realize how things have changed and how much I have changed. Photography has always been a passion of mine; something very personal that is engrained in my identity. I blamed my lack of attention to this website and photography in general on getting a desk job and not wanting to sit at a computer any longer than necessary. But if I’m being honest, I think that I got distracted with life, pure and simple. With all of the life changes that I’ve experienced in the last six months or so, I’m excited to be here – rediscovering a passion, enjoying the process, and not being so caught up in the end result. My goal is to build this website as I process images in an organic way, without following the “rules” that I had outlined for myself previously. If I come across an image that is particularly meaningful to me or that has a story attached, I’m going to blog about it. When I last posted two years ago, I felt like I was posting for an audience. Now, I’m more interested in posting for me. If anyone takes the time to come along with me, all the better. So…let’s talk about this image! In December 2016, I had the opportunity to spend 2 weeks in the mysterious Southeast Asian country of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). 10 of those 14 days were spent sailing up the Irrawaddy River from Bagan to Bhamo, while the remaining days were spent in the bustling capital city of Yangon. Of all of the places I’ve been, Myanmar by far stands out. With a tumultuous political history (to put it quite mildly), Myanmar was by in large a complete mystery to Westerners until the country opened its gates to tourists in 2012. While the country is slowly but surely building its tourism infrastructure to attract Western tourists, it definitely still qualifies as “off-the-beaten-path.” When I told people that I was going to Myanmar, I would say a good 95% of people had absolutely no idea where, let alone what, Myanmar...
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Happy Monday! I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. The last several days have been extremely cold and snowy, so I thought that maybe if I write about the hot summer days I spent in the Cycladic Islands it would help to warm things up! I shot “Catch of the Day” on a day trip to Mykonos in August 2011. I used an aperture of f/5.6 and a shutter speed of 1/400 at an ISO of 200. I’ve written about my experience in the Greek islands a few times, as it is one of my favorite places. Of the five islands I visited on my cruise, Mykonos was by far my favorite. The soft blue and white color scheme was exactly what I had dreamt about before traveling to the Greek islands. When I travel, I’m usually in “go” mode at all times so a quiet stroll through Mykonos was a welcome respite from the two prior weeks of touring. Getting lost in the narrow alleys, munching on tzatziki and bread, and hearing the crashing waves hit the beach made for a relaxing day. When the ship docked in port, everyone made their way along the waterfront into the main part of town. We passed by a small restaurant with tables set up overlooking the rocky coast line. I looked up and saw this octopus hanging above the tables with a few tentacles already missing, which I assume were being enjoyed by the diners below. I was immediately drawn to the slimy texture of the octopus in contrast with the smooth blue sky and the rough wooden pole. The octopus seemed to be hanging as a sort of welcome sign for visitors as they transitioned out of the real world and into island life. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Mykonos and would love to go back someday. My only regret is that I didn’t actually sample some of that octopus that hung so beautifully in the sky! Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to check back next...
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Merry Christmas (a few days early)! As Christmas approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about the holiday season I spent in Florence, Italy in 2012. When we decided to go to Italy in the winter, I must admit I was a little unsure. When I think of Italy, I think of blue skies and the hot sun. As it turns out, Italy is absolutely beautiful and during the winter season and particularly festive for Christmas. I shot “Duomo In Winter” on Christmas day 2012. When we planned our trip to Florence, we knew that Christmas would be a pretty low key day, as almost the entire city shuts down for the holiday. On Christmas Eve, we went to the colorful Mercato Centrale and bought a wide selection of cheese, crackers, bread, meat, biscotti, wine – it was quite the spread! The plan was to take everything up to have a quiet picnic on Piazzale Michelangelo, which is a little square that overlooks the city center of Florence. On Christmas day, we packed everything up for our picnic and headed out. As soon as we hit the streets, I was amazed at how many people were out! Because everything was closed, I assumed everyone would stay in but it was quite the opposite. The streets were filled with Italians and tourists alike, happily strolling through the cobblestone streets. Rather than the typical sounds of city life, a soft murmur of voices could be heard echoing against the city’s beautiful architecture. Despite the overcast skies, the red and green marble of the Duomo never looked brighter. As we walked towards the Arno River to cross over to Piazzale Michelangelo, it became apparent that we were definitely not the only ones who had decided that a picnic would be a nice way to spend Christmas day. There was quite the crowd sitting on the steps enjoying a glass of wine while gazing at the medieval city’s beautiful tiled roofs, cathedral domes, and colorful Ponte Vecchio bridge. It was a wonderful way to spend the day and definitely one of the most memorable Christmases I’ve ever had. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for...
