Nature Photography: Kungsleden Preview

After spending a week backpacking through the Swedish mountains on Sweden's most beloved trail, Kungsleden, I'm back home and getting ready to go through all the photos I took! Here's a little preview from day 3, just south of the highest point we would cross on our trip, Tjäktja Pass.

Nature Photography: Spring in Stockholm!

Here's a shot taken from a hike in Tyresta National Park, just outside of Stockholm. Truly there is no better way to enjoy the sun than being out in the heart of nature. Such a beautiful day!

Ísland

I visited Iceland for 4 days in July while I was on my way to Germany. It was great actually- Iceland Air offers a free extended stopover in Reykjavik, and so I was thrilled to be able to take advantage of this. Iceland has been a place I've always wanted to visit, especially as my grandfather was full Icelandic. I would have loved to try to find out if I still have any relatives there, however, with the way that last names are passed on (father's first name becomes the root of the child's last name, followed by son or dottr) it would have been quite difficult. It was still quite magical, nonetheless and I was utterly captivated by the city and the surrounding land. Reykjavik, although it's the capital city, feels like a small town: hardly any buildings more than a few stories tall, and the people are unbelievable friendly. The city was bright and vibrant despite the cold summer temperatures, and I was amazed by how much street art (not of the conventional graffiti sort) and creativity abounded. Aside from wandering the streets and harbors of Reykjavik, I also checked out the Golden Circle to get a bit of a feel for the Icelandic countryside. It was amazing driving through out of Reykjavik and seeing huge stretches of land absolutely uninhabited. Desolate and absolutely beautiful. Though it was only a small peek at the country, it was enough to induce me to add a road trip around the ring highway (the main highway that runs around the whole island) to my lifelong to-do list. I have no idea when it will happen, but I'm determined to see more of this beautiful country! In any case, here's a few photos from the trip- enjoy!

Reykjavik (obviously)

Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Viking Ship Sculpture, Reykjavik

Reykjavik Harbor

Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Gullfoss Falls

Icelandic Countryside

Valley of Haukadalur

Valley of Haukadalur

Gullfoss

Þingvellir National Park

Icelandic Countryside featuring the famous Icelandic Pony

Nature, Up Close and Personal

I've been spending a lot of time recently trying to get my portfolio together, and here's a few shots showcasing nature in a close format. Bokeh, bokeh, bokeh! On my 18-105mm variable lens, I've only got a max aperture of 3.5, so I do the best with what I've got :) As always, I hope you enjoy! 

Braunschweig, Germany

Braunschweig, Germany

Braunschweig, Germany

Braunschweig, Germany

Braunschweig, Germany

Loch Lomond, Scotland

Braunschweig, Germany

Reykjavik, Iceland

Seattle, Washington

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland

Sammamish, Washington

Sammamish, Washington