Here's a rundown of my all-time favorite spots and the stories behind snapping them. Most are from the good ol' days when I was globetrotting carefree, way before putting down roots in Newcastle and diving into the wild world of starting a business. These places, usually surrounded by nature's wonders like mountains, lakes, deserts, and beaches, were my go-to spots to chill, do some yoga, and vibe with the Earth's cycles. Turns out, these laid-back escapes played a big part in firing up my love for photography and steering me towards making it a full-blown career.
1. Wanaka - New Zealand
I lived in Wanaka for 8 months during the winter of 2017, sharing the experience with three of my best girlfriends. We embraced any job we could find, working in cleaning and hospitality, scraping together whatever we could. One memorable morning, we decided to embark on the ambitious adventure of climbing Roys Peak for sunrise. This choice was especially challenging as it involved a grueling 3-hour uphill climb, and we needed to make it back down in time for our morning work shift. With a 4 am start, it was my first time ascending a mountain, adding an extra layer of difficulty.
We crawled our way to the top in freezing conditions, a journey that took a considerable amount of time and effort. However, when we reached the summit and watched the sunrise, it was absolutely magnificent—a moment etched in my memory forever. Despite the challenges, it was so worth it, and I consider myself fortunate to have had enough strength left to pull out the camera and prop it up on a rock for this shot! Since that day, I've climbed Roys Peak twice more and tackled many other mountains as well. It's safe to say that I caught the mountain hiking virus right there in Wanaka!
2. Southwest National Park - Tasmania
In 2020, I spent three months on Sea Whisper—my dad's yacht—as we circumnavigated Tasmania. It was the last time I spent with my dad as he passed away from cancer less than a year later. This is one of the fondest memories I have with him—sailing into Southwest National Park. It's completely isolated, except for hardcore trekkers, biologists, and seasoned boaties. In the vast expanse of the national park, we were likely among only a handful of people for miles. For a week, we immersed ourselves in the isolation, exploring rugged landscapes and capturing incredible photographs. The experience was made even more special as we enjoyed all the comforts of home on Sea Whisper while surrounded by untamed wilderness.
The day before this photo was taken, we conquered the mountain in the background—Mt. Rugby. Though not as high as Roys Peak, the challenging track, often poorly maintained, led us to get lost multiple times.
The next day, I casually mentioned the idea of taking this shot to my dad. Without hesitation, he jumped into our dinghy. I had barely lined up the shot when he took off, keeping the spiral going until he ran out of space. There's immense joy in discovering you've captured a magical shot when you least expect it—sometimes, you just have to be in the right place at the right time.
3. Ucayali River, Peru
Some of the most profound experiences and true awakenings of my life transpired in the Malokas by this river. During my travels, I had the privilege of working in a Spiritual Center upriver from Iquitos in Peru, where I spent five months immersing myself in the knowledge of the rainforest plants. To reach any major town in this remote region required a half-day journey by boat and van, and we received provisions once a week.
One afternoon, feeling bold, I decided to venture into the river alone, setting up my camera to capture this shot. The photo symbolizes me facing my fears. By this point, I was well aware that this river was home not only to pink dolphins and manatees but also to caimans, piranhas, and anacondas—all of which I had encountered. This shot is the equivalent of swimming with sharks for me! Despite the serene appearance, I didn't linger to capture a second shot; I'll take this one just as it is!
4. Camino De Santiago, Spain
While this may seem like a typical Instagram photo, I've come to appreciate it as one of my favorite travel shots. At the time, I might have been hesitant to label it as such, but looking back, I realize that it perfectly encapsulates the essence of the moment. The tones, rough composition, and worn-out effect mirror the state of my soul after walking 800 kilometers across a country to reach the endpoint at the Santiago Cathedral.
The stamps, collected from each "Albergue" or checkpoint along our journey, symbolize the trials and determination it took to complete the pilgrimage. For anyone who relishes walking and contemplating life's great mysteries, I can't recommend the Camino de Santiago enough!
Interestingly, I can't even claim credit for taking this shot. The trigger was pressed by my best friend and walking partner, Liv, who has been by my side through many adventures and shares a love for photography.
5. Kathmandu, Nepal
My travels eventually brought me to Kathmandu, Nepal, where I found myself on the top floor of a hostel, gazing out at the world below. The days in Kathmandu were a vibrant mix of street life and tourists, and I felt a bit swept up, uncertain of where to go next. For a few weeks, I found myself in this state of idleness, frequently returning to this spot with a view of the monkey temple on the hilltop. I don't recall taking this photo, but I'm grateful that I did. The memory of the Kathmandu haze, a blend of dust and smog, lingers, along with the vividness of the buildings and the world unfolding below. This shot is an an idyllic travel photography moment.