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Hello and welcome back! I’ve taken a bit of a hiatus from blogging and as I’m slowly but surely getting everything organized, I am working on reinstating my weekly blogs. The goal is still to post on Mondays so stay tuned! This week’s image, titled “Vineyard,” was taken at Shafer Vineyard Cellars in Forest Grove, Oregon in October 2009. I used an aperture of f/9, shutter speed of 1/320, and ISO of 400. For those of you who aren’t aware, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, which stretches from the Portland area south to Eugene, is sprinkled with vineyards and wine cellars that offer amazing wine. The Willamette Valley pinot noir specifically is out of this world. If you haven’t had a sample you need to! I went to school at Pacific University in Forest Grove and had the opportunity to visit several wineries. The Shafer winery was one of my favorites. The tasting room is very small, the people are extremely friendly, and the landscape that surrounds the cellar is beautiful. This particular day was a welcome break from the typical overcast Oregon skies. The sun peaked through the low clouds, illuminating the hills and grape vines in a beautifully warm way. Even though the city of Portland is only a short drive away, it felt like I had ventured far away into the quiet hills. The landscape, coupled with the great wine from Shafer Vineyard Cellars, made for a wonderfully relaxing day. I highly recommend a day of vineyard hopping if you ever find yourself in the Portland area! Thank you for reading! Check back next week for more...
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Welcome back! I recently had to do a writing sample for a job interview that required me to try to convince someone to travel to a specific place. I thought about each city I’ve visited over the years, struggling to pick just one destination to urge others to visit. I have been so fortunate to see a variety of amazing cultural and natural landscapes, how could I possibly choose? Then, I remembered my time in Istanbul, Turkey. While my stay was short, the city made a lasting impression on me. I have wonderful memories that are so rich that they instantly take me right back to the city. So, the decision was made; Istanbul would be the city that I would attempt to sell. I decided I would include an excerpt from my writing sample and discuss “Kapali Çarşı,” which was taken in August 2011 inside the Grand Bazaar. The image was shot with a shutter speed of 1/60 and aperture of f/4, at ISO 400. Imagine a place that smells of cardamom, saffron, and curry. Where the warm sun illuminates a colorful and exotic landscape of history and culture. A place of art and architecture, with a skyline made distinctive by domes and minarets, and markets filled with intricately woven rugs and hand painted pottery. Where the urban heart beats to the rhythm of its people, full of life and infectious energy. This is Istanbul. Straddling two continents, Istanbul offers a multitude of unique sights and attractions. One of my favorites was the Grand Bazaar or Kapali Çarşı, which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Upon entering the Bazaar, your senses are immediately taken over. The vibrant colors of the mosaic lanterns, pottery, silk scarves, and rugs leave the eyes constantly stimulated. You hear vendors hard at work, trying to convince buyers to purchase one of their many wares. Before you know it, you find yourself wandering the maze of stalls with a warm, spicy apple tea in hand smelling the multitude of teas and spices for sale, most of which you never even knew existed. I have many memorable images from the Bazaar, but this image in particular is special to me. It was towards the end of my trip at the Bazaar and I was...
