Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

We climbed rocks, we met wolves, we said OM, we ate well, & we adventured in Big Bear.

Nature is definitely where I feel most at home — out in the wilderness, exploring, adventuring, & seeing new places and spaces. Upon hearing about this trip hosted by the nest life yoga studio, I knew it was a perfect outing & time to explore because it combined many of the things I loved. The outdoors, camping, yoga, food & rock climbing. When we arrived, it was quickly apparent that what Meg & Caitlin (owners of the nest life) hope to provide is not only a beautiful and accommodating experience, but a place where a community can be created. I met so many wonderful people with such creative and open mindsets, and made a few connections that have expanded beyond to retreat!

Seeing as this was really only my third time climbing on real rock (I can’t believe I never posted about my first time — in Yosemite! I’ll have to do that another time), I had a few struggles, climbing harder climbs than I have done in the past. I cursed my way up it, but I made it to the top (with a little rope help, but shhh!), and I felt accomplished. Conquering fears, connecting with nature & that inner peace, as well as making new friends was what this trip was all about, and it was perfect.

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Ever since I went camping for the first time last year at Joshua Tree, I have been camping as much as I can! I love the freedom of it & the ability to explore and to be a part of nature. A few months back I went on a camping trip with Zach and two of our good friends Justus & Tabby — who was also 6 months pregnant at the time! It was such a wonderful trip, and I am dreaming of new island camping adventures! There’s nothing like being out in an island & disconnecting with technology, and connecting with the earth & the people around you. <3

 

alpine loop scenic byway, utah.
october 2011


(left: arriving into utah, right: leaving utah)

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Would you believe me if I told you this was the first time I experience real snowfall? Because it was. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen snow on the ground, and I have even experienced seeing snow falling from the sky, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen snow falling and having it stick to the ground & plants & trees & other delightful things! You should’ve seen me — I was dancing around like a kid in the candy store! I know this sounds like total crazytalk to some of you who grew up living in the snow-filled winters, but living in California, you rarely experience snow unless you a) live in the mountains or b) visit said mountains. And I grew up totally sheltered, so to see this was a total delight for me!

Apparently this was the first snowfall of the season in Utah too, where I was attending a photography workshop (the Film Is Not Dead Workshop, which I will be sharing about another time) at the time. This was the last day I was there, and was due to fly out in only a few hours, so I needed to kill some time and what a better way to do that than to explore the area? The weather had turned into a total stinker – it was raining pretty heavily, so I was limited in what I could do. I knew about the Alpine Loop from others at the workshop, and the front desk at the hotel told me that it was a  beautiful drive, but discouraged me from driving it in this weather. When I got into my car to decide I sat there for a good minute and thought, yes, I’m going to do it. And I am so glad I did because magical snow awaited!

Coincidentally, fall/early winter is my absolute favorite time of the year — I always feel so inspired and in awe much more than any other time of the year. So to see this was like drinking a cup of the most refreshing thing ever — it totally filled me up.

What is your favorite time of the year and why? Do you love fall/winter as much as I do? Or do you love to bask in the summer sun like so many others that I know? I always feel like I’m alone with my love of this season (except for other photographers, that is)! I mean, come on, who can’t love weather that allows me to wear my cute coats, scarves, gloves and socks that I hoard up all year long?! ;)

berkeley/oakland . on film.

September 15, 2011

charm + friends + food + film = <3

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Oh, Berkeley, you charmer you! Not everyone gets you, but I sure do, and I heart you so much. It also helps that one of my favorite people lives there and will be getting married there next month (and I’m a bridesmaid!). I look forward to spending more time with you this coming year. <3

san francisco . on film.

September 14, 2011

city by the bay + film = <3

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Some film images taken while I was in SF for an engagement session last month.

I love that city. :)

sonoma . on film.

August 11, 2011

rustic charm + beautiful scenery + film = <3

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Hasselblad 500C/M . Fuji 400H

Some places are meant to be photographed on film. :)

* Thanks so much to Jill Thomas for having me assist, it was a spectacular time!

** Check out the insane car they rented to us! Hahaha we laughed all the way from the airport after picking it up.