“As soon as I take out my camera I find that stillness within, that deep sense of peace that I crave every day. I get lost in such a beautiful way that it’s hard to describe; it’s as though I find a piece of me that I had lost without really knowing that I lost it. As I sit quietly looking through the viewfinder, my senses become heightened. The smell of the earth makes me feel grounded; the sound of waves crashing or grass rustling in the wind or the bleating of a lone sheep in the distance makes me feel so alive; and the vastness of what I see makes me feel expansive. This is what it is like to be in the Now, which is really just to be still in mind and body. My photographs come from a place of emotion. They are not an attempt to capture the perfect image, but to capture the feeling I experience as I witness the things in front of me.” – Eydís S. Luna Einarsdóttir.
I thoroughly echoed these beautiful words from the Icelandic/Canadian photographer, Eydís S. Luna Einarsdóttir. Photos that could make me smile or cry, happy or sad, photos that could make my heart ache or soothe my weary soul, photos that could convey a melancholy feeling or celebrates excitement are what I really chase for in an image. I have mentioned many times that I love to photograph the mountain because it could project an awe-inspiring, jaw dropping with a slight melancholy effect that makes my heart ache a little bit. I love and crave to be among it. This is a collection of photos that could convey a wide array of emotions. This page will constantly be updated as I continue with my adventures and travels.
Fully enjoying the outdoor experience is as important as creating the image. A photograph can never replace actual experience. Yet, while the memory may fail, the photograph will be a continual reminder of a cherished moment in time. I am always seeking that often-fleeting “sweet light” that washes over our glorious landscapes so eloquently; the quiet, contemplative, intimate views along a road less travelled; the unexpected appearance of an elusive and secretive creature; the fascinating patterns and minute details of Nature. – By Mike Grandmaison in the ‘Natural Reflections’ Photography Book.
Seeing this photo, I was instantly brought back and filled with emotions and memories to that moment I took this photo. I was so exhausted after the 9km hike to Garibaldi Lake and was running down as fast as my tired body allowed me to so that I could get to the car and rest. Then I saw this incredibly beautiful scene – the sun was setting down and it hit the forest bed, giving this wonderful golden glow on the whole forest. The forest bed was wonderfully lit – it looked so magically. I was overly excited when I witnessed this scene, took out my camera and just kept shooting till the sun moved away from the forest bed. In that moment, I forgot how tired and achy my body was…I was just enjoying the incredible display of nature and captured a few photos to preserve this beautiful memories.
Garibaldi Lake | Vancouver | Canada
It was raining and therefore very cloudy when I visited Machu Picchu for the third time. Huayna Picchu was hardly visible, the clouds were so thick and it took a long time for the clouds to clear. When I noticed that the clouds have started to clear, I quickly grabbed my camera. And when the peak of Huayna Picchu was visible and the rest were still covered in clouds, I thought what a dramatic scene this is, what a shot it will be! I post-processed it black and white to emphasis the drama and mystery of the mountain, which in my opinion is quite powerfully portrayed here.
Machu Picchu | Peru
“The real voyage of discovery, as Marcel Proust famously said, consists not in seeing new sights, but in looking with new eyes. And of course, once you have new eyes, even the old sights, even your home become something different.” – Pico Iyer.
Banff National Park | Alberta | Canada
I recently attended some photography workshops and learned about using telephoto lens for landscape photography more extensively. The instructor was very passionate about telephoto lens and how it could give so much more uniqueness to a photo. Influenced by his teaching, I wanted to capture a photo that would resemble one captured by a telephoto lens. I do not own a telephoto lens unfortunately. This photo was framed at 70mm, the furthest my normal zoom lens could go. My focal point was the mountain beneath the fog. The surrounding trees added depth and a softer texture to the whole photo with the autumnal colors as an added bonus, which I think made it more special.
Mount Naejangsan National Park | South Korea
I love mountains, especially snow-capped rugged mountains like this one. There is something about mountains that races my heart and make me in awe of it. Probably it is the majesticness, the grandeur, the elegance as it stands tall and mighty. Probably it is the serenity, the peacefulness and the tranquility it manifests. The mountains require no words nor anything else, just standing tall in the wild. I love the mountains and seems to always find myself back in its presence whenever possible.