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Hey there! I shot this week’s image in Oslo, Norway during a tour of Scandinavia with a close friend from college in August 2010. “Viking Ship Museum” was taken with an aperture of f/3.5 and shutter speed of 1/10, at ISO 800. During my two and a half weeks in Scandinavia, I spent three days in the capital city of Oslo. For whatever reason, I always wanted to travel to Norway. I really can’t put my finger on what it was about the country that intrigued me so much, but it was always on my list of must sees. Oslo did not disappoint. It is a relatively small capital city compared to other major European cities, and therefore has a much calmer, easy going feel. The history, architecture, and culture were all incredibly beautiful, and the city itself was definitely one of the cleanest cities I’ve ever been to! One of my favorite attractions was the Viking Ship Museum. Before we arrived, I really didn’t know what to expect. Obviously I knew I would be seeing Viking ships, but I beyond that I really wasn’t sure. I quickly realized the museum was more than just a space that housed Viking ships; it was more like a gallery with the ships on display as pieces of art. The museum itself is very small. Each room that connects to the central hub houses an individual ship as well as information about the history of Vikings. While the historical data was important, I felt like like the space really highlighted the craftsmanship of the ships. Visitors can walk around each vessel and view almost every inch of the ship. The room even had a small observation deck that allowed visitors to see down into the ships. By providing 360 degree access to the ships, I felt like I learned so much just by taking the time to truly see each ship. Rather than being bombarded with data, I was able to imagine the building process and how it once sailed through the water. When I shot this image in particular, I wanted to capture the museum space as a gallery and highlight not just the ship itself, but the entire room where it resides, including the symmetry of the windows and lighting. I...
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Hello and happy (almost) first day of fall! I know that technically the first day of the fall season is tomorrow, but I thought I would welcome the new season with an image that featured the varying shades of autumn. I shot “Boathouse in Fall” in the beautiful Washington Park in Denver, CO in November 2010. I used an aperture of f/6.3 and a shutter speed of 1/160, at ISO 400. For those who live in Colorado, you know that the weather is terribly unpredictable. Though it has evolved into a cliche joke, Colorado’s “schizophrenic” weather is fact rooted in truth. Even though it’s not usually to the extreme depicted in countless memes or Facebook statuses, the weather in Colorado does vary greatly from year to year and sometimes from day to day. The year in which this photo was taken was certainly no exception. It was a Sunday afternoon in early November and I decided to walk up to the park to photograph the fall colors, which were particularly impressive that year. I was thankful that I made the decision to wear shorts and a t-shirt because, despite the lateness in season, it was hot! I started my walk at the entrance on Kentucky and Downing and worked my way north, around Smith Lake, and finally over to Grasmere Lake. Even though the trees reflected the colors of fall, it felt more like the warm summer months. The Washington Park Boathouse is my favorite spot in the park. It sits adjacent to the playground that I enjoyed so much as a child, the recreation center where I took my very first swimming lesson, and the peaceful Smith Lake that has a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains off in the distance. The area can be taken in from the land either on foot or bike, or from the water on a relaxing paddle boat. No matter what season, this particular area of Wash Park never disappoints. When I look at this image today, I am taken back to the banks of the river on that oddly warm November afternoon. I can feel the warm sun on my skin, hear the sounds of the water whooshing from the paddleboat, smell that distinctive autumn smell that always takes over that...
