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.

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

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 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

9 Day Road Trip In Ireland And Northern Ireland - Itinerary & 12 Best Photo Spots

We traveled to Ireland as the final stop of our 23-week family trip in 2023. Check out our itinerary and 12 favorite photo spots.

Europe, Travel, 2023 EuropeBelinda ShiDecember 18, 2023Ireland, island, beach, national park, mountain, ocean, Atlantic, Europe, landscape photography, long exposure, sunset, tree, waterfall, seascape, UNESCO, winter, coast, clouds, rainComment

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!

One Week Itinerary In Lofoten Islands In October (Part 2)

My last post merely scratched the surface of the beauty of Lofoten Islands. As we settled in Napp, a tiny town in the middle section of the archipelago, we were ready to explore whatever sceneries that would unfold in front of our eyes.

One Week Itinerary In Lofoten Islands In October (Part 1)

First part of our 11- day road trip from Senja to Lofoten in Norway during the off-peak season in October. If Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, were the top reason for our Norway trip, Lofoten’s breathtaking landscape was definitely another.

Travel, Europe, 2022 Europe, FeaturedBelinda ShiNovember 1, 2022Norway, Europe, long exposure, mountain, island, Road Trip, Lofoten, Scandinavia, arctic circleComment

Our First Stop In the Arctic Circle

Instead of making our first stop at Norway’s major cities in the south, we landed in Tromso in the north, one of world's largest towns within the Arctic Circle. I had to admit, I just couldn’t wait to be in the Arctic Circle, seeing and photographing northern lights!

2021 - A year In Review

Less travel continued to be our theme in 2021. However, we are grateful to be able to mark our footprints onto a few new territories - 8 US national parks in total, the Caribbeans and several short and long road trips.

Travel, A Year In ReviewBelinda ShiJanuary 10, 2022USA, Washington, Florida, Bahamas, island, beach, Caribbean, oregon, Road TripComment

US Virgin Island - Our first impression

A photo journal of our first two days on Water Island in US Virgin Island.

CaribbeanBelinda ShiMarch 30, 2021Caribbean, children, USA, island, sunset, beach, Road TripComment

One Week Chartered Sail in Exuma Bahamas

A collection of photos and videos from my iPhone 12 Pro Max and DJI mini 2 for an epic week long chartered sail along the Exuma Cays in Bahamas. Words can’t describe the beauty!