5 Scenic Hikes on Oahu for Photographers (Beyond the Popular Trails)

Looking for the best hiking photo spots on Oahu Hawaii? This guide shares 5 scenic hikes on Oahu for photographers, featuring ridge trails, sunset viewpoints, volcanic landscapes, and lesser-known experiences beyond Waikiki.

Travel photographyBelinda ShiMay 20, 2026hiking, USA, Hawaii, Oahu, island, beach, sunset, forest, tropicalComment

Look For These 5 Storytelling Shots. Every Scene Has Them!

Struggling to know what to photograph - both during travel and in everyday life? I share the 5 storytelling elements you can find in almost every scene, helping you not only find subjects intentionally, but also creating photos that feel more immersive and alive, using our recent hike at Koko Crater Railway Trail in Hawaii as an example.

5-Day Maui Itinerary for Photographers (My Favorite Photo & Video Experiences)

A 5-day Maui itinerary through my favorite photo and video experiences—from Haleakalā sunrise to whale watching and the Road to Hana—blending travel stories with real-world photography insights for mirrorless hobbyists.

Travel photographyBelinda ShiFebruary 12, 2026USA, Hawaii, beach, sunrise, sunset, landscape photography, ocean, animal, wild life, whaleComment

2025 - A Year In Review

A reflective 2025 year in review shaped by staying rooted in Hawaii, limited travel, and intentional photography. From life on Oahu to revisiting the Pacific Northwest, this post explores how light, mindset, and clarity guided both family decisions and creative work.

A Year In Review, Travel photographyBelinda ShiJanuary 15, 2026island, Hawaii, USA, beach, sunrise, sunset, Washington, low light, forest, river, clouds, ocean, document happinessComment

8 Less Crowded Photo Spots To Capture Natural Beauty On Oahu, Hawaii

Looking for less crowded photo spots on Oahu, Hawaii? After spending months exploring the island, this travel photography guide highlights eight quieter locations—from coastal hikes to secluded beaches—where Oahu reveals its natural beauty away from the crowds.

Travel photographyBelinda ShiDecember 18, 2025coast, beach, USA, Hawaii, tropical, island, sunset, people, landscape, forest, rock, animal, candid, tree, low light, road, sandComment

Oahu Beyond Waikiki (part 2) - 7 Scenic Spots You Don't Want To Miss

Discover 7 scenic photo spots on O’ahu, perfect for travel photographers seeking soulful views, quiet moments, and meaningful images beyond the tourist trail.

Travel photographyBelinda ShiJune 5, 2025USA, Hawaii, beach, hiking, forest, garden, animalComment

Oahu Beyond Waikiki (part 1) - 8 Photo Spots From Known To Hidden Gem

Planning a photo adventure in Hawaii? Discover the 8 best photo spots on Oahu, from iconic lookouts and dreamy beaches to lesser-known gems like sea arches, volcanic cliffs, and turtle coves. This guide blends top must-see locations with peaceful hidden treasures, perfect for any photographer.

Travel photographyBelinda ShiApril 6, 2025Hawaii, USA, island, beach, panorama, cityscape, landscape, sand, ocean, coast, children, blue, sunset, silhouette, long exposure, clouds, Honolulu, palm tree, tree, backlight, rockComment

My Deepest Purpose Why I Teach Photography

If you wonder why I changed my life from being a professional with a 6-digit paycheck to pursuing passion in photography 18 years ago, or want to know how photography has transformed my life, or may possibly transform yours, read this blog post.

Photography Tips, How To Photograph, Self DiscoveryBelinda ShiFebruary 26, 2025passion, USA, mindsetComment

2024 - A Year In Review

A reflective look back at 2024 through travel photography, family road trips, and creative growth. From Iceland and the Northwestern U.S. to China—and even the northern lights at home—this year in review shares the journeys, lessons, and photography milestones that shaped my year.

Travel, Europe, A Year In Review, AsiaBelinda ShiJanuary 10, 2025Washington, Road Trip, USA, Europe, Asia, China, Iceland, camping, montana, south dakota, North Dakota, wyoming, IdahoComment

Our First Ever Camping Trip

We took our first camping trip as a family to the Pacific coast in Washington, featuring our favorite photo spots of the Olympic National Park along the Pacific Ocean.

Travel photographyBelinda ShiAugust 12, 2024USA, rock, beach, ocean, hiking, Road Trip, Washington, sunset, forest, tree, lake, riverComment

2 Days In Grand Teton National Park - Our Favorite Photo Spots

Grand Teton National Park is a photographer's paradise. Check out these 5 photo locations that will sure to help you capture the diverse landscape of this beautiful place.

Capturing the Beauty of the Dakotas: 9 best Photo Spots in North and South Dakota

We continued our Wild West road trip to the Dakotas. I’d like to share my favorite 3 photo spots in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, and favorite 6 photo spots in Badlands National Park and Custer State Park in South Dakota.

7 Epic Photo Spots In Glacier National Park And Montana

With only a short break after our Iceland road trip, we went back on the road again. This time, we wanted to revisit some of our favorite US national parks in the wild wild west. Glacier National Park was our first major stop.

Travel photographyBelinda ShiJuly 3, 2024mountain, lake, hiking, sunset, sunrise, USA, national park, river, rainbow, bridge, montana, landscape photography, long exposureComment

I Photographed The Best Northern Lights In My Backyard

A quick timelapse of northern lights I photographed from our backyard last Friday. It took me 4 hours to take all the photos, all from our deck.

2022 - A Year In Review

It’s that time of the year again. I’ve started writing our year in review since 2019, and find it a healthy “habit”, even this habit takes me just once a year to practice.

6 Day Seattle & Mt Rainier Road Trip Itinerary

I saw my parents for the first time this July after three years. Ever since their visit, we’ve taken day trips around Olympic Peninsula. As my comfort zone expanded, I planned for a longer trip: a 6-day road trip to Seattle and Mt. Rainier for 5 of us.

4 Day Road Trip To Lake Quinault

After 100+ visits to Olympic National Park over the past 2 years, we finally marked our footprints onto Lake Quinault, the southwest corner of this park, and somehow completed our knowledge and experience of this beautiful place!