Travel Photography

 Photographing fireworks can be one of the most rewarding forms of night photography. But it's not as simple as pointing your camera at the sky and hoping for the best. With the right planning, gear, and techniques, you can capture stunning firework photos that explode with detail, color, and creativity. Fireworks over Downtown Norfolk 📍 Scouting Your Location: Foreground Is Everything Fireworks against a black sky might look beautiful in person—but in a photo, they can feel flat or repetitive. When you arrive at your location: Look for foreground elements : trees, buildings, bridges, hills, or monuments give your image a sense of place. Use reference points to provide depth and scale in the frame. If you're planning to layer your fireworks into other images later , you do want a clean black background, so skip the foreground and focus only on capturing the light bursts. 📸 Gear Checklist: The Tools for the Job You don’t need a bag full of gear, but the righ...

I’ve always loved small-town festivals — especially the kind that bring a little magic to the sky. Over the 4th of July weekend, we made our way to Balloons Over Rockbridge in Lexington, Virginia. While the summer weather didn’t always cooperate, the moments of color, calm, and community made it one of those trips we’ll never forget. A Sticky Start with a Silver Lining ⚡☀️ We arrived Friday afternoon under thick, sticky Virginia heat. The kind that presses down on your shoulders and clings to your clothes the second you step outside. The festival field buzzed with activity, but the air felt heavy — and sure enough, not long after we arrived, a summer thunderstorm rolled in. We took cover as the rain poured and watched the sky flash with heat lightning. For a while, it seemed like the balloon launch would be canceled. But to our surprise, the storm moved on quickly, and the air calmed just enough to give the balloons the green light. Evening Launch and the First Lift-Off 🎈 With t...

 Photographing the Milky Way is always a thrill—but capturing it alongside a rare bright comet makes the experience unforgettable. In Fall 2024, I headed to Bodie Island Lighthouse on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to photograph the Milky Way, timed perfectly with the appearance of Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS . Why Bodie Island Lighthouse? This location is one of my favorite dark sky sites on the East Coast. With its distinctive lighthouse , minimal light pollution, and reflective marshes, Bodie Island offers a unique blend of atmosphere and composition opportunities for night photography. As always, I scouted dark sky conditions in advance , looking for a new moon window and the best alignment between the lighthouse, the Milky Way core, and the predicted comet trajectory. Gear I Used Nikon D850 — unmatched detail and dynamic range in low light, plus a built-in intervalometer I use for time-lapses and star trails 24-70 mm f/2.8 wide-angle lens Sturdy tripod Headl...

  Lighthouses, Lobster Rolls & Love Along Route 1 4-Day Romantic Road Trip from Portland to Acadia National Park There’s something undeniably magical about coastal Maine—rugged cliffs, misty mornings, and the warm glow of a lighthouse at golden hour. This romantic 4-day road trip is perfect for couples looking for a blend of seaside charm, slow mornings, scenic drives, and unforgettable sunsets. Find this on Etsy 📍 Day 1: Arrive in Portland + Sunset at Portland Head Light Where to Stay: Charming inn or boutique hotel in the Old Port District Highlights: Walkable downtown, foodie finds, waterfront views Start your Maine adventure in Portland , a vibrant coastal city with cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. 💕 Couple-Friendly Stops: Explore the Old Port – Grab a coffee, wander boutique shops, or share a lobster roll from Eventide Oyster Co. Eastern Promenade Walk – A peaceful shoreline stroll Shipyard ...

  🧳 Romantic Iceland Getaway: 4 Days Based in Reykjavík (October Itinerary for Couples) Imagine chasing waterfalls, soaking in geothermal lagoons, and watching the Northern Lights dance above a midnight sky — all while wrapped up in Icelandic wool next to the person you love most. That’s exactly what our romantic 4-day getaway to Iceland in October was all about. If you’re planning a short trip and want to see the best of Iceland without switching hotels every night, this Reykjavík-based itinerary hits all the highlights — with day trips to the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the South Coast, ending with a relaxing soak at the Blue Lagoon before your flight. Northern Lights above Iceland 🗓 Day 1 – Golden Circle: Iceland’s Greatest Hits We kicked off the adventure with a drive through the Golden Circle — the most iconic route in Iceland. After a cozy breakfast at Sandholt Bakery , we rented a car and headed straight to Þingvellir National Park , where the earth qui...

 Las Vegas might be known for its party scene, but it can also be one of the most fun and romantic getaways for couples — especially in the cooler months. We spent an unforgettable trip in early December , when the weather is just about perfect: sunny days in the low 60s and crisp, cozy evenings ideal for strolling hand-in-hand down the Strip or sharing a cocktail under twinkling lights. We started our romantic getaway at Luxor , with its dramatic pyramid architecture and moody, themed vibe — perfect for couples who love a little adventure and drama. After a few nights, we hit the road for a dreamy road trip through Sedona , the Grand Canyon , and Antelope Canyon . The scenery was jaw-dropping, the pace was relaxed, and it felt like the perfect couples’ escape. When we returned to Vegas, we checked into the Flamingo , which offered a lighter, brighter, and more playful atmosphere — ideal for soaking up Strip energy while still having plenty of quiet corners to unwind together. If...

  There’s no better time to hike near Asheville than autumn. The Blue Ridge Mountains glow with amber, scarlet, and gold. Waterfalls thunder with late-season rain. It’s the perfect blend of cozy and wild.  Even though summer may just be starting, it's not too early to start thinking about those autumn trips. This was more than just a hiking trip—it was a romantic weekend getaway. With each step along the trail and each scenic overlook, it became clear that fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is made for couples. The quiet moments under golden canopies, shared sips of coffee in the rain, and the thrill of discovering hidden waterfalls together made the experience deeply meaningful. Despite a lingering tropical system that soaked the trails, I ventured out for a three-day hiking weekend in pursuit of some of North Carolina’s most scenic waterfalls. I returned cold, muddy—and absolutely enchanted. This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may...

  ☔ Why I Love Rainy Day Photography Most people pack up their cameras when the sky turns gray — but I do the opposite. Rain transforms a city. Colors deepen. Lights reflect. Streets shine. There’s a quiet beauty in watching a bustling place soften under a blanket of rain. Some of my favorite city shots — especially black and white — have come from days when most people stay indoors. That’s when the city shows a different side: still, moody, and more intimate. This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products, services, or tools I personally use and love. I also include links to my Etsy shop where I sell original travel photography and printable guides. These are my own products, not sponsored listings, and every purchase helps support my work as a travel photographer and writer. Thank you! 🏙️ Brooklyn Bridge in the Rain One of my favorite rainy photos is a black-an...