Humbolt Mountain Range | Southern Alps | New Zealand
When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator – Mahatma Gandhi.
We were driving to Wanaka from Cromwell after photographing the same lake on the other side when the sky was painted this orange! It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen. Of course we had to stop for photographs before the sun was gone!
Lake Dunstan | South Island | New Zealand
Life’s journey is never a straight line. It is full of twists and turns, ups and downs. But it is precisely the twists and turns, ups and downs that make life’s journey more interesting than a straight path. Just like the twists and turns on this road that lead to the top of the hill, the twists and turns in life gave variations and imposes one to slow down and enjoy the ride before it passes by.
Near Queenstown | South Island | New Zealand
What I love about being in the Yukon is the peacefulness and quietness! Like this hiking trail in Mt. McIntyre called Blown Away. During the 4-5 hours of hike/walk, I came across only 5-6 people! I have never been on a hike that is so quiet. I absolutely love the tranquility! Literally (almost) and figuratively Blown Away because it was SO windy at the top (due to it being an Alpine) and incredibly beautiful views!
Mount McIntyre | Yukon | Canada
It is not easy finding the other half who shares the same interest and whom you want to spend your life with. But when you do, I think it is a pretty sweet feeling as you get to enjoy views like this together.
Boréale Ranch | Yukon | Canada
Still so amazed at how peaceful and quiet the Yukon is! There wasn’t anyone else during the whole canoeing trip of ~4-5 hours! Apart from two other ladies fishing in the river, it was just us 5 with 2 canoes! Our guide joked that the owner of Boréale Ranch might have reserved the whole river just for us! Loved the whole canoe trip so much! Did I mention the crystal clear water too?!
Yukon River | Yukon | Canada
A 9km hike to reach and witness this beautiful scene, the Garibaldi Lake. It was a continuous steep climb for the first 6km and then fairly flat the next 3km and then another 9km to descend. I am very thankful for every steps I could take especially those steps that my body was screaming ’No More!’ And those that I wish I could just roll down to the bottom.
Garibaldi Lake | Vancouver | Canada
I have never used the telephoto lens because the combinations are just too heavy for my wrist especially during a long photoshoot (yes yes I know I should use a tripod). But our photo instructor has definitely changed my thoughts on telephoto lens. I am convinced now that photos taken using this lens could be more unique and give a different perspective to the eye of the beholder. Time to save up for a telephoto lens maybe?
Banff National Park | Alberta | Canada
Loved the hike and quietness! Everyone went down to the lake but I decided to climb up instead. Needless to say it was very challenging for me as this was my first hike at an altitude. My lungs and heart could not keep up with it. I felt breathless after a few metres and unfit and embarrassed.
Nevado de Toluca | Mexico City | Mexico
I will always remember and treasure this moment. The sound of wind hitting the grass, the wonderful conversations with Isaac, my tour guide, and just pure peacefulness.
Nevado de Toluca | Mexico City | Mexico
One of the most magnificent geologic features in the world is the Ausangate Mountain of the Peruvian Andes. The mountain is striped with colors ranging from turquoise to lavender to maroon and gold.
Rainbow Mountain | Cusco | Peru
I love to take and produce colourful photos but when I took this one and process it later, I feel the need to just focus on that heavenly ray of light and the areas that it shined on. The feel that I have for this photo is to focus on the areas where the ray of light touched on, keeping the rest darker (less focused). It is a lighter photo of mine but it gives this ‘mystery’ effect. What do you think?
Machu Picchu | Cusco | Peru
As a solo traveler, it is often tricky whether to travel alone or join a group tour. Group tours are great for companionship and since everything has been planned, there is no need to worry about accommodations or activities to do. However, group tours are very fast pace and the idea of being stuck in a group for an extended period can be nerve racking.
