New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary (part 3): Christchurch, Kaikōura & Auckland

The final part of our New Zealand journey covers Christchurch, Lyttelton Farmers’ Market, Kaikōura whale watching, Auckland, Waiheke Island, and Rangitoto Island.

17-Day New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary (part 2): The Catlins to Lake Tekapo

From the windswept coast of the Catlins to the Southern Lights near Twizel, this part of our New Zealand road trip brought some of the most memorable moments of the journey—including waterfalls, Nugget Point at sunrise, the Milky Way, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Peter’s Lookout and Lake Tekapo.

17-day New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary (part 1): Wānaka To Milford Sound

A breathtaking photo journey in our 3-week trip in New Zealand, mostly road-tripping in the South Island. This part 1 itinerary covers Arrowtown, Wanaka, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Te Anau and Milford Sound

Travel photographyBelinda ShiJune 18, 2026landscape, clouds, fog, beach, mountain, ocean, tree, children, family travel, Road Trip, fall color, sunset, sunrise, lake, hiking, Queenstown, flower, waterfall, cruise, boatComment

Why Most Travel Photographers Struggle to Capture People (and How to Fix It)

Documenting authentic travel experiences means capturing real moments with people, not just scenic views. Discover the 6 biggest mistakes travel photographers make when photographing people and learn practical solutions for natural poses, sharp action shots, and compelling storytelling that brings your travel photography to life.

people photography, Travel photography, FeaturedBelinda ShiAugust 18, 2025people, travel, family travel, children, tutorial, camera settingComment

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

Capturing the Spirit of Western Sichuan in China: A Photographer’s Guide to the High Plateau Near Tibet

Explore Western Sichuan's stunning landscapes and Tibetan culture in this photographer’s guide. Highlights include Genie Holy Mountain, Gong Ga Snow Mountain at sunset, and Four Ladies Mountain and many more. Discover practical photo tips in high altitude, unique Tibetan-Sichuan culture, road trip logistic tips, and prepare for high-altitude adventures in one of China’s most breathtaking regions!

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.

Capturing the Charm: 12 Best Photo Spots in Marrakesh and Essaouira

From the vibrant markets to the coastal allure, Marrakesh and Essaouira of Morocco provide a diverse range of photo spots waiting to be explored.

Travel, AfricaBelinda ShiDecember 12, 2023children, sunset, Morocco, Africa, sunrise, muslim, beach, moon, cityscape, architecture, mosque, tree, street, garden, boat, blue, Road Trip, UNESCOComment

Capturing the Magic through the Sahara Dunes, Road Trip Between Fes and Marrakesh

Our road trip itinerary between Fes and Marrakesh through Merzouga, and top 12 photo subjects and spots along the way.

Travel, Africa, FeaturedBelinda ShiDecember 8, 2023children, sunset, Morocco, Africa, hiking, sunrise, muslim, desert, valley, road, Road Trip, animal, UNESCO Comments

Capturing the Essence: 12 Best Photo Spots in Fes, Morocco

Fes is a city where every corner tells a story of centuries past. Check out these 12 best photo spots to explore the endless array of visual treasures and maximize your photo experience there.

Africa, TravelBelinda ShiDecember 5, 2023Morocco, Africa, mosque, sunrise, sunset, children, cityscape, hiking, UNESCO Comments

17-Day Road Trip Itinerary In Morocco - Part 1: Tangier, Chefchaouen

Our 17-day Morocco road trip route map, and 8 best photo spots of our first 4 days in Tangier and Chefchaouen.

Travel, AfricaBelinda ShiDecember 2, 2023children, cityscape, architecture, sunset, Morocco, Africa, blue, mountain, hiking, sunrise, muslim, mosque Comments

One Day In Milan Italy - 10 Best Photo Spots

On our trip from Europe to Africa, we made a quick stop in Milan, Italy, and enjoyed these 10 photo stops on our one-day tour there.

Travel, Europe, 2023 EuropeBelinda ShiNovember 18, 2023children, cityscape, architecture, Europe, Italy, MilanComment

11 Days Family Travel In Kotor Bay Montenegro - 8 Best Photo Spots

Nestled between steep mountains and the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, Kotor in Montenegro offers abundant photo opportunities. Here are my top 8 picks during our 11-day trip there.

Europe, Travel, 2023 EuropeBelinda ShiOctober 23, 2023Europe, church, mountain, lake, sunset, milkyway, hiking, children, architecture, Kotor, Montenegro, bus, Balkan, UNESCOComment

11-day Family Travel In Dubrovnik Croatia - Top 8 Photo Spots

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a stunning coastal city in Croatia known for its well-preserved medieval walls, picturesque architecture, and captivating views of the Adriatic Sea. Here are my top 8 photo spots.

Travel, Europe, 2023 EuropeBelinda ShiOctober 13, 2023Europe, beach, children, castle, cityscape, harbor, port, architecture, sunset, hiking, mountain, Croatia, seascape, Balkan, UNESCOComment

5-Day Family Travel In Marseille France - Top 7 Photo Spots

Marseille, France's vibrant Mediterranean port city, offers a rich blend of culture, history, and stunning coastal views. We visited Marseille in week 13 of our Europe trip, and here are my favorite photo spots.

Travel, Europe, 2023 EuropeBelinda ShiOctober 2, 2023Europe, beach, children, castle, cityscape, France, harbor, port, boat, architectureComment

8-Day In Istanbul Turkey - Top 9 Photo Spots

Exploring Istanbul's Photogenic Wonders! Get ready to capture the perfect shot in Istanbul! From historic landmarks to hidden gems, here are some of my favorite photo spots in this vibrant city.

Travel, Europe, 2023 EuropeBelinda ShiSeptember 26, 2023children, Turkey, Europe, boat, harbor, cityscape, sunset, architecture, muslim, cafe, mosque, street, hotelComment

4-Day In Cappadocia Turkey - Top 10 Photo Spots

Cappadocia Turkey has to be my favorite of the favorites since the beginning of our Europe trip 11 weeks ago. Beyond the unique landscapes and hot air balloon rides, here are my favorite photo spots.