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Hello and welcome back! I was looking at my blog entries over the past several weeks and realized that I’ve really focused on travel photos taken in urban setting. So for my twentieth blog entry, it seemed appropriate to discuss a travel landscape. I shot “Canon Beach” during a quick trip to the Oregon Coast in October 2009. I used a shutter speed of 1/320, aperture of f/9, shot at ISO 100. I went to college just west of Portland, so the drive to the coast was only a few short hours. During my time in Oregon, I usually visited the coast a couple of times a year, which was always a welcome change of scenery during my busy undergrad years. Canon Beach is probably my favorite town on the Oregon Coast. I’m sure ’80s movies fans will recognize the iconic Haystack Rock from the cult classic film The Goonies. The oceanside itself is lined with houses, both small and large, which extend away from the water towards a quaint main street lined with small restaurants, shops, and galleries. In the late fall and winter months, it’s a wonderfully quiet town. I’ve never been in the summer, so I’ve always had the luxury of feeling like I had the town to myself. The actual beach area is a large, open expanse filled with sand, surf, and the occasional oddly shaped rock protruding from the sea floor. On a sunny day, people can be seen sitting on the beach enjoying a good book, playing fetch with their dogs, or dipping a toe or two into the chilly Pacific Ocean. During the quieter seasons, it is a nice place to watch and listen to the sounds of the ocean while trying to forget the stresses of everyday life. When I shot this image, I was drawn to the curved shape of the footprints, which just so happened to perfectly lead the eye to Haystack Rock. I debated and debated whether or not to convert the photo to black and white or maintain its original color. In the end, I decided that black and white better reflected the stillness of Canon Beach that I had experienced that day and really drew attention to the texture and varying shades of the sand and the contrast of the sun,...
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Greetings! This week we’re traveling to the beautiful and bustling city of Milan, Italy. I shot “Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II” during a short stop over in Milan in August 2011. I used an aperture of f/5 and shutter speed of 1/100 at ISO 200. Milan is a very interesting mix of old and new. In a way, the city’s classical art and architecture almost seemed to be at odds with modernity and all that goes along with it. From my point of view as an outsider looking in, Milan came across as a city in conflict with one foot in the past and the other being thrust into the future. While I wouldn’t say that Milan is one of my favorite Italian cities, I would say that some of my favorite Italian sites are located in Milan. Da Vinci’s Last Supper can be seen at Santa Maria delle Grazie (make sure you book your tickets before you go!) and the architecture and artistry of the famous gothic style Duomo is a must see. Finally, the magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is opens up onto the Piazza del Duomo, is the perfect encapsulation of Milan: a city of the past and a city of present. Prior to arriving in Milan, I didn’t do as much research as I typically do before I travel. I think I had Da Vinci’s Last Supper and the Duomo on the brain, and didn’t really look at what else Milan had to offer. As a result, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele was a wonderful surprise. I remember finishing up a tour of the Duomo, wondering through the piazza, and noticing a massive open arcade with warm colored walls, an intricate glass ceiling, and what looked like hundreds of people wandering around inside. When I entered the gallery, which is in fact one the oldest shopping malls in the world, the first thing I noticed was the juxtaposition of classical architecture and a modern shopping scene. High end shops such as Louis Vuitton and Prada neighbor numerous small restaurants (including the ever present McDonald’s), which are sandwiched between colorful mosaic tile and marble floors and terra cotta colored walls covered with classical architectural details and murals. It was so interesting to see the connection between the past and the present and imagine what the mall would have been like when...
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Hey there! I decided that since summer is winding down, I would blog about an image shot in sunny Honolulu, Hawaii because I for one am not ready for the upcoming change in season and temperature! I shot “Day’s End” on Waikiki Beach in January 2010. I used an aperture of f/9 and shutter speed of 1/1250, with an ISO of 200. During my senior year in college, I had the opportunity to spend three weeks in Honolulu as part of a photography travel course offered through my school. I stayed with a Hawaiian family that was kind enough to open their home to a complete stranger, attended class for about three hours a day, and had the rest of the time to spend exploring Oahu. It was a tough three weeks, let me tell you! As my time in Hawaii was coming to an end, I realized that I had yet to photograph the sun setting from the point of view of the beach. So on my last night, I camped out on Waikiki Beach about a half hour before the sun was supposed to set to capture the end of another gorgeous day in paradise. As the sun drew lower and lower and the sky started to shift from blue to yellow, I began photographing the scene in front of me. After a few minutes, I started turning my attention away from the actual sunset and focused more on the beachgoers as they wrapped up their day of leisure. Don’t get me wrong, the sunset was obviously amazing, but I became completely mesmerized by the ritual of packing up after a day at the beach. Some people were very matter of fact about the process: towel folded and into the bag, shirts and shoes on, and an about face from the ocean. Others fought tooth and nail with the inevitable fact that the day was ending and it was time to exit the water: one last wave and a slow saunter out of the ocean, only to plop down on the shore with one foot still in the surf. It seemed as if wrapping up in a towel to dry off was the final admission that it was in fact time to go home. This image captures the many facets...