I think I may have found a great balance for myself after traveling solo and also in a group for almost one month now. It is very important for me to slow down and spend more time in one area rather than just speed through it. I want to be able to relax and absorb the culture. I want to be able to sit in a cafe and just enjoy views like the locals do. Day tours are great to get to sights that are not as easily accessible and occasionally having a few days to slow down and learn more about the locals’ cultures are the way to go for me.
Cusco | Peru
Nevado de Toluca | Mexico City | Mexico
Emerald Lake, Yukon
What a perfect and glorious mix of nature – the mountains and the lakes! A light snow fall has started to cover some parts of the mountain in the background white, leaving some parts still green and combined with the bright blue color of Peyto Lake – it is such a perfect and glorious mix! I really miss you very much, Canada!
Peyto Lake | Banff National Park | Canada
With views like this throughout The Canadian Rockies, it is no wonder that this area is one of the most popular road trip destinations for both local and overseas visitors!
The Canadian Rockies | Banff National Park | Canada
I know it is too early to say this but I am going to miss white Christmas this year. I am so thankful to experience white Christmas for the last 2 years! All those Christmas songs suddenly make so much more sense! This was taken somewhere close to Two Jack Lake.
The Canadian Rockies | Banff National Park | Canada
One of the things I was really blessed to experience in Peru is their culture, so rich and generous. Almost every Peruvian I met was so proud and excited to share their cultures with visitors from all over the world such as this local family in Huito, located on the way to the Rainbow Mountain. We were welcomed by their traditional dance and also participated, which apparently was done during the courtship and the females get to whip the males. Tasted the potatoes cooked using the traditional method called watia, and other local food followed by mesmerizing weaving demonstration.
I could feel their passion and immense love for their culture! As technology advances, it is becoming more important to preserve all cultures so that younger generations could experience, learn and appreciate them too.
Huito | Peru
Chinchero, a town well known for its weavers. Groups of women would gather and work together, weaving beautiful products such as shawl, hats, gloves, blankets, and many others and sell them in the local markets or to overseas visitors. This is their main source of income to support their family. This group of weavers welcome us with a song in Quechua, another song halfway through the demonstration and a good bye song in Quechua too. I have no idea what they were singing but somehow the songs moved me. I got so emotional and choked with tears listening to them. The goodbye song got me rather teary too. Apart from being moved, the lady who demonstrated the whole weaving process was very entertaining! We laughed, we cried during this 2-3 hours visit. It is so heart warming to see how dedicated and hard working they are. I am deeply inspired.
Chinchero | Peru
Peru is probably the most interesting and unique country I have visited so far. I am very amazed and in awe that the traditions from the Incas are still kept intact and alive!
I am amazed! And I love the colors!
Cusco| Peru
One of the unique things but all too common for the locals are seeing alpacas like this roaming around the streets of Cusco.
Cusco| Peru
Cusco| Peru
I love to take and produce colourful photos but when I took this one and process it later, I feel the need to just focus on that heavenly ray of light and the areas that it shined on. The feel that I have for this photo is to only light up that ray of light’s areas, keeping the rest darker (less focused). It’s a darker photo of mine but it gives this ‘mystery’ effect. What do you think?
Machu Picchu | Cusco | Peru
Nestled on the eastern slopes of the Andes, the startling originality of the magnificent architecture of Machu Picchu is framed by the rugged and densely-forested mountains that surround its location. Above the ruins, clouds form which on occasion can shroud the buildings, and the Urubamba River meanders past some 500 meters below. And as if all that were not enough, the enigmatic history of the ruins adds to their air of mystery.
The mountain known as Huayna Picchu provides the backdrop to this most famous legacy of Inca rule. In spite of its relatively recent construction – just over five centuries ago – this monumental site stands as an archetype of Andean civilisation. The skill with which stone has been used in the construction, its simplicity of form and the tendency to build in harmony with the landscape, grant Inca architecture the uniqueness that has given it universal fame. Machu Picchu is the greatest expression of those values, a complex that stands as testimony to the religiosity and world view of the Inca people.
Machu Picchu | Cusco | Peru
The Ausangate Mountain taken from the peak of the Rainbow Mountain.
Cusco | Peru