We had a beautiful fall afternoon doing michigan family portraits with the Jennings Family. Their blue and white color scheme perfectly complimented our backdrops.
Colorado Road Trip 2019
In September I had a short and sweet road trip around Colorado with my friend Ben before heading to a photography conference in Beaver Creek.
Here is a quick video slideshow that highlights our trip which includes some quick video clips:
9/11
Smooth flight. Met up with Ben at 5:30. It was too late to be able to catch the sunset anywhere good so we drove to Estes Park and found a hotel.
Smooth flight. Met up with Ben at 5:30. It was too late to be able to catch the sunset anywhere good so we drove to Estes Park and found a hotel.
9/12
This morning we woke up at 5:00am and drive into Rocky Mountain national park. We went to Bear Lake and watched the morning light change the landscape.
It was VERY cold due to the high winds.
Next we drove to moraine meadows where we saw a herd of elk off in the distance and had a beautiful view over the mountains with a twisting stream.
We also past lots of elk right on the road or next to the road.
Unfortunately Old falls River Rd was closed so we then drove up Trail Ridge rd.
Forest canyon overlook on trail ridge rd. Was gorgeous. Up there it was 30 degrees and probably 10 degrees with the wind chill.
Then we drove to Adams falls near grand lake on the west side of the park. That was followed by Pine Beach on the shore of shadow mountain lake.
Next we headed to Idaho springs for an amazing lunch at the Main Street Restaurant.
There is not much to do out here and we had about 4 hours to kill so we went to our hotel to relax for a bit before heading up Mt Evans this evening.
Unfortunately we found out that the Mt Evans road is closed 5 miles from the top. Therefore we did not get the spectacular sunset that we were counting on.
However, I was still able to get a few fun images. The landscape looks very martian-like once you get above the tree line.
9/12
We woke up early and drove to Glenwood where we could catch a shuttle for the Hanging Lake hike. The hike is only a mile long but it’s 1200ft in elevation so it’s very steep the whole way. But wow…what a rewarding view. How is this even real?!?!
Next we drove to Snowmass Village where our next hotel is. We had some downtime in the afternoon and then went to Maroon Bells in the evening for sunset. It wasn’t very crowded there and it was very peaceful.
9/13
We started the morning at 5:00am to head back to Maroon Bells for sunrise. This was a different experience than last night. We arrived at 6:00am and the parking lot was already full. It was crazy. There were at least 40 photographers already there. They recently put up a rope fence which unfortunately limits the positions that are available to take pictures.
There was some great camaraderie as we all waited for the sunrise. It was 35 degrees outside but thankfully no wind.
The sunrise was beautiful.
Next we headed up independence pass which was 12095 for high. We could definitely feel the thinner air up here as we walked around.
We headed over the pass and back down to Twin Lakes where we found a peaceful scene just off the side of the road with the mountain reflections and a little log cabin.
From there it was on to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We did a few of the lookouts on the south rim drive and then drove to the bottom of the canyon on East Portal Rd.
Next we drove to Grand Junction to our hotel which was going to be our home base for exploring Colorado National Monument. Driving into the Monument from the south side was not impressive but eventually it became amazing!
We spent most of our time at the Grand View Lookout waiting for the sunset. It was perfect weather with a comfortable temperature, no humidity and no wind so it was quiet and peaceful to just sit and enjoy the splendor.
We spent most of our time at the Grand View Lookout waiting for the sunset. It was perfect weather with a comfortable temperature, no humidity and no wind so it was quiet and peaceful to just sit and enjoy the splendor.
The next morning we woke up well before sunrise and went back to the same location to capture the sunrise and it definitely did not disappoint!
House of Providence
Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing the properties for House of Providence. This organization is absolutely incredible. They take in kids that have been through the worst type of abuse imaginable and provide a safe place where the kids can rehabilitate and heal and help them to find a forever home.
They built separate homes for boys and girls on large private properties in serene and peaceful locations. The amount of care and love they provide to these kids is incredible.
This is the boy’s home:
Here is the girl’s home:
Pacific Northwest 2019
In May 2019, Prem went on an adventure to Oregon.
Here is a highlight video that really shows off the trip with still and videos including some drone footage:
5/15/19
Today was a very long day with some ups and downs. I flew out very early in the morning and landed in Portland around 10:00am.
I started my trip at the Japanese gardens in downtown Portland which is a very serene and beautiful location.