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Hello and welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! This week’s photo was taken in September 2012 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “New Mexican” was shot with an aperture of f/6.3 and shutter speed of 1/640, at ISO 320. Many people talk about their “happy place” and the significance it plays in their life. For me, Santa Fe is one of my happy places. I grew up traveling back and forth from Denver to Santa Fe to visit my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, so the city is like a second home. When I think of Santa Fe, I think of unique architecture, delicious New Mexican food, beautiful galleries, and a rich history, which, along with countless happy childhood memories, has set Santa Fe apart as a special place in my life. No matter how many times I visit, it always feels sort of homecoming in a sense, even though I have never actually called the city home. I shot this image in the living history museum of El Rancho de las Golondrinas, which translates to “The Ranch of the Swallows.” The ranch dates back to the early 1700s and originally served as a pitstop for people traveling along El Camino Real, or Royal Route, from Mexico City to Santa Fe. The ranch features colonial buildings and houses including a schoolhouse, cemetery, chapel, mill, country store, and blacksmith, which sit on 200 acres of arable farmland. Whether you’re visiting Santa Fe for the first time or the fiftieth, a visit to the ranch is an absolute must. The museum provides visitors with the opportunity to see how people lived some 300 years ago and experience the art, architecture, and culture of the Southwest in a dynamic and interactive fashion. Because the museum brings history to life, I found the experience to be far more rewarding than a standard passive viewing of a traditional museum. This scene caught my eye for a couple of different reasons. First, I noticed the simplicity of the wooden window and timber framing that protruded from the building’s wall. Then, I zoned in on the texture and color of the aged adobe. Finally, I took note of the contrast between the brown color of the adobe walls against the bright blue September sky. By drawing from each of the intriguing elements of the scene,...
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Hello! This week, I’d like to switch gears and discuss a travel photo that I shot domestically in Los Angeles, California. “Grand Central Market” was taken in March 2012 with an aperture of f/5.3 and a shutter speed of 1/10, at ISO 640. I digitally converted the image to black and white using Photoshop and then added the color of the lettering on the wall back into the image using a process called selective coloring. Grand Central Market is located in colorful and eclectic downtown LA. As the oldest public market in the city, the walkways and stalls of Grand Central Market exude a sense of history. I expect that the market itself looks very similar to the way that it did when it was built it the early 1900s, as varying merchants and customers have ebbed and flowed through its halls over the past century. Grand Central Market has a much different feel than some of the other public markets of Los Angeles. It has a grittiness and edge about it, and yet feels extremely welcoming. Visiting the market felt like visiting a piece of history and tapping into a strong sense of place. From the produce vender to the chow mein cafe to the panaderia, the daily grind of the market lifestyle seems to unite everyone who works there, regardless of where they come from. When I sat down to review the images that I shot at the market, I decided to convert the image to black and white because I found the wide variety of colors to be a little overwhelming. The image is meant to quietly capture the usage of the market in a way that market goers were unaware that they were being recorded. I felt like a black and white conversion allowed the scene to appear much more calm and ordinary. However, I still wanted a pop of color to reflect the colorful radiance that I experienced when visiting. I decided to use a process called selective coloring which essentially pulls a selection of color back into a black and white image. There are multiple ways in which to achieve this effect, all of which are very user friendly. One very simple way to perform this process is to first convert the image to black and...
