Changes Throughout the Year

Looking back on all of my past posts, this year has FLOWN by. It seemed like I wrote my first post only a few weeks ago! Dang, this year has really gone by quick. I remember talking about my new (now old) hockey team in September, and then just recently blogging about how fun the past season was! The same thing has happened with photography; I remember talking about finding out about steel wool photography, and now I'm on to bigger and better things! I have actually changed a ton this year, and it's somewhat evident when looking through all of my posts. A few things have really changed, and I guess I'll talk about them throughout this final blog post!

One main thing about me that has changed is my enjoyment of photography. At the beginning of the year when I first started photography, I enjoyed it, although it wasn't really a passion to me, just a hobby. Nowadays I really have established a passion for photography and I believe it has shown through my blog posts. I have really learned A LOT more about photography this year and it has also shown through my posts. Ranging from learning new techniques, to knowing which cameras and/or lenses to buy, to even learning about settings on my current camera have helped me become a much greater photographer than I was in September. Surprisingly, writing about new learned techniques and similar things has really helped me. Now I can refer back to my previous blog posts and reread how to do certain things and remember which lens was good for a certain type of shot. My previous posts have also shown how simpleminded I was about cameras, and I now know much more about what I'm talking about. This blog has really helped my liking of photography become more of a passion.

One of my latest photos

Another main change this school year has been how much I have improved in hockey. At the beginning of the school year I was not doing very well, but by the end of the season I was much more skilled and had more physicality and speed. I ended up with fifty three points, which was the third best on the team. My understanding of the game has tremendously changed although it's not clearly stated throughout my blog posts. Another large change is how much stronger I have become, both mentally and physically. In the later months of 2014, I would be knocked down easily and hitting me would be a piece of cake. Throughout Nationals, I was strong and very few opponents were able to take me down. This is the same for my mental toughness; I've learned to work through pain and I won't be intimidated easily. This has helped me a ton and it has changed me quite a bit. I have found success this year and I'm glad I could share my accomplishments with all of you.

A photo of me after I scored in Nationals
Creds to the Nationals Photographers

This whole year has been a blast, and I'm very glad I could share my experiences with all of you. I hope to keep blogging so I can keep you updated, but if not, then I guess this is farewell. I loved teaching all of you new things, and hopefully it helped throughout the year. Thanks again for reading my posts! I'll try to keep you updated!

Places to Adventure

So we all love to adventure, am I right? This post is all about travel and where I'd want to go to shoot photos. There are so many places to go across the world that this one blog post couldn't name them all. From parts of the U.S., to places across Asia and South America there are way to many phenomenal places to shoot incredible nature photos. In this post I'll try and name a few of my top places, although none of them will be in order of priority because that's just too challenging to do. So, here we go...

Lake Tahoe:

If you didn't know by now, I REALLY enjoy Lake Tahoe. It's quite an amazing place. From the pristine, blue water to the skiable mountains, this place is pretty sweet. I've always loved this place and I really hope I can go back soon.

Emerald Bay in Tahoe
Creds to Vagabondish

Bora Bora:

Many of you probably have no idea where this place is. Well, I didn't either for a while but I'm very glad I found out about it. Bora Bora is in Tahiti, and it continues to amaze me. With bungalows strung out over clear, blue water and an island that is filled with life, I definitely want to go here.

Bora Bora from above
Creds to Destination Luxury

Belize:

Belize is a pretty rad place, right under Mexico and off to the side of Guatemala. It's a small country but there's a TON to explore. From what I've heard, Southern Belize is the best place to go because it has dense tropical forests and incredible barrier reefs. Not only this, but Belize's official language is English, so it's very easy to get around. This country is also the heart of Mayan culture; there are many places to learn and explore here. 

Belize's Reefs are incredible
Creds to Country Pics

Phi Phi Islands: 

This location is just absolutely beautiful. If I had the chance to go here, I'd take it without a question. Similar to the places above, these islands are SICK. There are so many things to do on the island (that's filled with 5 star resorts by the way), including snorkeling, elephant trekking, rafting and more. Phang Nga Bay is one of a few incredible spots to see here, and it will make your jaw drop.

Very exotic looking...
Creds to Elite Phuket

Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore, Italy:

This location in Italy is astonishing, and it seems almost unreal. A small little town along the coast that looks absolutely stunning. With cool blue waters and a warm climate, this town seems like quite the adventure. This town definitely isn't the most modern or the richest town, but it just seems so far away from reality.

What a beautiful city
Creds to James Brandon

New Zealand:

New Zealand is just flat out spectacular. It's got everything you could possibly want: oceans for swimming, mountains for hiking and skiing, and everything else in between. One of the most spectacular places in New Zealand is the Waitamo Caves. These caves are amazing during the day, but they become even more spectacular at night. These caves light up during the night because of glow worms, making incredible photo opportunities. This is definitely one of my favorite countries.

Insane Glow Worm Cave
Creds to Holidays Please's Blog

Venice, Italy:

If you haven't heard of Venice, then there's something wrong with you. This beautiful city is very well-known, but it never ceases to amaze me. The canals are just incredible and the photo opportunities are endless there. The history and the scenery in Venice is very cool and getting a chance to go there would be heavenly. Italy in general is soo sick.

A canal in Venice, Italy
Creds to Italian Tourism

All of these places are Gucci to the max, and I would enjoy traveling to any of these places. It would also be kinda nice if I was able to buy a camera nice enough to take such incredible photos like the ones above! The ability to show what it feels like to be in a city/landscape in a single photo is quite challenging, and a nice camera and lens helps a ton. One I've been looking at recently isn't the nicest, but it will take great photos. It's the Canon T6s, and with a nice lens, I could take sick photos like the ones above! If I left out any important or crazy locations, please comment below! I would love to hear from all of you guys! Thanks!