6. Streets of Antigua, Guatemala
In 2023, I embarked on a six-week retreat in Central America, centered around Lake Atitlan. Before reaching my destination, I spent a week in the enchanting town of Antigua, a stunning Central American pueblo. I have an absolute love for this part of the world – everything from the people and language to the magical terrain. Despite my ongoing efforts to improve my Spanglish, I find the excitement in the midst of confusing conversations in Spanish truly endearing. Guatemala embodies raw humanity, a glimpse into how things should be.
This photo captures a moment from a festival in the town square of Antigua, where it feels like there's a celebration for a different occasion every week. I snapped this shot of fairy floss as it passed by, carried by a local man trailed by children. The image holds the essence of that time, transporting me back to a period filled with buzz and excitement!
7. Stuart Highway, NT, Australia
A more recent trip took me from Alice Springs all the way to Broome in this magnificent Coaster. That's one of my close friends, Arahina, on top as we stopped to make camp for the night somewhere off the Stuart Highway. It was another wild adventure, this time closer to home. Exploring Australia, I realized we have a rich tapestry of culture and adventure comparable to any other country. This trip opened my eyes to the incredible diversity within our own borders, and I feel truly fortunate.
The journey deepened my understanding of Australia's history and culture. While acknowledging some of the darker aspects, I discovered the wonders that exist. A crucial lesson was recognizing that Indigenous culture is not an outdated primitive concept; even today, they possess a profound understanding of the land and how to live in harmony with it. I strongly believe that one of our society's significant challenges is to listen to the voices of our Aboriginal people, to engage with their culture on their terms, and to bridge the gap we've created in this aspect of our lives. After all, they've sustained a culture here for over 65,000 years!
This trip yielded numerous amazing shots, but the idea for this particular photo emerged on the road. It was a remake of scenes from "Priscilla - Queen of the Desert." Collaborating on these shots was a moment where photography played a role in creating a project—a shared goal that brought us together and allowed us to have some fun.
8. Halong Bay, Vietnam
Captured with my first-ever DSLR, a Nikon D60, this photo marks the beginning of a memorable journey through Vietnam with my dad, shortly after graduating high school in 2009. The sense of profound wonder I felt as I explored the country through the lens is etched in my memory. The magic of what I witnessed, the amazement of encountering a new culture, and the revelation that I could freeze those moments on camera left me in awe. Every second was a joy, and despite accumulating almost 8,000 photographs that required sorting, I relished the editing process, allowing me to relive each moment.
During this tour, we were fortunate to experience stunning weather in North Vietnam's Halong Bay—a place brimming with awe and wonder that imparted a profound sense of peace. I hope to revisit the region one day, though I acknowledge it may have undergone significant changes due to tourism over the years. Nevertheless, on that particular day, I found immense happiness sitting amidst positive energy, feeling blessed to have a camera that allowed me to capture the essence of the moment in this photograph!
9. Tikal, Guatemala
Another gem from my trip to Guatemala, this time in the northern part of the country, amidst the ancient ruins of Tikal. With just a week left, a good friend from home joined me, and together, we traversed the country from Guatemala City, enduring over 15 hours of bus rides across three days to reach the ruins. It was quite an adventure, but the experience was undeniably worthwhile. My profound love and fascination for ancient ruins and civilizations, with all their mysteries, fueled this journey.
Upon the advice of fellow travelers, we opted for the 4 am tour, as the region tended to become uncomfortably hot later in the day. Sleepily, we piled into our tour bus at 3:45. I distinctly remember a heated argument with our guide in Spanish over our tickets, followed by the necessity to borrow a stranger's internet to purchase new tickets on a Spanish website—all a bit overwhelming for that time of morning. However, when we reached the ruins, we were directed to climb one of the pyramids overlooking the site and rainforest. In the quiet hours of the morning, we eagerly awaited sunrise. The eerie silence, devoid of conversation or technological distractions, transported me back in time. It felt like a direct connection to the past and the people of Tikal, tens of thousands of years ago.
Later, as we explored the ruins, I chanced upon this shot through a gap in the stones. This photo exudes an Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider vibe, earning its place in my top 10 list for the intrepid feeling it conveys.
10. Mooney Mooney, NSW
Coming back from my travels, home feels like an entirely new place, offering a fresh perspective. This picture holds special significance as it marks the inception of a new chapter in life. The first time Beau (my partner) and I spent time together, we embarked on a hike/climb up this hill to fly our drones and capture photos. We had planned a sunrise shoot, and since we both lived in the area, he suggested this location. Beau picked me up from my home in Mooney Mooney, and we parked near the Pacific Highway. Navigating under the motorway, we forged our way through the bush and climbed the cliff with our gear in tow. The sunrise was breathtaking, and amidst discussing camera gear and sharing our adventures, we realized our similar interests and values. In the years that followed, we grew into the closest of friends. After a couple more solo adventures, we decided to embark on creating something meaningful together.