What do you get when you wake up at 4 a.m., pack your longest lens, and set out for a sunrise wildlife tour on California’s Central Coast? Sea otters, seal pups, nesting birds - and a reminder of exactly why I do this work. Read the full story and browse the gallery.

Sea otters are why I started publishing my work in the first place. Witnessing a wild birth in Elkhorn Slough (documented through my lens) was a once-in-a-lifetime moment I’ll never forget. Read the full story and see the gallery.

KC’s crêpes, sea lions in the marina, and a drive along LA’s ever-changing coast - this is what our Sea Lion Saturdays are made of. A casual, camera-filled morning that always leaves me inspired. Read the full story and browse the gallery.

From sea otters floating in kelp to elephant seals sparring on the beach, this Central California coastal trip had it all - ending with a quiet moment beneath a canopy of monarch butterflies. Read the full story and explore the gallery.

Tide pools, sea caves, and scenic drives—Leo Carrillo Beach in Malibu has become my go-to coastal escape. Whether I’m grabbing clam chowder at Malibu Seafood or exploring the rocks at low tide, there’s a rhythm here I never get tired of. Read the full story and explore the gallery.

What’s at the end of Zzyzx Road? I finally took the turn to find out. From a 1940s spa scam to a surprising wildlife habitat, this Mojave detour is full of strange history, ecological importance, and a little desert magic.

Some visits are simple, quiet, and perfect. I spent the afternoon with my family at Roaring Spring Dam Park, a small pond best known for its ducks, paper mill history, and calm, reflective moments. Read the full story and explore the gallery.

Back home in Pennsylvania, I spent the day hiking with my partner and mom at Trough Creek State Park. From a swaying footbridge to a boulder that seems to float, this local favorite offers forested trails, waterfalls, and small-town nostalgia.

It’s the place I take everyone who visits: Malibu Seafood. From creamy clam chowder to ocean-view tables, this casual spot is worth the wait every time. Explore why it’s a must-stop on the California coast.

What starts as a sunny afternoon on the water turns unforgettable when we spot blue and fin whales off the coast of Long Beach, California. Dramamine? Forgot it. Regrets? None. Read the full story and explore the gallery.

I almost skipped Arizona’s Petrified Forest, but I’m glad I didn’t. From rainbow-hued fossilized trees to wide-open desert views, this quiet national park turned out to be a hidden gem. Read the full story and explore the gallery.

Trading summer storms for desert heat, I found myself standing at the edge of California’s Kelso Dunes. No hikes, no crowds - just stillness, silence, and a little history at the old Kelso Depot. Read the full story and explore the gallery.

Feeling boxed in during the pandemic, I hit the road to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. From towering trees to canyon views, this spontaneous trip was a much-needed reset. Explore the story, tips, and photo gallery.