Next it was on to one of my favorite waterfalls, Multnomah Falls. Unfortunately views to the waterfall were closed off due to a controlled avalanche they were doing.
I then drove to Panther Creek Falls in Washington which was hard to find and even harder to get to the base of the Falls but totally worth it!
All day it was grey and rainy, but it wasn’t raining hard enough to keep me inside.
Next I drove back across the Columbia River Gorge into Oregon and planned to camp at Trillium Lake near Mt Hood but the roads were closed for the season.
Onward to Smith Rock State Park. The skies started to clear up and it was a beautiful evening!
4.5 hour flight and 7 hours in the car today but it was pretty good for the first day!
5/16/19
Well, it appears that I couldn’t have timed this trip any worse. Great weather the day before I got here. Rain everyday while I’m here, and then great weather scheduled for the day I leave.
I was really grateful for the break in the rain and the 30 minutes of blue sky at Crater Lake this morning.
All the other places I tried to go to had the roads closed for the season so I couldn’t get there, or they were rained out.
However, I ended my day driving through the Redwoods on one of the most amazing roads I’ve ever been on. It was pouring rain but that didn’t stop me getting some pictures under an umbrella.
5/17/19
The day started stormy clouds over the endless surf pounding the steep and rugged cliffs. What a beautiful coast!! I spent some time driving farther south into California.
I spent a lot of time exploring different sections of the Redwoods. The trees and plant life here are breathtaking and way better to photograph on a rainy day like today as opposed to a sunny day where you get lots of patchy light.
I don’t think I’ve hiked that much in a long time. From the redwood groves to the crashing waves, I had a blast. It rained on and off all day but it was mostly just sprinkles which allowed me to get out and do what I do.
See if you can spot me in the second photo which was taken in the Samuel Boardman State Corridor…amazing place!!
With the on/off rain, I was grateful to have a minivan where I could stretch out and take a nap and wait for the rain to stop. Also, when photographing sunrise and sunset, the days are very long so afternoon naps are a lifesaver!!
5/18
I had a beautiful morning along the Oregon coast. The day started with a rainbow on the horizon that looked like lava exploding from the ground.
I headed farther north to Bandon Beach which has some amazing rock formations.
Next stop was the Haceta Head Lighthouse which is a very famous lighthouse that I believe is one of the most photographed spots in America.
After that I headed farther up the coast to Thor’s Well which is basically a hole in the rocks on the coast where the surf fills up and drains out in a mesmerizing fashion. It was a beautiful location but I got a bit too close as the tide was coming in and got splashed pretty good!!
I then drove inland to visit some good friends I haven’t seen in many years (Eric and Shawna) who live in Sublimity, OR. The farms out there are so pretty!
5/20/19
Today was an absolutely beautiful day on the coast. Sunshine and puffy clouds. I know that Michigan has terrible weather forecasting but I’m pretty sure Oregon is worse because last I checked, it was 94% chance of rain today and I didn’t see a drop. After leaving Eric and Shawna, I drove back to the coast and started at the Devil’s Punchbowl Arch.
Next, I drove up to Cape Kiwanda and hiked around to different areas along the cliffs. The surf was pounding and spectacular.
After that, it was up to Cannon Beach for another few hours enjoying a beautiful evening. It was one of the best sunsets I’ve seen in a while.
The flat beach gave an amazing mirror reflection although when the surf came in, it chased me back a long way because it’s so flat.
5/21/19
Today was a nice slow day to wrap up my trip. It started with a spectacular sunrise at the coast at Ecola State Park. Next, I drove back to Multnomah Falls which thankfully was open this time.
That was followed by a visit with my friend Fundy who works in Portland. Then it was time for my flight home!
Portugal 2019
In August 2019, Prem and Cheridy had an amazing getaway to Portugal.
Here is a highlight video that really shows off the trip:
7/31/2019
We are off to a great start! Our flight landed very early in the morning. Unfortunately we only had a couple hours of restless sleep on the plane but that didn’t stop us. When we landed, we got our rental car and headed for downtown Lisbon.
We first went to Castelo de S Jorge which has a beautiful view over the city with the bridge in the background (Golden Gate replica). The old castle was fascinating to walk around.
Next we went to Monesterio dos Jerónimos which was spectacular architecture. The detail carved in Stone was amazing.