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Hello and welcome back! This week I would like to take you on a trip to sunny Barcelona, Spain, capital city of the Catalonia region. I shot this image during a weekend trip to Barcelona in late October 2008. “La Pedrera” was taken with an aperture of f/8 and shutter speed of 1/1000, at ISO 100. People frequently ask me to identify my favorite city in the world, which is an extremely difficult thing to do since every city offers its own sense of unique flair. However, I would definitely rank Barcelona as one of my top destinations. Barcelona just feels like a happy city. With its friendly and welcoming residents, the smiling sun that always warms the streets, and the romantic atmosphere of music, dancing, and sangria, it was nearly impossible to not fall in love with Barcelona. One of my favorite elements of Barcelona was all of the beautiful and interesting architecture of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, including La Sagrada Família, Parc Güell, Casa Batlló, and of course Casa Milà, more popularly known as La Pedrera. La Pedrera, meaning “the stone quarry,” was constructed in the early part of the 20th century as an apartment building and office block. The building’s facade was designed to resemble an open quarry, with waves of stone rippling over the entire exterior of the building. The interior is very cavelike, completely devoid of any right angles or straight walls, which creates a space of optical illusions. The building is definitely one of the most unique pieces of architecture I’ve ever seen. The highlight of La Pedrera is by far the rooftop terrace, which takes visitors to another world completely. The chimneys, which to me looked like Darth Vader’s Spanish cousins, serve as the terrace welcoming party, staring guests down as they move up and down each of the small staircases. In order to reflect the space’s eerie and mysterious aura, I chose to convert the image to black and white using Photoshop and then digitally toned the image by increasing the blue tones with the Curves tool. Through the digital editing process, I wanted to translate the supernatural feeling of the rooftop terrace in a way that hopefully will prompt the same wonder and intrigue that the space did for me when I witnessed it first hand. Thank you for reading! Until next...
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Welcome back! This week’s image, titled “Bicycle,” comes from a short trip to Edam, Netherlands in November 2008. I shot this image at ISO 400 with an aperture of f/5.6 and shutter speed of 1/125. During post production, I digitally converted the image to black and white using Photoshop, adding contrast with the Curves tool to further develop the black and white tones. I’m sure that anyone who has had the opportunity to visit the Netherlands will agree that bicycles have become synonymous with the small northern European country. In larger cities such as Amsterdam, the likelihood of getting hit by a bike is just as high, if not higher, than getting hit by a car. Navigating the narrow streets while constantly dodging the slew of cyclists who are eager to remind pedestrians just who exactly is on top of the transportation food chain can become a bit overwhelming. Therefore, a trip or two to the smaller Dutch towns becomes a welcome escape. I only spent a few hours in the small town of Edam, home of the delicious Edam cheese. Located just a short distance from Amsterdam with a population of approximately 7,000 people, it makes for a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Edam is a beautifully quaint and picturesque town, with lovely cottages along the tree-lined canals. When I visited in the early hours of a Sunday morning, the frost that had accumulated from the night before had not yet melted away. The town was quiet, with the exception of a few shop keepers readying for another day of business. As I wandered through the narrow streets, residents started to emerge from their homes. I saw a couple of kids attempting to make a snowball out of the minuscule amount of frost that still remained on one of the bridges. I saw an older gentlemen out walking his dog down the cobblestone streets, turning just past the small church and disappearing into the distance. It was a beautifully calm morning. As I was walking down the street, I noticed this bicycle propped up outside of someone’s home. I immediately was taken by the prominent circular shape of the wheel and radiating lines of the spokes, as well as the contrast between the rich...
