Travel to Las Vegas, Nevada
What makes this place special to you?
Vegas is
where I met my husband, so returning with the family through the
years is always sentimental.
Favorite hidden gems for snapping a photo?
1. Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio Casino
The botanical gardens at the Bellagio Casino will bring a new feel
to your Vegas photos with all the greenery. It’s a quick departure
from the hustle and bustle you think of when you hear Las Vegas.
2. Seven Magic Mountains
Seven Magic Mountains is located a little bit outside of the city,
but It is well worth the trip! Colorful natural photos that are
truly unforgettable.
Travel to Los Angeles, California
What makes this place special to you?
I chose
to feature Los Angeles, where I've loved living for the past 18
years. I'm truly in love with LA and all of its hidden gems. It
never ceases to surprise and amaze me, and there's so much more to
this beautiful place than most people realize.
Favorite hidden gems for snapping a photo?
1. Secret Stairs
We have this book called "Secret Stairs" by Charles Fleming and it
truly has the coolest detailed walks in it, all of them highlighting
different stairways in neighborhoods all throughout LA. We started
doing this during lockdown in 2020 and it's been one of my favorite
ways to spend a few hours every weekend. I always end up discovering
areas of the city I never knew existed.
2. Chinatown
The colors and patterns in Chinatown never cease to make me happy. I
love popping by Pearl River Deli (near where this photo was taken)
for a bite and then wandering into the mom and pop shops nearby.
3. Local Trails
LA's spring and summer hikes are iconic. This is a hike through
fields of mustard (which is actually an invasive species), and I
look forward to seeing the hills bursting with bright yellow blooms
every April.
Travel to Orlando, Florida
What makes this place special to you?
I am
from Ohio but moved to Florida 3 years ago. Going into the city is
one of my favorite things, ESPECIALLY since Orlando is such a
touristy spot, I love finding all the local spots.
Favorite hidden gems for snapping a photo?
1. The Monroe
The Monroe — it’s one of the best most aesthetic restaurants in
Orlando. They have super yummy fried chicken that comes from a local
farm every morning. They also have a little coffee shop inside. It’s
special to me because I ate here the day my husband proposed to me.
It’s one of our faves.
2. East End Market
There’s a little spot in Orlando called “East End Market” that has a
coffee shop, restaurants, dessert, and shops all in one building.
It’s a fun little spot to stop by.
Travel to Seoul, South Korea
What makes this place special to you?
South
Korea, This trip was a long time coming! My family is from here, my
husband & I met here, and I studied Korean at university so we
thought it was the perfect graduation / wedding anniversary trip.
It’s a beautiful country that’s super safe & tourist-friendly and I
recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a great food, great
shopping, and great memories
Favorite Hidden Gem for snapping a photo?
1. Walkable Art
Pictured is a 25m installation that looks like a roller coaster- but
it’s actually a walkable path! The views are incredible throughout
the trail and I highly recommend visiting both in the daylight and
when it’s getting dark. This photo was taken on a Fuji 975 Zoom 35mm
camera, which adds a super nostalgic feel.
2. Unlce’s Painting
Acorn Caricature/Uncle’s Painting- This was such a fun little “side
quest” we stumbled upon on our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace! Uncle’s
Painting has several locations and offer the cutest 1-minute
caricatures at a super great price. It was so fun to see what facial
features they choose to highlight to capture your likeness! (Check
out
@uncles_painting
on insta to find locations/times)
3. Gyeonbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul, South Korea) Pictured is the rooftop
detail of the main and largest of all five grand palaces built in
the Joseon Dynasty. The palace itself is stunning and a great way to
learn about Korean history! A few tips if you are able to visit: 1)
be sure to double check website for closures 2) rent a hanbok
(traditional Korean clothing) for free entry into all the major
palaces + cute pictures 3) visit the osulloc cafe nearby for a sweet
treat
Travel to Varenna, Italy
What makes this place special to you?
Varenna
is a comune on Lake Como in the Province of Lecco in the Italian
region Lombardy. I've been fortunate to visit twice now. There is
always a deep sense of peace that washes over me. Time seems to slow
and you can cherish every single second as it passes. The slow
lifestyle of the quaint town. The beauty in everyday life. Varenna
redefines peace and time.
Favorite hidden gems for snapping a photo?
1. From the Flowers
Pictured is the quaint town of Varenna nestled on the side of Lake
Como in Italy. The vibrant lakeside town was glowing during golden
hour. It was the end of April so all the flowers were in peak bloom.
I shot it so the flowers would lead your eye to the beautiful
buildings.
2. On the Water
When someone thinks of a city, they envision buildings, people, a
lot of chaos even. This photo showcases one of the many swans that
swim up and down Lake Como Italy. Taken in the early morning, the
waters were still calm - no boats to disturb this moment. Off in the
distance past the swan is Menaggio, the town across from Varenna.
This is a gentle reminder that a city can be peaceful and full of
wildlife.
3. In Between Buildings
One single motorcycle drives down the narrow cobble streets of
Varenna Italy. A refreshing reminder that cities should be centered
around people, gathering, embracing life to the fullest. More space
for humans, less space for cars. Many would picture a city full with
cars and parking lots, but Varenna Italy proves differently.
Travel to The Cotswolds
What makes this place special to you?
As much as I love the buzz of a big city, you won’t find me in one
for very long. I’m naturally drawn to tranquil locations when I
travel!
Visiting the Cotswolds, UK is such a romantic, endearing, and
wholesome place to visit. The small towns throughout the Cotswolds
share rich history, charming and lush gardens, and the most
enchanting cottages I’ve ever seen.
Favorite hidden gems for snapping a photo?
1. The Swan Hotel
The Swan Hotel, Bibury - Photograph the places you love to visit or
stand out in your memory to look back on. This beautiful place felt
magical in this historic town. Remember to be patient if you're
looking for a clear / people-free image or plan to visit places
during their slower periods to avoid crowds. When you're in a
destination that is usually crowded, its OK to embrace the
environment. When travelling it is usually easier to pack smaller
lenses that allow you to take in a wide variety of information. For
this reason, I love packing my nifty 50mm lens on all travels with
my 35mm lens in close reach if I need that extra wiggle room while
traveling.
2. Bleinheim Palace
Visit places that take you back in time and teach you a thing or
two. My visit to the Blenheim Palace was breathtaking and surely a
highlight of my visit.
3. The Cottages
I find it sweet to see each cottage named. The cottages are all
unique and reflect a style blended between history and the current
owner. Most of the gardens are straight out of a fairytale, so
picturesque. My favourite, the English garden rose is fragrant and
can be found climbing and blooming throughout the English
countryside. I find a lot of inspiration for my own gardens at home
from the Cotswolds. I find it romantic when you can take pieces of
your favourite travel locations and bring them into your daily life.
