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

How To Take Unique Travel Photos In Hawaii

Why do most Hawaii photos look remarkably similar? From fighting crowds at golden hour to missing dramatic weather opportunities, these 6 common photography mistakes are holding you back from capturing Hawaii's true magic. Here's how to fix them.

Photography Tips, Travel photographyBelinda ShiSeptember 3, 2025Hawaii, beach, sunset, ocean, people, rain, rainbow, clouds, silhouette, animal, treeComment

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

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

Iceland In June: 2-Week Road Trip Itinerary And 20 Waterfalls (Part 2)

Let me continue sharing our Iceland road trip itinerary, as well as my photo experience and learnings of photographing the rest of 20 waterfalls in the less traveled part of Iceland.

Europe, Travel photographyBelinda ShiJune 22, 2024waterfall, landscape photography, Iceland, Road Trip, ocean, animal, Atlantic, mountain, iceland, summer, EuropeComment

Iceland In June: 2-week road trip itinerary and 20 waterfalls (Part 1)

It’s been 10 years since our last trip to Iceland. My husband and I are super excited to visit Iceland again, and introduce our two boys a special place on this planet that we both absolutely enjoyed. I planned to photograph 20 waterfalls. Check to see how I did it.