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Hey there! When I sat down to select a photo for this week’s blog, I was immediately plagued with indecision as to which photo I wanted to discuss. I’ve done quite a few travel photos, so I thought it was time to shift gears and discuss either a landscape or something more abstract. But alas, as if I was on autopilot, I found myself selecting this image, primarily because of the wonderful memories associated with the night that it was taken. I shot “Vancouver Skyline” in Vancouver, British Columbia in June 2013 with an aperture of f/8, shutter speed of 1/250, and ISO 200. Normally when I travel, I carefully plan each day in order to make the most of my time. Sure, I still leave time so that I can wander around freely, but I am in every sense of the word a planner. I traveled to Vancouver with a very close friend and took a completely different tact: instead of planning each day out ahead of time, I decided to just go with the flow so that I could enjoy the city and the company of my friend without worrying about following a strict schedule. At first, I must admit, it was a little odd to wake up in the morning and not know exactly what I was going to be doing for the day. However, I quickly embraced this new way of traveling. I was able to see a lot Vancouver, have fun with my friend, and of course take a ton of photos. On this particular night, my friend’s friend invited us to go to the H.R. MacMillan Space Center located in Vanier Park, which is just on the opposite side of the marina from downtown Vancouver. We walked for what felt like 10 miles from our hostel on Granville Street, across the Granville Bridge, and along the water to Vanier Park. It was an absolutely perfect evening. The clouds hung low over the city but were dispersed enough to still let light in. It was warm without being too hot. The skyline was illuminated by the setting sun, creating a beautiful reflection in the harbor. We leisurely made our way to the observatory, talking and laughing the whole way there. For me, there is a direct correlation between how I am...
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Welcome back! “Oxford Window” was taken during a short day trip to Oxford, England in Fall 2008. I shot this photo with an aperture of f/5.6, shutter speed of 1/100, and ISO 200 with my trusty Nikon D80. This photo is among the more significant images in my portfolio because it was the image in which my love affair with windows and doors began. As we were walking around what arguably is one of the most beautiful universities in the world, I was immediately taken with this simple window framed by the beautiful colors and textures of the growing ivy. The architectural details and overgrown ivy reveal a sense of aged beauty and provide context for the window that calls such an historic university campus home. For me, windows and doors represent wonder. I wonder who lives on the other side of the window or door. I wonder when the structure was built. I wonder who else has noticed such a common architectural necessity. Windows and doors, at their core, are nothing more than access to the outside world. Because of such a simple purpose, windows and doors provide me with an endless narrative that I find myself piecing together as I try to capture them with my camera. When I travel, I find myself continually drawn to windows and doors. I often wonder how many residents have looked outside of their window in complete confusion as to why someone is photographing their home. While windows and doors do not easily fit under the traditional umbrella of travel photography, they are a huge part of my travel photography and one of my favorite subjects to shoot. I think that doors and windows provide access into a world that we as travelers cannot physically enter but instead, can access through a bit of observation and imagination. Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to check back next Monday for more photo...
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Hello! I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! This week’s photo, titled “Gamla Stan,” was taken in Stockholm, Sweden in August 2010. “Gamla Stan” is a 13 second exposure shot with an with an aperture f/8 and ISO of 200. A Manfrotto 190x tripod was utilized. As the title indicates, I shot this photo in an area of Stockholm called Gamla Stan, or “The Old Town,” which dates back to the 13th century. While much of Stockholm has been touched by the fingers of modernity, Gamla Stan is still charmingly old and traditional. Gamla Stan is home to the Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral, numerous shops, restaurants, and an endless supply of history. Its narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets make for the perfect area to lose yourself for a few hours. The medieval architecture of the area is beautiful both by day and by night, so it is worth multiple visits to get a full understanding of the unique character of the area. On my last night in Stockholm, I decided to devote some serious time to shooting historic Gamla Stan. I had already scoped out the area earlier in my trip and noticed its potential for night photography. After a full day of palaces, cathedrals, window shopping, and people watching, I set out, tripod in tow, to capture the narrow alleys of Gamla Stan. Upon arrival, it took some wandering around to find an appropriate alley that didn’t have an excessive amount of foot traffic. While a person or two walking through a frame during a long exposure can have little effect on the final product, a crowd can completely alter the scene. Finally, I found this alley. It was perfect. The building facades had color variation, the lamps were creating a nice side light, and the cobblestones seemed to be glowing. This shot, however, ended up being very labor intensive. Moving the tripod back and forth across the alley, shooting at a variety of apertures and shutter speeds, under exposing, over exposing, zooming in, zooming out – I probably spent at least 30 minutes working towards this image alone. As the air grew colder and the people walking down the adjacent streets thinned, I was reminded of the laborious process that is night photography. When each exposure takes 5...
