My First Trip To Yosemite
Yosemite was the first national park that I ever visited. It was overwhelming with how many sites there were to see and places to go. Over three days I was able to experience a decent amount of the park, but there is still so much left to explore. I've since been back, but am still going to need to make another trip to be able to fully embrace everything that the Yosemite has to offer. These photos are some outtake shots from our first day and first stop. It was a very striking scenic overlook that was a beautiful introduction to the area.
While there I visited Lambert Dune, Mono Lake, Black Point, an abandoned home, and many little creeks and hidden paths off the side roads.
Although Yosemite is one of the easier parks to get around in I highly suggest bringing the following: Hiking boots, walking stick, lots of water and snacks, wearing layers, sunscreen, and last but not least water mist spray. I swear by the water mist spray. I personally use the Evian Facial Mist, but you can use whatever fits your needs best.
I would recommend staying for a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights to be able to enjoy the park. If you are interested in booking a cabin or campground to stay inside of the park you should book it at least 3 months in advance. If you are to take the route that we did and commute into the park each day it will take you roughly 2 hours travel time round trip each day. The hotels outside of the park are slightly limited, but there is a very cute and quaint downtown area on the outskirts of the park where you can dine and shop.
The beauty of the hills and valleys, streams, waterfalls, and mountain peaks that Yosemite has to offer is breathtaking. It is a place that I think that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Overall I rate Yosemite 10/10 would go again.
What is Weeses Pieces
Weeses Pieces is a large outdoor studio on the outskirts of Los Angeles. I'm sure many of you have seen photos of this location in the past. It is one of the most interesting studios that I have had the pleasure of working at.
I was a part of a large shoot out that was taking place and it was an amazing experience. I got the chance to not only work in a beautiful scenery but to also meet many other well established models. I can't wait to go back!
The video above is a pretty good representation of my time there. Enjoy! <3
traversing through Zabriske Point
Zabriske point although it is beautiful is probably the most dangerous location that I have ever shot at. With it's different stone mountains stacked closely together you can't help but realize how massive its reach is, and just how small that you are in comparison.
While making my way down what I assumed was a mountain, that turned out to be a giant pile of rubble, I slipped and started sliding quickly down. Thankfully I was able to catch myself on a large rock and the photographer I was with was able to lend me a hand to get back up the slope. Other than some road rash and a couple bruises I made it out unscathed. After that encounter I was a lot more careful to say the least. The life of a fine art nude model is not easy!
While you should always be safe in any environment that you are exploring, especially if you are going off the beaten path, I will say that the shots and the experience were well worth the risk. The sunset was beautiful, the weather in mid October was perfect, and it was another location that I could mark off of my bucket list.
There is only one resort available to stay in at the park, and one motel. You will need to book the resort at least 6 months in advance but can probably get away with booking the motel 3 months in advance. If you are to stay in Beatty, NV which is roughly an hour outside of the park, there is only a Motel 6 available. For restaurants it is slim to none other than a Denny's and a Subway. I highly suggest bringing the following items: hiking boots, walking stick, sturdy backpack, large amounts of water and snacks, always wearing layered clothing that completely covers your legs, facial mist spray, sunscreen, first aid kit, and a compass/map of the area. I recommend staying at least 3 days and 2 nights in the park to be able to get a decent feel for the area.
Death Valley is a huge park and Zabriske Point is only a small portion of it. While I was there I had the chance to also see Artists Palette, The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, as well as many other little nooks and crannies that were scattered throughout the park.
I would rate Zabriske Point 8/10, and would go back again. The only reason it is not a 10 is because some of the most beautiful spots can be dangerous to get to. When visiting this park you need to watch out for falling rocks as well as piles of rubble while hiking, I can not stress this enough!!! But don't let that scare you away. This is definitley a location that is worth going to, and will leave you breathless.