L+H+C at Palace of Fine Arts

Nestled in the northern tip of San Francisco of the Marina district, the Palace of Fine Arts offers a timeless and regal backdrop for photoshoots. With its iconic columns, tranquil lagoon, and lush surroundings, it creates a perfect setting for capturing moments. In mid January, L H and C joined me for a chilly winter family and maternity photoshoot.

Photos taken with the Canon 6D, 24-70mm F2.8L, 50mm F1.2L

For the best lighting and atmosphere, it’s ideal to schedule your photoshoot early in the morning or during golden hour, when the light is soft and warm. These times also help avoid harsh midday sunlight and long shadows. However, be mindful that the Palace of Fine Arts is a popular destination, so getting there early can also help you avoid crowds, ensuring a more intimate and peaceful experience.

The Palace of Fine Arts makes capturing beautiful photos effortless thanks to its stunning architecture and grand scale. The elegant colonnades, intricate details, and dramatic archways create a naturally striking backdrop for any photoshoot.

Big Island 2025 Day 2

Saturday January 4th 2025

On The Road To Volcanoes National Park

Kailua-Kona -> Volcano

After a quick stop for coffee, the two hour car ride to volcanoes national park on the other side of the island began around 5:45am. Volcanic rocks make up the majority of the landscape on the western side of the big island. The eastern side of the island, a much more wet and cold temperate, greets you with greenery.

Kilauea Iki Trail

• https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/hawaii/hawaii/kilauea-iki-trail-and-crater-rim-trail

• 3.2 mile loop around Kilauea Iki Crater

The crisp early morning allowed for other worldly fog inside the crater that was viewable from the top and start of the trail. The trail starts around the top ridge of Kilauea, then descends downward where you close up the loop by walking through the diameter of the crater.

Thurston Lava Tube

Kilauea Iki crater with the fog cleared out later in the day. You can see the trail that we walked across earlier.

Kilauea Visitor Center

Steam Vents

Kilauea Eruption

Kilauea’s most recent eruption began a week before we arrived around Christmas.

Nene (Hawaiian Goose)

Hawaii’s state bird. Endemic to the Hawaii island. Only found in the wild on Oahu, Maui, Kaua’i, Molokai, and Hawai’i.

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Mauna Kea

Big Island 2025 Day 1

HICO Hawaiiian Coffee

Ali’i Drive

Hapuna Beach

Merriman’s

Oahu December 2024

Saturday December 28 - Thursday January 2

Bishop Museum

Pu’u Pia Trail

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/puu-pia-trail

• 2 mile out and back

Miscellaneous Food and Views

Mt. Rainier 2024

A day at Mt Rainier during our Seattle Trip.

Comet Falls Trail

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/comet-falls-via-van-trump-trail

3.5mi 1,286 ft elevation out & back

Snow Lake Trail

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/bench-and-snow-lakes-trail

2.2mi 456 ft elevation out & back

Seattle 2024

Thursday July 4th - Monday July 8th 2024

T-Mobile Park

Caught a Mariners game on July 4th

Starbucks Reserve

July 4th Fireworks

Amazon hosts an annual fireworks show in the river/lake at Gas Works Park. We had planned to picnic at the park to watch the show, but unfortunately so did half of Seattle. The park was overflowing with people, so we took to the surrounding streets.

Leavenworth

A Bavarian town a few hours from Seattle. In the winter, this place is snowed over, turning this hot summer city into a winter wonderland destination.

Deep Dive

A cozy cocktail bar with an extensive menu of specialty drinks hidden under the Amazon Spheres.

Chan Seattle

Danbo Ramen

Inside Passage

Tiki/Underwater themed bar

Funko HQ

Nana’s Green Tea

Space Needle

Chihuly Glass Museum

The Gorge Amphitheater

A one of a kind concert venue with stunning natural views. We caught Odesza’s finale show for their latest tour.