Then we went to Belém tower and had lunch with a view of the tower.
We are quite exhausted so now it’s time to find a hotel and take a nap!!
Tonight we had a wonderful dinner at a beachside restaurant. After that we drove up to explore the nearby Pena Palace but the clouds rolled in and it was shrouded in fog so we will go back in the morning. We then went back to the coast for a pretty sunset.
Definitely looking forward to sleeping in a bed tonight as opposed to an airplane seat!!
8/1/19
This morning we had an amazing breakfast at our hotel and then we drove back to the Pena Palace near Sintra. The Palace is built on a hilltop on massive park grounds so we went for a really nice walk. It was hard to see and appreciate it from up close so we found a trail that led farther away and then rock scrambled up to get an amazing view over the tree tops. Low clouds passes over the top towers.
Then we drove inland to the walled city of Evora where there are some incredible Roman ruins among with an incredible old church.
We just made it down to Lagos on the south coast. It’s about 20 degrees cooler here than it was in Evora. Time for some dinner and relaxation!
8/2/19
This morning we did a whole lot of nothing. We slept in, had breakfast, took a nap, then drove down the coast to the farthest southwest point of Portugal.
There was a food truck called “last sausage before America”. Lol.
We spent the majority of the day today at our hotel. It was nice to have a day of rest. Our hotel is right on the Praia da Rocha which is one of the most popular beaches on the south coast of Portugal.
Losing our parking spot is one of the other reasons why we decided on a day of relaxing and doing nothing. Lol.
We went for dinner at one of the restaurants on the beach which was an interesting experience. We had a very drunk waiter and also witnessed a parade of some of the most bizarre swimwear we’ve ever seen.
But then we went for some gelato and that made up for it.
8/3/19
What a day!
We started on the south coast in Portimao with a boat tour of the caves and coastline. It was spectacular! Gorgeous weather, amazing caves, and a fun boat captain.
We then drove 3.5 hours north to Tomar and walked around the Convent of Christ which was a stronghold for the Knights Templar in the 12th century. Wow! There is some serious history here.
Next we drove another 2 hours north to the city of Porto.
So far, this is my favorite city in Portugal. We found a hotel with an amazing location and incredible view from the balcony for only 60 Euros per night. The city is built on the Duoro River and has incredible culture, history, and night life.
8/4/19
This morning started early with some walking around the city. We walked up to the highest point which is the 12th century Porto cathedral.
Next we went to the Livraria Lello which has to be one of the most famous bookstores in the world. Made famous by JK Rawlings who wrote the Harry Potter series who was inspired by this place. It now has a line two blocks long, all day long, just to get in and see it.
Next was the Clerigos tower and we also passed a beautiful old trolley, a VW beetle car convention, and a 5 story painting of a blue cat.
We then toured the Bolsa Palace and was amazed that much of the wood and stone in this place was fake. It was painted plaster that nobody would know the difference. There is also an Arabic room with carvings and writing all over the wall but it’s all meaningless because none of the artists involved in the project could speak Arabic so they made up words and letters.
Then we went for a boat cruise along the Duoro River to take in the sights of the city.
That was followed by lunch (they put eggs on EVERYTHING). Then we walked over the upper deck of the bridge and back to the hotel for a long nap.
For our last night in Porto, we had another spectacular dinner spot right on the river and got to watch the changing colors as it turned from day to night.
What’s better than any of the places that we are visiting is that we are doing it together.
8/5/19
This morning we started the day driving up towards Braga to see the Chapel at Bom Jesus Do Monte which is an incredible hilltop setting. However, we ended up in the wrong place and found another beautiful hilltop chapel at Santuário do Sameiro. Today was the first day that wasn’t too windy to fly my drone.
There was another gorgeous smaller chapel that we passed driving down the mountain.
Next we visited Guimarães Castle which is about as stereotypical medieval castle as you can get. One of the interesting things about Europe is that often towns were built right around these fortresses so you’ll have a new condo complex next to a 10th century castle.
From there we drove back down towards Lisbon and toured the Mafra Palace. It’s always interesting to see how the King and Queen used to live.
They had one of the most amazing chapels I’ve ever seen connected to the Palace. However, the only other thing that really blew me away was the Library hall which was probably the biggest I’ve ever seen. It was incredible seeing thousands of books dating back hundreds of years all in one room.
8/6/19
Time to head home!!