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Welcome back! This week’s photo taken in front of the Hellenic Parliament in Athens, Greece in August 2011. I shot “Duty” with a Nikon D80, 400 ISO, aperture of f/6.3, and shutter speed of 1/2500. Athens in August can be described in one simple word: hot. With little shade and temperatures rising to the mid to upper 90s, Athens at this time of year is not for the faint of heart. When I visited, I was on about an 10-12 bottles of water a day regimen, and even still found myself completely exhausted from the burning sun. So, imagine my surprise when I came upon the Hellenic Parliament and saw these guards wearing uniforms that appeared to be capable of melting a human being right there on the spot. Parliament guards often seem to be the butt of many jokes. Their serious demeanor and inability to speak makes tourists far and wide flock to parliament buildings around the world to attempt to force the guards to crack a smile. I’ve witnessed it in London, Prague, Stockholm, and Rome to name a few. The guards at the Hellenic Parliament, however, were different. I don’t know if it was a feeling of sympathy for what obviously looked like a very hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable uniform, or if it was the look of devotion on their faces, or if it was the massive guns they were carrying, but when I visited, people let the guards tend to their duty. I can’t imagine the dedication that must be required to devote your life to protecting others. Despite the heat, the two guards were obviously steadfast in their posts. With looks of conviction and determination, they marched towards one another, met in the middle, and then turned in an about face. When I was there, I found myself mesmerized by the choreography of their march and their unwavering devotion to their call of duty. I highly recommend the city of Athens, even in the scorching summer months. Just be sure to remember your sunglasses and sunscreen, and allot a hefty allowance for water and ice cream! Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to check back next Monday for more...
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Happy Monday! This week’s image was taken in Mykonos, Greece in 2011. I used a Nikon D80, shutter speed of 1/15, aperture of f/5.6, and ISO of 200. While in Mykonos, I was captivated by the beautiful white and blue color scheme that has become synonymous with the Cycladic Islands. The color combination really exudes serenity and beauty. It was impossible to walk through the streets of Mykonos and not feel a sense of contentment in the romantic simplicity of the colors, architecture, and cool salty breeze of the ocean. Of all of the places I’ve been, my day in Mykonos was one of my favorite experiences. I know Santorini gets all of the Greek Islands glory, but I found Mykonos to be far more enjoyable. It wasn’t plagued by the insane amount of crowds that Santorini sees on a daily basis. It’s not on a cliff so there is still beach access. Because there are fewer tourists, it’s easier to get lost in the narrow streets. When I was roaming around Mykonos, I didn’t feel like an outsider looking in; I felt like I was a part of the island. When I was walking through one of the quieter streets, I noticed a beautiful blue framed window with a white metal grate. I was immediately drawn to the colors and the simplicity of the lines and curves. I decided to focus on a small section of the window in order to highlight the white curl of the metal grate and the blue frame of the window. While this image seems very simple, I really had to take my time in making sure to place the lines in the appropriate place in the frame. In an image such as this, it was paramount that I stood directly in front of the window so that the frame was straight. If I had not been centered, the frame would have appeared crooked and no amount of Photoshop straightening would have remedied the crooked lines. So remember, take your time when shooting even the most straightforward of subjects! Tips: When I was in college, my photography professor’s motto was “Simple subjects that fill the frame.” He reminded us multiple times each class that photographs don’t have to be overly complicated to...
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