Travel Photography

The afternoon sun hung high over Zion Canyon when I stepped into the Virgin River, ready to hike The Narrows . It was September 2020 — the year everything felt uncertain, when travel was quieter, slower, and somehow more meaningful. National parks had only recently reopened, and there was a stillness to Zion I hadn’t felt before. The morning crowds were gone, leaving only the echo of the river and the rustle of wind through cottonwoods. Golden light poured into the canyon, and I felt a strange mix of gratitude and restlessness — the need to move, to breathe, to find beauty again after months of confinement. Print available on Etsy Stepping into the River The paved Riverside Walk ended, and there it was — the mouth of the Narrows. The sound of the river filled the air like a heartbeat echoing off the stone. I tightened the straps on my pack, gripped my wooden walking stick, and stepped in. The first shock of cool water around my ankles jolted me fully awake. Within moments, I was kne...

 In March 2020, before the world seemed to pause, I had the chance to photograph one of the most unique scenes I’ve ever witnessed along the North Carolina coast—a shipwrecked boat known as the Ocean Pursuit . Ocean Pursuit at sunrise Starting at Bodie Island Lighthouse Our morning began in the quiet darkness before dawn. The air was cool, the kind of crisp early spring chill that lingers along the Outer Banks in March. We stopped first at Bodie Island Lighthouse , its black-and-white stripes standing tall against the dim sky. Even though the lighthouse wasn’t our main destination, it felt like the perfect starting point for the morning—a reminder of the Outer Banks’ deep history with seafaring and shipwrecks. The Hike to the Wreck From there, we hiked down the beach, headlamps guiding our way through the sand. The ocean was restless, its waves breaking against the shore with that constant, steady rhythm that makes the Outer Banks both beautiful and unpredictable. Ahead of us, ...

 A few years back, I took a fall trip to Asheville, North Carolina, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable getaways I’ve ever had. The Blue Ridge Mountains in October are pure magic — fiery colors sweeping across the ridges, cool mountain air, and waterfalls framed by golden leaves. Catawba Falls Find Catawba Falls on Etsy The Blue Ridge Parkway was my first introduction to just how stunning the season could be. I probably pulled over at every overlook, convinced each time that this one was the best view yet. The mountains stacked in layers of blue with bursts of red and orange in the foreground — I don’t think I’ve ever stopped so many times on a single drive. One of the first hikes I did was to Crabtree Falls . The trail wound through a forest that looked like it had been painted in autumn colors, and when I reached the falls, I just stood there for a while listening to the water. The cascade dropped in a wide sheet over mossy rocks, framed perfectly by trees that ...

 I’m used to life at sea level in Virginia Beach, so when I traveled to Colorado and found myself at nearly 10,000 feet, my body wasn’t exactly prepared. The scenery was stunning—towering peaks, crisp mountain air, endless blue skies—but behind the beauty was a very real challenge: altitude sickness. By the second day, I was feeling it. The dull headache set in first, followed by waves of exhaustion and shortness of breath. Climbing a set of stairs felt like running a marathon, and even a short walk left me winded. It wasn’t the kind of tiredness you can shake off with coffee or a nap—it was a deep, heavy fatigue that made every activity more difficult than expected. Crystal Mill My Attempt at Oxygen Therapy In some Colorado towns, oxygen therapy is a common service, and I decided to give it a try. Hooked up to a tank, I breathed in the concentrated oxygen for about 20 minutes. The results were almost immediate—my headache lifted, I felt more alert, and even walking felt easier....

  There’s a salty breeze that still brings me right back to my childhood—when every summer meant a week in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. My parents and their friends would rent a big beach house, and for seven sun-drenched days, we would live barefoot, chasing waves, flying kites, and eating seafood fresh off the docks. It was more than just a vacation—it was a tradition, a memory-etched rhythm of summer that I still carry with me. These days, I prefer visiting the OBX during the off-season , when the crowds thin, the beaches are quiet, and the golden light stretches long across the dunes. Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic getaway or a family in search of wholesome adventure, the Outer Banks offers something timeless and magical. And there’s no better way to experience it than by driving the iconic Highway 12 . The Highway That Hugs the Sea NC Highway 12 is more than just a road—it’s a ribbon of pavement that threads together the barrier islands, running from...

 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...