For the days you feel at your best .

Before we head on to our next nature vacation I wanna share images from few years. Youn and I went to our first camping trip to States. I think this is where we realized how much we want to do this together and the days we spend there we still think of as our best camping days!

We arrived late late at night and all spots were taken so we end up sleeping in a car and this image above was what we saw when we woke up. And a miracle happened!!! Someone left early early and we took their spot. (Back then this campsite didn’t have reservation available).

We slowly set up a tent that we borrowed. It was a huuuuge one where you can just walk in ;) and made one of our favorite breakfast! It was corn tortilla+egg+bacon+avocado+pickles(!!!)+tomatoes. You get it, all the good stuff ;)

Even now when I look at these photos it looks soooo delicious ;)

The reason why we went camping to States was based on fire ban in Canada. We both can’t imagine camping without having a fire.

We did some hiking around and this haze came all the from Canada!

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Watch this short video: Diablo lake

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Like a little happy chipmunk ;)

Getting ready my fiiiirstt marshmallow ;)

Here is a beautiful panoramic shot from a look out to Diablo Lake.

Beautiful beautiful area and river water is from glacier so it stays freezingly cold even on hot summer days! I will always go back there to cherish the first time ;)

Stopping by Sunset Cliffs in San Diego .

Yes, California again :) I never thought I will say this, but(!) I really enjoy visiting San Diego city. There was something great about this city - great people, delicious food, lots of things to do and at the end all I wish was more time to see all the cool things this city has!

When we arrived map send us to a wrong place. We actually went inside that place and stayed there for a bit until Youn called the owner to see why there are still some stuff left from someone else…. ta-da-da…. the moment we realised we are in the wrong place we left it immediately. The house we rented was just across the street.

What do you do when you are hungry? You go to the place near by! San Diego is located next to Mexico boarder and they have lots of places that offer Mexican food. This little corner spot had really delicious Mexican dishes. I always feel like beginner when it comes to Mexican food. So many different names and I just get lost in what to order. This is where Youn comes in and makes decisions ;)

After we ate we went to Little Italy. That’s a nice neighborhood next to downtown. Has lots of unique places and shops to see. I don’t what it is but sun in California even in the midday looks good. I just love that light there!

Posed or we got lucky?:)

Pelicans looking for a spot to watch sunset :)

My fave shot of the day ♥︎

I have to admit - I am in love with this jacket! Believe it or not I wore it every day :)

Selfie on a cliff and don’t question what’s in my pocket ;)

Malibu Pier and dogs .

After our WPPI conference we end up in California dog sitting again :) You’ve seen these dogs before and I absolutely love them. I guess a huge part of me is happy to see their different characters and how well they get along!

Our traditional stop in Korea town for some soup ;}

Ahh, motorcycles in California is a must! It is so much more enjoyable (and faster to commute) to ride around. We rented one and end up going to Malibu Pier and Mulholland Hwy. I honestly was shocked to see how green California is! I am not sure if these mountains stays green during summer but it felt like we are somewhere in South America. I wish we could have had more time to stop and explore trails. We passed this beautiful Malibu Hindu Temple and Mulholland Hwy is absolutely beautiful to ride! I kept asking Youn to stop so I could take some photos :)

California can be green :)

When you live or vacation in such spot everything seems so easy and beautiful in life :)

♥︎

Those beautiful green mountains :)

I wanted to finish with this photo, not only because I love these dogs, but because we need to stop and enjoy our life. It’s easier when it’s sunny but little quiet moments while observing environment around me works the best for me :)

Wedding conference in Las Vegas .

First time visiting Las Vegas. A city full of lights and always having a vibe of easy life. Why we end up there? Not to see more lights or to have easier life this is the first time we went to WPPI :) It’s a conference for a wedding and portrait photographers for learning new/old stuff. It’s a wonderful place to get to see your favourite photographers and of course to attend EXPO show where lot’s of worldwide known brands present their newest things :)

From this learning week I really started to admire Lindsay Adler, Susan Stripling and Justin and Mary Marantz. They are wonderful photographers and the way they teach and talk about photography is really that inspired me again to do more than just click a button.

I bought a posing book written by Lindsay Adler and it’s absolutely great. All the information you would need to improve your posing and feel more confident while directing your subject :)

Susan Stripling impressed me by the way she works in her studio, by using fake walls to make a little room and this is how she controls the light. Seems so easy and effortless :)

Justin and Mary Marantz are photographers who respect photography in knowing that it will stay with us more than a day. They create to maintain a family history and this is important. Especially now when everyone can take photos so easily.

First evening we end up visiting the old strip. It’s like a boulevard for pedestrians full of casinos and people who shows lots of tricks to get your attention.

Overall we didn’t have much time to go out and enjoy the city, but Vegas is all about casinos. You can spend the whole day just staying inside or travelling through underground passes and get into different casinos. It feels like there is no end just for doing this :)

Enjoy :)