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

Travel Photography Lesson From A Muddy Fall On Aiea Loop in Hawaii

Hiking the Aiea Loop Trail on Oahu, Hawaii taught me more about travel photography than any perfect golden hour ever could. From muddy trails to shifting fog over H3, this story is a reminder that the best images often come from the unexpected moments along the way.

people photography, Travel photographyBelinda ShiNovember 17, 2025hiking, mountain, Hawaii, fog, rain, forest, tree, family travel, people, travelComment

Exploring Romania's Scenic Highways - 7 Best Photo Spots along Transfăgărășan and Transalpina Highways

Part 2 of our 17 day road trip in Romania and our 7 favorite photo spots in two iconic highways along the Transfăgărășan and Transalpina Highways.

2023 Europe, EuropeBelinda ShiNovember 6, 2023Romania, road, Road Trip, mountain, lake, waterfall, hiking, Balkan, highway, clouds, glacier, map, fogComment

One Week Itinerary In Lofoten Islands In October (Part 3)

I’ve been talking about my desire to photograph Lofoten, but it was rainy on and off every day, and opportunities to photograph landscape during my favorite sunset hours didn’t come by easily. That opportunity finally arrived on Day 5!

3 Day Family Trip At North Cascades

We made our first trip to North Cascades National Park over a 3-day weekend. We completed a 4.6-mile Blue Lake hike, the longest hike with our kids, in a 4-hour drizzle, followed by a 3.8-mile hike at Sauk Mountain in the fog. We were completely soaked in the incredible views, and knew for sure we’d come back.